Viewing Recommendations

How’s the quarantine going for everyone? Where are you on the bordem scale? That scale starts at just getting started to Jack Nicholson level cabin fever in The Shining.

So for all those out there in need of something to watch I’ve put together a nice little list.  I’d love to put some contagion based films like Outbreak, The Crazies, or Contagion but I don’t think that will help.   I’m trying to recommend, what will be new films to people, but if one or two classics sneak in the list, who can blame me.  The other goal is to try and recommend a wide variety of movies, from animated flicks and documentaries, to Indy films and big blockbusters. I’m also breaking down the recommendations into categories.

THE FUNNY BONE

The Dead Don’t Die

Ok so I’m immediately breaking my no contagion rule with a zombie outbreak movie.  Since the cause for the outbreak is never mentioned in the film I’m not really breaking the rule.  Jim Jarmusch creates a very dry since of humor and makes a fun movie.  If you want to continue the supernatural theme bookend it with Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive.  The ladder fits more into the Obscure movie category but is still great to watch.

Airplane

Yes I am serious in this recommendation.  It’s a classic comedy that I quote often and laugh at every time I do.  It’s always good to have a go to film and this is one of them.

Pride(2014)

There are multiple films called Pride.  The one I’m recommending is the 2014 title about members from London’s LGBT community and their quest to support the striking minors.  It’s an incredible true story with lots of laughs.  This movie will fit nicely on the thinking movies and Hopeful movies portion of this list.  This is one of those movies that everyone I’ve shown this to has fallen in love with.

THINKING MOVIES

Lion

Movies can be both heartbreaking and hopeful.  Lion does both and does it well.  It’s a true story that shows a family being separated and the lengths one goes too, so family can be reunited.  It’s got a great cast as well and is will start some great conversations about family and technology as well as different cultures. 

Dark Waters

Mark Ruffalo is an incredibly talented actor.  He shines in supporting roles like Spotlight and Foxcatcher as well as leading roles like in Dark Waters.  This film follows a true lawsuit and will make you look at your everyday life twice.

The Farewell
I recommend this one with a bit of caution.  The movie deals with a terminal illness and how the family keeps it a secret.  It’s still a great film that can create a lot of discussion.

HOPEFUL MOVIES

The Biggest Little Farm

This documentary was originally going to be listed under fun for the whole family but belongs very much in the hopeful category. The movie tells the story of two first time farmers creating a sustainable farm on 200 acres.  The movie show cases the struggles and high points of the protagonists.  This movie brings a lot of cheer and if you’re going to be stuck at home that’s a good thing.

The Princess Bride

An obvious choice for this category but it’s a fantastic movie that is very, very hopeful.  Plus it’s fun for the whole family.

Hidden Figures

There’s a lot to think about in this movie and a lot more to bring one hope.  The movie follows three African American Women as they go above and beyond to help launch America into outer space.  The movie deals with some heavy topics like racism.  It does all this in a PG format, so its family friendly as well.  I do think some children may get bored with the movie, it’s a straight forward drama, with no big explosions or unnecessary over the top musical numbers that would come in a stereotyped kids film.  That doesn’t mean the story isn’t compelling with many stand up and cheer moments.

OBSCURE MOVIES

The Peanut Butter Falcon

I absolutely love this movie!  It’s a unique adventure flick, reminiscent of Huck Finn.  The movie follows a young man with downs syndrome (the lead actually had downs syndrome) as he follows his dream to attend a wrestling school.  It’s a sweet indy movie that checks a lot of good boxes.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco 

This movie goes in a lot of different directions in the first two acts and it all comes together in the third.  For that reason it crosses over nicely into the thinking movies category.  It’s a unique movie that may require two or three viewings.

Bernie

Jack Black stars as a Texas mortician who becomes a murderer and the town folks want to find him innocent.  This movie is a perfect example of TRUTH IS STRANGER THEN FICTION.  The plot sounds a grim but it’s a lot of fun to watch.

FORIEGN FILMS

Parasite

Parasite is the first foreign language film to win the best picture Oscar and second to win the directing category.  Like other films on this list, it double dips in other categories, primarily The Thinking moves category.  The film showcases different classes in South Korea, but like I said when I put it on my top ten list that can be applied to almost any country.  The last act gets intense and the movie is well worth watching.

The Intouchables

Easily my favorite foreign film.  In this time of quarantine  and uncertainty it’s great to watch a movie where the message is to help one another.  If you’re not into foreign films or want to see the story again Bryan Cranston remade it as an American movie called The Upside.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Kubo and the Two Strings

Animated movies have a stereotype of being strictly kids films.  Some films like Home fit that stereotype.  Kubo & the Two Strings breaks that stereotype.  The movie creates a thrilling, edge of your seat adventure that features many entertaining aspects for all ages.  There’s a love story, magic, adventure, among others.  It’s a kids film that plays for adults as well.

Hugo

Yes I’m recommending a family film directed by Martin Scorsese.  It’s a blast and a half to watch.  The film works for all ages and gets better with time.  It has an ensemble cast, as well, that includes Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley, and Jude Law.  The Paris Train Station setting adds to the mystery created in the story.  Whether you’re a child or child at heart this film is a must see.

GUILTY PLEASURES

Rocketman

The movie is about Elton John and his music.  It’s a blast to watch and I guarantee you will be singing along almost instantly.  It’s a great way to pass a few hours. 

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri 

I’m not really sure where to fit this title so I’m putting it in guilty pleasures.  I absolutely love this movie that, that both Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell took home Oscars.  It’s a bit serious with some great one liners sprinkled into the dialogue.  The movie is a bit on the dark side but still has a big heart.  The best line I’ve heard about this movie was when my Dad and I saw it in theaters a few years ago.  His quote was “If I knew what it was about I wouldn’t of come to see it.  I’m glad I didn’t know what it was about because I can’t see myself missing this movie.”

Book Club

Diane Keaton leads an incredible ensemble and the movie is just PURE FUN!