My Top Nine Movies – SBC Week Four

Hi everyone!

     Welcome back to my blog! We’re very happy to have you back! I hope you all had a very happy Halloween! Unfortunately, like all good things, spooky season must come to an end :/. In other news, on this week’s segment, I’ve decided to switch it up a bit and compile my top nine favorite movies. You’re probably wondering, why nine? Well this is my way of showing you that I’m cool and ~quirky.~ No, I’m just kidding haha, truth be told, I just couldn’t come up with a tenth movie. Now, I can’t guarantee that you will enjoy all of these movies, but what I ~can~ guarantee is that I love each one of these movies with my whole heart. I’m completely convinced that each of these movies has contributed it’s part in shaping me into who I am. I’m not even going to try and write a sappy explanation of why I am who I am because of these movies, because literally nobody wants to hear that, so without further ado, let’s begin. 

La La Land – Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, (two actual G.O.A.T.’s), La La Land is a glorious tale following Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian’s, a pianist, love story. This movie is my favorite for a mile-long list of reasons, one in particular being the music. I’m not proud to admit that I’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time jamming out to the soundtrack. While I truly believe that every song in this movie is a whole bop, my favorite has got to be “City of Stars.” This movie is an astounding inspiration to dreamers all around the world.  I encourage everybody to drop their weekend plans and watch this movie. I promise you will not regret it. And if you do regret it, then I’m sorry. 

Crazy Stupid Love – I’m back at it again with yet another Ryan Gosling movie – He’s just ~that~ good, I’m sorry, I don’t make the rules. Crazy Stupid Love stars the legend, Steve Carell, as Cal Weaver, a “fortysomething” husband who is convinced that his marriage is perfect until he finds out that Emily, his wife, portrayed by Julianne Moore, has been unfaithful and is filing for divorce. A now single Cal is out searching for his true soulmate, with the help of his wingman, Jacob Palmer, played by Ryan Gosling by his side. The pair encounter many bumps along the road that are sure to get some laughs out of you. Crazy Stupid Love is a prime “dramady” and is just such a fun movie to watch. I could not encourage you to watch Crazy Stupid Love more. And if you do end up watching it, come back to this post; I’ll be awaiting some thank yous. I’m totally kidding, but not.

First Man – Can you tell I really love Ryan Gosling? I’m literally so sorry, I promise this is the last movie with him in it on this list, but First Man had to make an appearance. This movie masterfully exhibits the not only encouraging, but interesting story of reaching the moon. Gosling’s performance is both moving and inspirational to just about everyone. I vividly remember walking out of the theater with this feeling of empowerment and this craving of adventure. I can promise you that watching this movie will implement a whole new level of appreciation for those in the STEM field. Everything about the way this movie was executed is astonishing and it shows time and time again that no dream is ever too big. 

Kingsman: The Secret Service – If I had to describe this movie in one word, that one word would be wow. This movie left me wowed to the very max. My explanation skills are subpar and a movie this good is not worthy of such a bad explanation, but in a nutshell, Kingsman: The Secret Service is about Eggsy Unwin, a troubled teen living in South London, who’s life is turned upside down when an agent, portrayed by Colin Firth, from a spy organization that his late father secretly worked for, recruits him for training. In the movie, our antagonist, Valentine, played by the king himself, Samuel L. Jackson, plans a worldwide killing spree. It’s taking a lot out of me to not tell you what happens, but what I can tell you is that this movie is such an adventure to watch. What I love most about this movie is that it takes a traditional spy movie and adds a whole new meaning to it. Matthew Vaughn really outdone himself on this masterpiece of a film. I will shamelessly admit that I had major heart eyes for Taron Egerton and his beautiful accent after watching Kingsman. Also, this movie sprung a love of pugs within me. If you’re confused as to what that means, I can only urge you to watch the movie and find out. In conclusion, you’re missing out if you haven’t watched Kingsman: The Secret Service. I won’t believe you if you say that you watched this movie and didn’t completely fall in love with Eggsy Unwin. (P.S. keep in mind that this movie is rated R and for good reasons too, so yeah haha).

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – I’m like 99% sure I’ve mentioned this before in one  of my previous posts (this is a shameless self promo, please go read my past posts, it’ll be a good time), but I’m literally in love with all things Marvel, particularly Captain America. Even though I’ve loved every single Captain America movie with my entire heart, Winter Soldier stands out to me simply because it’s superior. In The Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers teams up with Black Widow, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, and the Falcon, played by the sweetheart that is Anthony Mackie, to defeat an extremely unexpected enemy. This movie had a perfect balance between the right amount of action and the right amount of screentime for my personal favorite, Chris Evans. Seriously, I can guarantee that by the end of the movie, Steve Rogers will have you swept off your feet. Nothing but respect for my main man, Chris. Anyways, please consider watching this movie, Steve Rogers is just too perfect not to be watched.

Avengers: Endgame SPOILERS AHEAD: CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK – I truly believe that there are not words beautiful enough to describe the outstanding masterpiece that is Endgame. This movie was the end of an ERA. How do I even put Avengers: Endgame into words? Endgame was set in a post Infinity-War world where half of the population was “dusted” after our antagonist, Thanos, snapped with the infinity gauntlet. The Avengers teamed up to help restore all of the innocents lost, as well as defeating Thanos for good. This movie was just so powerful and I 110% believe that it lived up to the hype and anticipation it received. There were multiple scenes I found myself crying in. I watched Endgame on the night it premiered with my brothers, Elias and Rashad, as well as with Elias’ roommate, Ramin, who is basically my brother, as well. Shoutout to them! Watching the movie on the night of the premiere was an experience I am convinced I will remember for the rest of my life. I was surrounded with die-hard fans like myself, and it felt like we were a family. We laughed, we cried, we clapped, and we most importantly witnessed the beauty that is Endgame together. This movie was so epic and it was entirely, completely worth not using the bathroom for three hours. I can promise you that not only will your mouth be hanging open, but you will also be on the edge of your seat the entire time. 

Titanic– Dude, this movie is SUCH a classic. Arguably, even the classic of the classics. Most of you probably already have some idea of what this movie is about, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to explain it anyway. This epic romance film stars legend, Leonardo DiCaprio, as Jack Dawson, and Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater. Titanic focuses on Jack and Rose’s romance story and their love for one another. This movie proves time and time again that love lives on and that it triumphs all. The movie itself is astonishing, but in this movie, Leonardo DiCaprio was even more astonishing. I’d like to thank director, John Cameron, for blessing us with Leonardo. I cannot even begin to explain my love for him. You would be lying if you said that Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t perfection in this film. To say the absolute least, Titanic will completely captivate you and have you in tears by the end. Jack and Rose will have your whole heart nearing the end. Speaking from previous experiences, I recommend having a box of tissues nearby, when watching. I can assure you, you’ll need ‘em. I can also assure you will love this movie. In fact, I loved this movie so much, I named my fish Jack and Rose, back when I was younger. In conclusion, if you don’t want to watch Titanic for me, please, at least consider watching it for Leonardo DiCaprio.

Legally Blonde – I will admit, this movie is just a tad bit cheesy, but it is also so inspirational and motivational. Legally Blonde stars a modern day icon herself, Reese Witherspoon, as Elle Woods, a wealthy, bubbly, “dumb blonde.” – or so you think. Elle wants nothing more than marrying her one true love, Warner Huntington III, portrayed by Matthew Davis, however, when Warner spontaneously breaks up with her due to her “dumb blondeness” before he leaves for Harvard, Elle becomes inspired to not only defy his idea of her, but also win him back, by doing what seems like the impossible; Getting accepted into Harvard University. After watching Legally Blonde, I felt like I could take on the world. Elle’s story goes to show that you can do whatever you put your mind to and that boys are not the only thing that matters in this world. Elle proves that girls can be smart and that it’s completely possible to do the impossible. Watching this movie will surely motivate you to become the best version of yourself, and it is for that reason, I could not encourage you to watch this movie more.

High School Musical 2 – We’re closing out the list with the most important of these movies *obviously.* The High School Musical movies all have a special place in my heart, however, High School Musical 2 is something else. Starring our king, Zac Efron, as East High’s king, Troy Bolton, HSM 2 tells the story of the East High kids’ epic summer. The gang soon realizes that they need summer jobs. Not realizing Sharpay’s true motives, they all get jobs at Sharpay’s family resort. This movie is by far my favorite of the High School Musical trilogy, simply due to it’s fantastic drama and it’s incredible soundtrack. Kenny Ortega really blessed us with total bops like “Bet On It” and “Gotta Go My Own Way” – which by the way, that scene totally broke me. It has become a tradition to watch this movie on the last day of school every year. I can promise you that Troy and Gabriella will have your heart by the end. I will forever have a desire to be an East High Wildcat. :’)

Well, ladies and gentlemen, there it is! The world now knows my top nine favorite movies. I feel as if this week’s blog post was the most fun to write! I enjoyed writing with no limitations and complete creative freedom. I hope that I’ve inspired you to watch any one of these movies. I had no idea I loved rating/reviewing movies so much! As always, thank you so much for tuning in for this week’s post. You all mean the world to me! Come back soon!

Mariam<3

All About Mariam!

Hi! My name is Mariam Tafwed and I am an eighth grader at River Bend Middle School. Here are ten fun facts about me!

1 – I am a huge Marvel fan! I have seen every movie and can announce to the world with pride that Captain America and Black Panther are my favorites, followed closely behind by Scarlet Witch. My brother and I have this tradition, where we preorder our tickets months in advance before the next movie comes out, and we attend the midnight premiere. My all-time favorite Marvel movie is Captain America: The Winter Soldier, however, Avengers: Endgame holds a special place in my heart as well. :’)

 

2 – Speaking of my brother, I actually have two! I am proud to declare that I am the youngest of three children! I have two older brothers who both attend George Mason University. Go Patriots! Elias is nineteen and is a sophomore majoring in biology (he’s still fun, I promise), and Rashad is eighteen and a freshman majoring in business. My brothers and I are very close, (although not in age), and I’m sure their names will appear in my blog often. 

 

3 – I am a crazy Office fanatic! To say I’m obsessed, would be an understatement. I have watched all nine seasons seven times and am currently on my eighth run. After school and on the weekends, you can usually find me watching The Office. My favorite character would have to Jim, however, Stanley and his sassy comments always get me. “It’s Pretzel Day.”

 

4 – My next fact is that I have a huge fear of snakes. Ever since I was young, something about them was always unsettling to me. I immediately tense up just at the sight of one’s picture. My substantial fear of snakes also means that I have to close my eyes during the zoo scene in Harry Potter. You also won’t catch me speaking Parseltongue anytime, ever.

 

5 – Another more FUN fact about myself is that I have memorized all three High School Musical soundtracks and can rap all of Alphabet Aerobics, by Blackalicous, in a heartbeat. (The clean version, of course). I cannot sing for the life of me, but I love music so much. My favorite song off of the High School Musical soundtracks is probably Bet On It. Troy is amazing in every way possible. Go Wildcats!

 

6 – As mentioned in my previous fact, I love music! One of my favorite singers is Sabrina Carpenter. She is my idol and her most recent album, Singular Act II, is such a BOP! (Not that the others aren’t). In March of 2019, I attended my first concert EVER, and you guessed it, I saw Sabrina Carpenter. While in line outside of the venue, her tour bus was parked right next to us. Her mom came out of the tour bus, and get this… WAVED BACK TO ME! Months later, I’m still not over it. If Sabrina Carpenter is reading this, I just want to say that you’re incredible and that in the least creepiest way possible, I love your mom.

 

7 – Unfortunately, I cannot style my hair. I wear a ponytail everyday, and I have been wearing ponytails to school for the past nine years. I will always have my hair up in a ponytail with a scrunchie. They have become an integral part of me and my life. Ponytails have kind of become my thing, ya know? 

 

8 – I’m trilingual (kinda)! I speak English (as you can tell), Farsi, which was actually my first language, and I’m learning Spanish! I am currently taking Spanish II in school. Learning a new language is so cool because while learning the language, you also learn about the culture your language originates from, and to me, that is incredible. Do you speak another language? If so, leave a comment down below! I’d love to hear!

 

9 – My next fact is that I have a scar under my chin from a biking accident. When I was six years old, I was learning to ride a bike with no training wheels. Being as clumsy as I am, I rode straight into a fence cutting my chin. The accident left a scar and a lifelong lesson that I need to be more careful. The one good thing that came out of the accident was that I learned to ride my bike. I love going on bike rides with my family and friends!

 

10 – My final fact is that I am a travel enthusiast through and through! One of my favorite feelings on the planet is getting off the plane in my vacation destination. The perfect word to describe me is wanderlust. A few of my dream travel destinations are Italy, Bora Bora, Greece, and Bali. By far, my favorite trip has to be my trip to Moscow in 2016. I have been to Russia twice now and it is the most beautiful place EVER. I also took a trip to Los Angeles, California in 2017. The highlight of that trip was visiting Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It is with great delight that I call myself a Gryffindor and a happy Potterhead. 🙂