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All in Drama
This week, we are watching what might be the greatest horror movie ever made. Stanley Kubrick butchers Stephen King's original novel into a film that confused some viewers at the time of its release, but now is considered by most to be a standalone masterpiece. The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick.
This week, we watch what many consider to be the saddest animated movies every drawn to film. Studio Ghibli animates this adaptation of a true story of the terrible aftermath of children attempting to live in a post-war Japan in the 1940’s. Grave of the Fireflies (1988), directed Isao Takahata.
This week, we watch the worldwide highest grossing movie of 2020, marking the first time in movie history a Hollywood film didn’t rank number one. This Chinese film aims to portray an important event leading into the second World War, but what ends up on screen is incoherent violence and death. The Eight Hundred, directed by Hu Guan.
This week, we watch the highest rated Pixar film on the list! Even John, who has frequently mentioned a “dragging middle third” in Pixars story structure, didn’t see that happening here. Lovable robots, funny slapstick, and heartwarming relationships fill this visual and design masterpiece. WALL-E (2008), directed by Andrew Stanton.
This week, we watch a movie in anticipation for the upcoming Dune film adaptation. This movie has no buisness not being on the list. Amy Adams gives one of her best performances, and all other aspects of the film are amazing on their own, but together they create something very special that we’d recommend to everyone. Arrival (2016), directed by Denis Villenueve.
This week, we watch the film that shows a trashbag swirling in the wind and makes teenagers think real hard about it. This film contains an amazing ensemble cast alongside great cinematography, editing, and score. It holds up even though some recent stories on one of the main actors makes it a tough watch, especially given the content of the movies main storyline. American Beauty (1999), directed by Sam Mendes.
This week, we Aamir Khan’s directorial debut. A strong message about learning disabilities makes this an important piece of work. Like Stars On Earth (2007), directed by Aamir Khan.
Part 2
This week, we watch Studio Ghibli try their hand at gore effects. This film stands out as being one of the studios most violent films, but the trademark animation, score, and scenery are in full view. Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
This week, we watch Studio Ghibli try their hand at gore effects. This film stands out as being one of the studios most violent films, but the trademark animation, score, and scenery are in full view. Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
This week, we watch the third and final film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy. In yet another genre film/comedy mash-up, this entry is much darker than the previous two, with the unliked protagonist Gary King dragging his old friends to 12 bars, and any more plot description might be considered spoilers. The Worlds End (2013), directed by Edgar Wright.
This week, we watch a movie where a tooth getting removed by a hammer is not the most disturbing scene of the film. This film contains amazing acting and filmmaking, so it is highly recommended to those with a strong tolerance for disturbing images and ideas. Oldboy (2003), directed by Chan-wook Park.
This week, we watch the second film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy. In another genre film/comedy mash-up, this outing takes us to a small town with a dark secret. Comedy and shootouts ensue. Hot Fuzz (2007), directed by Edgar Wright.
Part 2
This week, we try to figure out if this classic film is worth all the praise, or if hype and reputation lifts it into the stratosphere, where it will remain as long as critics are afraid to address some of its glaring issues (pacing, acting, dialogue…). Watch if you want to be able to sound smarter than your friends. Citizen Kane (1941), directed by Orson Welles.
This week, we try to figure out if this classic film is worth all the praise, or if hype and reputation lifts it into the stratosphere, where it will remain as long as critics are afraid to address some of its glaring issues (pacing, acting, dialogue…). Watch if you want to be able to sound smarter than your friends. Citizen Kane (1941), directed by Orson Welles.
This week, we watch the first film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy and the international smash hit that instantly put Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg on the map. In one hand you have all the zombie tropes you’ve ever seen, and in the other hand you have the best British comedy of the era . Smash your hands together? Shaun of the Dead (2004), directed by Edgar Wright.
Part 2
This week, we watch the legendary Italian film makers final film. Clocking in at nearly 4 hours long (originally meant to be 6 hours), this film contains some of the most graphic content we’ve seen so far on the list. While we would find it hard to recommend to most people, its impossible to not be impressed by the cinematography, sets, and epic period piece details. Once Upon A Time In America (1984), directed by Sergio Leone.
This week, we watch the legendary Italian film makers final film. Clocking in at nearly 4 hours long (originally meant to be 6 hours), this film contains some of the most graphic content we’ve seen so far on the list. While we would find it hard to recommend to most people, its impossible to not be impressed by the cinematography, sets, and epic period piece details. Once Upon A Time In America (1984), directed by Sergio Leone.
This week, we watch the Bosnian film that has been nominated for the the Best International Film at the Academy Awards. Documenting the horrible, historically accurate events occurring during the Bosnian war in 1995 through the eyes of a fictional UN Translator, this films unrelenting tone will likely ruin your day. You will feel stressed, you will feel sad, and you will be wondering how the Oscars passed up an acting nomination for Jasna Djuricic. Quo Vadis, Aira? (2020), written and directed by Jasmila Zbanic.
