Hey! I realized I hadn’t posted anything in ages, and so I remembered that I crafted a little updated favorite moviez list earlier this year. I never published it, and so I wanted to take the time and actually post it. So… Here it is!
Hi everyone!
Welcome back to my blog! I hope you’re all doing well, and staying safe and healthy! Today, I bring you my (updated) top ten favorite films of all time. I’ve been meaning to curate an updated list for a while now. As my taste as an amateur film-watcher progresses, along with my addiction to watching movies, I decided it was time to finally update my list. And what better place to share it than my blog? All jokes aside, movies have always been one of my passions. I consider film an integral part of who I am, and I truly mean it when I say that each and every one of these films holds a special place in my heart. I feel like scenes from these movies are constantly playing in my head. They seriously like live in my mind rent-free. It’s cool though, I don’t mind it. Anyway, I won’t waste your time. Without further ado, let’s begin!
La La Land: Directed by Damien Chazelle – If you’ve read my previous movie list, you’d know that my favorite movie of all-time is La La Land. And if you haven’t, well now you know!!! La La Land stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone (possibly my favorite people on the entire planet), in an electrifying, whimsical tale following Mia Dolan, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian Wilder’s, a dedicated pianist, love story. As they embark on a journey to make their wildest dreams come to life, you watch as they stumble upon obstacles and face challenges all while showing you just how capable you truly are. Besides the inspiring story and the stunning, and I mean truly breathtaking cinematography, this film also has an extraordinary soundtrack. Every single song in this film is incredible, my personal favorite being “City of Stars.” If I could encourage you to watch any film on this list, it’d be this one. (Though, you should honestly watch all of them. I promise you’re in for a good time). “Here’s to the fools who dream.”
Whiplash: Directed by Damien Chazelle – (Disclaimer: This movie is rated R and for good reason). Up next is yet again, another masterpiece by Damien Chazelle. Whiplash stars Miles Teller as Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer, determined to be the best. While attending school for music, Andrew is discovered by a hard-hearted instructor, Terence Fletcher, portrayed by legend J.K. Simmons, notorious for his rigorous teaching methods and ill-tempered manner. Under the instruction of a terrifying instructor, Andrew slowly loses grip on everything but drumming. Driven to be the best, Andrew soon becomes obsessed with the idea of perfection. This movie never ceases to get my heart racing lightning fast. Chazelle brilliantly creates this anxiety-inducing, goosebumps-dancing-across-your-skin, sure-to-have-your-palms-sweating masterpiece of a film, and I genuinely applaud him for it. This film has this lively rhythm to it that leaves me in awe each and every time I watch it. I can almost guarantee that J.K. Simmons’ exquisite performance will have you trembling in utter terror. I can’t make this stuff up, I was stunned. I also experienced this immense feeling of regret for quitting the trumpet in sixth grade haha. Anywho, this is about this masterpiece, not me. If you would like to watch a scary movie that isn’t actually in the horror genre, this is it. Andrew’s striking ambition and hope will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Damien Chazelle, you are brilliant. “I wanna be one of the greats.”
Call Me By Your Name: Directed by Luca Guadagnino – (Disclaimer: This movie is rated R, like really rated R. Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you). Call Me By Your Name stars Timothée Chalamet as Elio Perlman, a clever seventeen year old staying at his family’s villa, somewhere in Northern Italy, 1983. It’s not long before Oliver, an American intern for Elio’s father, portrayed by Armie Hammer, comes to stay with the Perlmans, slowly sweeping Elio off his feet. Over the course of one magical summer, we follow Elio and Oliver as a beautiful connection flourishes between them. This film excels in every single manner. Every aspect of this film has this liveliness to it that I can’t quite describe. Elio and Oliver will have you longing for a summer in Italy. The cinematography in this film is breathtaking. In fact, everything about it is breathtaking. Micheal Stuhlbarg’s emotional monologue will leave you speechless at the end. I urge you to watch this beautiful film, but prepare for a long session of reevaluating everything afterwards. You may also want to prepare to stare at your ceiling, while listening to Sufjan Stevens and crying, too. Like I said, don’t tell me I didn’t warn you. “Is it better to speak or to die?”
Drive: Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn – (Disclaimer: Once again, another rated R movie. Just letting you know). In Drive, Ryan Gosling masterfully portrays “Driver,” a skilled stuntman in Hollywood by day, and a getaway driver for criminals by night. Despite his sleek wintry eyes and professional exterior, Driver soon finds himself falling for his neighbor Irene, portrayed by Carrey Mulligan, and her son Benecio. It’s not long until Irene’s husband is released from jail, and Driver finds himself helping him in one final heist, or so he thinks. After the job backfires tremendously, Driver finds himself on his actual last mission: Protecting Irene and Benecio from those working behind the scenes of the heist. To say that Drive is astonishing would possibly be the biggest understatement of all time. It is woven with depth and suspense, and will have you gaping at the screen in disbelief. Gosling’s performance in this film is staggering, but I mean… Are we surprised? Ryan Gosling, you are unbelievable. Another stellar element in this film that I find myself marveling in awe at is the soundtrack. Drive is the perfect blend of action, intensity, and thrill. You’ll have to hang onto your seatbelts, (Pun most definitely intended), during this hair-raising, electric ride of a film. “I’ll see you in five minutes.”
The Shawshank Redemption: Directed by Frank Darabont – (Disclaimer: You know the drill, another rated R movie. Alright that’s all). The Shawshank Redemption follows Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, an upright banker who is framed for the murder of his wife and her lover in the 1940s. Upon his arrival to the Shawshank prison, he is quickly befriended by Red, an older inmate portrayed by Morgan Freeman. While serving time, Andy begins to use his accounting abilities to help the unscrupulous warden, all while slowly becoming favored and admired by both the prison staff and his fellow inmates. The Shawshank Redemption has no flaws, and I say that with everything within me. This film is perfect in every manner – spectacular cinematography, staggering acting, inspiring theme, enthralling plot, and compelling characters. While it’s difficult to choose a “favorite part” of this film because well, it’s perfect in every single way, my favorite part is the empowering meaning behind the strikingly encouraging story. The Shawshank Redemption will change your perspective on life and will inspire you to be a better person each and every passing day – This, I can guarantee. “I have to remind myself that some birds aren’t meant to be caged.”
Fight Club: Directed by David Fincher – (Disclaimer: Are you sick of these disclaimers yet? Rated R). In Fight Club, Edward Norton plays a depressed insomniac slowly losing his grip on reality. After meeting Tyler Durden, an enigmatic soap salesman portrayed by genius Brad Pitt, Norton’s character begins to adapt Tyler’s anomalous ways – especially after he moves in with Tyler following the tragic destruction of his apartment. Together, the pair form a secret underground “fight club” where lonely men similar to themselves come to fight other men, all in desire to escape their dull lives and forget their worries and troubles. It isn’t until Tyler meets Helena Bonham Carter’s character, Marla, that the partners’ perfect friendship is jeopardized. As the concept of “fight clubs” begin to gain popularity in town after town, the viewer watches as things slowly begin to spiral out of control for Norton’s character. The first rule of fight club is that you do not talk about fight club. It is for this reason that I won’t say too much, besides woah. My Fight Club poster with Tyler Durden on it is hanging on the wall in my room and is watching me as I write this very post – It’d be disrespectful of me to break the first rule right in front of Brad Pitt. Anyway, please watch this film!!!! It is the perfect, and I mean truly immaculate combination of a rich plot, superb acting, and stunning visuals. Fight Club crescendos beyond the screen and will sit with you long after you’ve watched it. “We buy things we don’t need, to impress people we don’t like.”
Interstellar: Directed by Christopher Nolan – Interstellar stars Matthew McConaughey as Joseph “Coop” Cooper, a former NASA pilot being sent into space alongside a team of researchers in search of finding a new inhabitable planet to be home to mankind after humanity and it’s survival becomes endangered. As the group of astronauts voyage across the galaxy, we watch as they tackle challenge after challenge, all in desire to save mankind’s future. This film is breathtaking in endless ways. Nolan truly outdid himself on this masterpiece. The story was riveting and had me intrigued the entire time. There were so many moments throughout this film where I could feel goosebumps dancing across my skin, one being McConaughey’s brilliant, and I mean truly spectacular performance during Timothée Chalamet’s monologue. Besides the stellar acting, I would love to praise the marvelous score! I knew it would be good because come on, it’s Hans Zimmer, but it was somehow even better than I could’ve dreamt up. The visuals were so beautiful, it was surreal. May I also add that the cast is mindblowing – Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, and SO many more legends in this film. Interstellar is ambitious, monumental, and above all striking. Your thoughts will be racing and I promise you will feel something after watching it. I love you, Christopher Nolan. “Love is the one thing that transcends time and space.”
Titanic: Directed by James Cameron – In an epic tale of romance, Titanic stars absolute legend Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson, and Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater, two young passengers aboard the luxurious Titanic. When their paths cross, the two, despite their differences, find themselves slowly falling for each other. Jack and Rose’s romance story and their deep and passionate love for each other proves time and time again that love lives on and it triumphs all. This film is a timeless classic and is truly just so very brilliant and breathtaking in every manner. I remember watching Titanic for the very first time at just four years old on a VHS tape. Ten years have passed since then and my immense adoration and love for this film have only grown stronger and stronger. Titanic is captivating and just never fails to have me sobbing by the end. Many films will cause the occasional pooling of tears in my eyes, however I mean it truthfully when I say that this film is the only one to ever truly make me sob with my whole chest. Kate Winslet, you are brilliant. And Leonardo DiCaprio, I love you. “I figure life’s a gift and I don’t intend on wasting it. You don’t know what hand you’re gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you…to make each day count.” // “Where to, Miss?” “….To the stars.”
Star Trek: Directed by J.J. Abrams – Star Trek stars Chris Pine as James Kirk, a young rebellious, thrill-seeking boy from Iowa. After becoming an officer and boarding the USS Enterprise, the most advanced starship built up to date, he meets Spock. Being a Vulcan, Spock, portrayed by Zachary Quinto, was raised on logic and the belief that emotion is trivial. Their differences soon clash, creating a fiery rivalry between the pair. It is up to the unlikely partners to put their differences aside and team up when the USS Enterprise, while on her voyage, collides with Nero, a Romulan commander on a mission to meddle with mankind. On a journey to protect the galaxy from Nero, James and Spock must lead their crew through turmoil and danger, “boldly going where no one has gone before.” Star Trek is genuinely just so epic. Like this film will have you gazing at the screen in disbelief. The cinematography is breathtaking and truly just so captivating. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time and is absolutely thrilling. The plot and the entire storyline are both crafted so masterfully. Star Trek is honestly just so electrifying and fresh, not to add that it has fantastic rewatchability. May I also add that Zoe Saldana as Uhura in this film is something I never knew I needed. Zoe Saldana, you’re amazing!!!!!! I would like to thank J.J. Abrams for this gift of a film, it’s brilliant. “Live long and prosper.”
Inception: Directed by Christopher Nolan – Once again, another masterpiece by Christoper Nolan. In Inception, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dom Cobb, a thief capable of entering people’s dreams and infiltrating their subconscious to steal their secrets. As DiCaprio’s character slowly begins to gain popularity for his skillful way of committing corporate espionage, he begins to lose grip on his life prior to getting caught up in his dangerous line of work, costing all that he loves. In the film, Dom is offered a chance to gain his old life back if he completes the impossible: implanting an idea into a target’s subconscious, or in other words, “inception.” With a final chance and shot at redemption, Dom Cobb’s ample determination takes him on a journey to accomplish the impossible and certainly unthinkable. I vividly remember watching Inception for the very first time and feeling my jaw drop as I gaped at the screen in astonishment. This film will literally make you question everything you’ve ever known and honestly… I kinda dig it. Not a day goes by that the hallway scene in this film doesn’t cross my mind. If you haven’t seen it and you’re wondering ?? What hallway scene?? Just please, do us both a favor and watch it. I promise you, your mind will be blown. I’m sorry, can we also take a moment to appreciate this cast? Leo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Caine?? Also, the score!!! Hans Zimmer, you’re incredible. In conclusion, the visuals were stunning, the acting was exceptional, and the plot was rich and woven with great depth and care. I don’t know what we did to deserve this masterpiece, but thank you, Christopher Nolan. “You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger.”