mother!

mother! is the newest film from director and writer Darren Aronofsky and people can’t stop talking about how this film boomed at the box office. Quickly, I became curious when movie reviewers noted there is no way to talk about this movie without spoiling the plot and metaphors. I knew that I had to experience this movie before reading any reviews. Last Tuesday; discount night, I paid $5.00 to see mother! and I’m still thinking about this film. What I find so interesting is people either really love this movie or hate it with a passion. Well, I’m very dead center in the middle. There are parts of the movie, I am really intrigued with such as the relationship Jennifer Lawrence had with her husband, in the beginning and her connection to the house. If I could edit this movie, I could easily turn it into a A+ movie, in my opinion. However, there is about twenty minutes, maybe more that I could have easily cut out. Without spoiling the plot, I try to keep this vague.

During the second half, I understood where the plot was going, and I kept on saying, “Is he going to go that far?” And, then minutes later he did and I was like, “Nope, nope, that was uncalled for.” I understand the need to shock the audience, but shock can be delivered in different ways. In the case of mother!, I feel like less could have been better than more. I can completely understand why some people enjoyed the film but I can also see why people passionately hate the film. Personally, mother! is worth discussing as is has interesting themes to discuss. However, there is way too much going on in this film. Jennifer Lawrence gives an outstanding performance no question but I can see how Darren Aronofksy comes off pretentious. Honestly, I don’t recommend this movie to the average movie goer. However, if you love film it’s definitely a movie to see to form your own opinion. I just warn viewers it does become graphic and extremely disturbing at parts.

Grade: C

2017 Emmy’s – Winners & Snubs

Last night, the 2017 Emmys aired on the CBS as Stephen Colbert did an excellent job as the host. The opening musical number was entertaining and his opening monologue was solid. Of course, there were going to be political jokes regrading Trump. The most shocking moment of the night was definitely when Sean Spicer took the stage. Melissa McCarthy’s reaction was priceless, along with everyone in the room. That was hilarious!

Now, let’s talk about the winners and losers and the most annoying wins of the night.

I am going to start out with my favorite win of the night and a complete shock to the winner and me. Ann Dowd. She’s is who I wanted to win but I had Thandie Newton winning for “Westworld.” Also, Samira Wiley from “The Handmaid’s Tale” had solid chance of winning too. Ann Dowd is hauntingly amazing in “The Handmaid’s Tale” and one of the reasons why I keep watching the show. I was so happy to see her shockingly and graciously accept her award. Definitely, my favorite moment of the night!

The rest of winners were expected, so overall the winners were not surprising which was a little disappointing. I wanted a few more upsets, but I thought Stephen Colbert did a good job in between keeping me entertained. I loved the Westworld sketch and his moment with Jimmy Kimmel after they both lost to John Oliver. “It’s a dry, British cocktail.” “Yes it’s really good. It’s so high quality; apparently they can only make one a week.”

Some other great jokes of the night were,

“If you do win, don’t forget to thank everyone who helped you get up here. Mainly, ‘Game of Thrones’ for not being eligible this year.”

“I think that there are more movie stars here tonight than there were people who saw movies this summer.”

Let’s talk about how “Big Little Lies” won way too many awards. It’s a decent mini-series but in my opinion it’s nowhere close to excellent as “The Night Of”(HBO) or “Feud: Bette and Joan” (FX). Let’s be real, the reason why it won so many awards is because of the three big Hollywood actresses attached to the project. The only Emmy, I honestly think “Big Little Lies” deserved was Outstanding Supporting Actor in a limited series or movie for Alexander Skarsgard. However, Skarsgard was up against some great competitions. Skarsgard’s performance was beyond disturbing and truly made me hate this character. I loved him in True Blood, so I’m happy he won.

The fact Nicole Kidman won for outstanding lead actress in “Big Little Actress” was slightly annoying. She’s a talented actress and I am a fan of her work but in my opinion Jessica Lange was perfection in “Feud: Bette and Joan.” Even, Susan Sarandon was incredibly too. I have no nothing against her, I love Kidman and her husband Keith Urban. They are super cute together. I honestly wanted to see “Feud” get way more praise, than “Big Little Lies.”

Julia Louis Dreyfus winning again for Veep was extremely predictable and annoying. I have only seen the first season of Veep and I wonder is Dreyfus really that amazing in every season? I can’t form an opinion since I have not seen the majority of the seasons, but it would be nice to praise any one of the other six talented comedians. It seems like Julia Louis Drefyus is always the most popular girl at the Emmy’s no matter what show she’s nominated for.

I am pleased that Netflix’s “Black Mirror: San Junipero” won two Emmy’s. I love Black Mirror, so I was happy to see the show win. Stranger Things was nominated but didn’t win any Emmy’s but that’s does not surprised me. I think being nominated was great praise and hopefully, season two is as amazing as the first to receive even more nominations in the future.

Elisabeth Moss deserved to win for Best Actress in a Drama for “The Handmaid’s Tale.” She’s the reason why the show is so intriguing and makes you continue to watch as the story gets more intense. However, I truly loved everyone nominated in this category expect for Viola Davis, since I don’t watch “How to Get Away with Murder.” I am rooting for Keri Russell to win next year for “The Americans.” I was happy to see Sterling K. Brown win Best Actor in a drama series for “This is Us.” Brown has a great presence and is a great speaker; it was a shame the Emmy’s wouldn’t let him wrap up his speech.

I watch all of the drama series nominated (expect House of Cards, I am way behind) and I was pleased with all of the nominations. My personal pick would have been “The Crown” as I don’t have anything negative to say about that show. “The Handmaid’s Tale” is great so I am fine with the show winning. This is great for Hulu and now I am hoping they can push other Hulu original shows to get nominations as well like “The Path.”

Overall, the 2017 Emmy’s were predictable but entertaining as Stephen Colbert delivered some amazing jokes and comical sketches.

Katie’s 2017 Emmy’s Predictions

The 69th Emmy’s awards ceremony will be this Sunday, hosted by Stephen Colbert and I am excited for the event. I think it’s going to be an interesting night, because the only thing locked as a for sure thing is John Lithgow, winning Best Supporting Actor in the Crown. If he doesn’t win, I urge you not to be in my presence. Here’s are a few predictions and who I would love to see win.

Lead actress, limited series or movie

Felicity Huffman, American Crime (ABC)
Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies (HBO)
Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies (HBO)
Carrie Coon, Fargo (FX)
Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan (FX)
Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan (FX)

Should win: Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan (FX)
Will win: Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies (HBO)

Lead actor, limited series or movie

Ewan McGregor, Fargo (FX)
Geoffrey Rush, Genius (National Geographic)
Riz Ahmed, The Night Of (HBO)
John Turturro, The Night Of (HBO)
Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: The Lying Detective (Masterpiece/PBS)
Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies (HBO)

Should win: Riz Ahmed, The Night of (HBO)
Will win: Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: The Lying Detective (Masterpiece/PBS)

TV movie

Black Mirror: San Junipero, Netflix
Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, NBC
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, HBO
Sherlock: The Lying Detective, Masterpiece/PBS
The Wizard of Lies, HBO

Should win: Black Mirror: San Junipero (It’s the only TV movie, I have seen) 
Will win: Sherlock: The Lying Detective, Masterpiece/PBS

Limited series

Big Little Lies, HBO
Fargo, FX
Feud: Bette and Joan, FX
Genius, National Geographic
The Night Of, HBO

Should win: The Night Of, HBO or Feud: Bette and Joan, FX
Will win: Fargo, FX (I’m taking a risk, I love the first and second season but haven’t seen the 3rd. I hoping Fargo will sweep in and take home the Emmy.)

Supporting actress, comedy series

Vanessa Bayer, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Leslie Jones, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Kathryn Hahn, Transparent (Amazon)
Judith Light, Transparent (Amazon)
Anna Chlumsky, Veep (HBO)

Should win: Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Will win: Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Supporting actor, comedy series

Louie Anderson, Baskets (FX)
Ty Burrell, Modern Family (ABC)
Alec Baldwin, Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Tony Hale, Veep (HBO)
Matt Walsh, Veep (HBO)
Will win: Alec Baldwin, Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Supporting actress, drama series

Ann Dowd, The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Samira Wiley, The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things (Netflix)
Chrissy Metz, This Is Us (NBC)
Thandie Newton, Westworld (HBO)

Should win: Ann Dowd, The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu) She is incredible, I would love to see her win. 
Will win: Thandie Newton, Westworld (HBO)

Supporting actor, drama series

Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul (AMC)
John Lithgow, The Crown (Netflix)
Michael Kelly, House of Cards (Netflix)
David Harbour, Stranger Things (Netflix)
Ron Cephas Jones, This Is Us (NBC)
Jeffrey Wright, Westworld (HBO)
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland (Showtime)

Should win: John Lithgow, The Crown (Netflix)
Will win: John Lithgow, The Crown (Netflix)

If John Lithgow does not win, I will be dead shock. He was incredible in the Crown and needs to take home the Emmy!

Lead actress, comedy series

Pamela Adlon, Better Things (FX)
Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish (ABC)
Jane Fonda, Grace and Frankie (Netflix)
Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie (Netflix)
Allison Janney, Mom (CBS)
Ellie Kemper, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)
Will win: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep (HBO)

Lead actor, comedy series

Donald Glover, Atlanta (FX)
Zach Galifianakis, Baskets (FX)
Anthony Anderson, Black-ish (ABC)
Aziz Ansari, Master of None (Netflix)
William H. Macy, Shameless (Showtime)
Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent (Amazon)
Will win: Donald Glover, Atlanta (FX)

I need to watch more Comedies, I haven’t see Atlanta, Baskets, Shameless, or Masters of None.

Lead actress, drama series

Keri Russell, The Americans (FX)
Claire Foy, The Crown (Netflix)
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Robin Wright, House of Cards (Netflix)
Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder (ABC)
Evan Rachel Wood, Westworld (HBO)

Should win: Claire Foy, The Crown (Netflix) or Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Will win: Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)

I don’t know who to pick. Claire Foy is brilliant in “The Crown” and Elisabeth Moss is perfect in “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Keri Russell is incredible in “The Americans” and deserves some love.

Lead actor, drama series

Matthew Rhys, The Americans (FX)
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul (AMC)
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards (Netflix)
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan (Showtime)
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us (NBC)
Milo Ventimiglia, This Is Us (NBC)
Anthony Hopkins, Westworld (HBO)

Should win: Matthew Rhys, The Americans (FX)
Will win: Kevin Spacey, House of Cards (Netflix)

The Americans needs some love and Matthew Rhys has been incredible. I would love to see him take home the win but more people need to be watching “The Americans.” Sterling K. Brown is great in “This is Us” and easily could take home the win since he won last year for “American Crime: The People Vs. O.J Simpson.” However, I think it’s Kevin Spacey’s year to take home the Emmy. We’ll, wait and see.

Comedy series

Atlanta, FX
Black-ish, ABC
Master of None, Netflix
Modern Family, ABC
Silicon Valley, HBO
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Netflix
Veep, HBO

Should win: Silicon Valley, HBO
Will win: Veep, HBO

Drama series

Better Call Saul, AMC
The Crown, Netflix
The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu
House of Cards, Netflix
Stranger Things, Netflix
This Is Us, NBC
Westworld, HBO

Should win: Stranger Things, Netflix
Will win: The Crown, Netflix

I don’t know! I love all of these shows and very pleased at the nomination list. However, as much as I enjoyed “This is Us” it’s the weakest contender for me. “Better Call Saul” is a great TV show and I haven’t even seen season three yet but have heard wonderful things. “Westworld” was entertaining and intriguing. “The Crown” is one of the best dramas,  I have seen in a very long time. I could see it taking home the big win even though it’s not a big front runner. “Stranger Things” is a wonderful hidden gem that exploded and I love see it nominated but I don’t know if it will take the top spot. There are some theories out there that think “Stranger Things” could win. Who knows what will happen.

Now that I completed my predictions, I’m second guessing myself. I would love to see some crazy upsets on Sunday. As long, as John Lithgow wins for The Crown (Netflix), I’m be happy on Monday.

 

IT

First off, I have to admit I do not enjoy watching horror films. I find the majority of horror film extremely graphic and violent for no reason expect to shock the viewers. However, every now and again I’ll check out a popular or highly praised horror film. Over, the weekend I went to see IT and surprisingly the movie didn’t scare me as much as I thought it would. However, this film was a great horror movie. I liked how the director created tension verses jump scares. The reason why I feel this movie is successful is because of the amazing young cast. All the young actors were great and made me care and invest in this story. So much when the credits started rolling, I said, “Dang it, now I care. I want to see Part 2.” Normally, I would be annoyed when movies are split in two but IT is an good exception to the rule. Overall, it’s an entertaining movie. I thought at times, it wasn’t as scaring to me since I could clearly tell CGI was used. However, one of the scariest movies is definitely the garage scene. IT is worth checking out, especially if you are a horror and movie buff fan.

Grade: B

Dream Team

This is a re-post from my tumblr page, but I thought it would be appropriate to re-share.

What if your favorite movie was remade today, who would be the dream team to reinvent and improve the movie?  

The Outsiders Dream Team

Director: David Fincher – (Gone Girl, the Social Network, Fight Club, Seven, Zodiac, and Panic Room) Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, The Godfather Part 2) directed “The Outsiders” in 1983 and filling his shoes would be a tough act to follow. The perfect director to remake “The Outsiders” would be David Fincher based on his previous films. Fincher resume is impressive when it comes to drama and action thrillers. Fincher could take the novel and previous movie and easily enhance the characters, pivotal plot points and intensity of the story.

Screenwriter:  Joel Coen & Ethan Coen (Fargo, No Country for Old Men, The Big Lebowski, and True Grit) I am throwing a curve ball and having the Coen brothers write the script for the remake of “The Outsiders.” The Coen brothers have an excellent resume when it comes to creativity and screen writing. Even though the script would be faithful to the book, the Coen brothers could be creative and put their own vision and spin on characters and the plot. As much as I love the novel and movie, I feel the writing could improve the emotional drive of certain side characters.

Cinematography: Roger Deakins – (Sicario, Prisoners, True Grit, No Country of Old Men, and A Beautiful Mind)Basically, to pick a cinematographer, I thought of some of the most beautiful shot movies that I have seen recently.  Sicario was the first movie that came to mind. I did a quick google search and quickly it became very clear to me that Roger Deakins would be the best fit for the Outsiders remake.

Stevie Wonder original sung “Stay Gold” in the original 1983 movie. So, I thought it would be fun to pick the artist, who would sing the single on the remake. I narrowed my artists down to Bruno Mars, John Legend, but ultimately decided to go with the Queen bee; Beyoncé.

After several nights of pretending to be a casting director and various debates with myself, I selected my dream cast if “The Outsiders” were to get remade today. I must note, if this would ten years ago, my cast would be completely different. It broke my heart that Jake Gyllenhaal didn’t make the cut. His career has taken off and it would be hard for me to believe Gyllenhaal could play a twenty year old.

CAST:

Ponyboy Curtis –Finn Wolfhard 

Ponyboy was one of the hardest to cast since he’s the protagonist and youngest (14 years old) of the Greasers. I needed to pick an actor would be able to have chemistry with his brothers, Greasers, and the Socs. Finding an actor, that could be convincing as a fourteen year was difficult until I thought of the hottest show on Netflix, “Stranger Things.” After, the release of Stephen King’s remake of “IT”, there was no doubt in my mind, Finn Wolfhard would be perfect for Ponyboy.  It makes perfect sense to me now and couldn’t think of any other actor to portray Ponyboy.

Johnny Cade –Timothee Chalamet

Johnny is an important character and essential the heart of the story. He’s a child of abuse and considers the Greasers his family. Casting Johnny, I needed to find an actor would was older but looked young. Timothee Chalamet came up in a search and I quickly casted him as Johnny. He’s been in minor roles in films (Interstellar) and tv show and and could see Timothee play tough but sensitive soul of Johnny.

Dallas Winston – Ezra Miller

Dallas is the toughest among the greasers, very protective of Johnny and has the James Dean’s vibe. I am casting Ezra Miller as Dallas because Ezra Miller is a fantastic actor. It was an interesting choice but I think Ezra Miller can bring out Dallas’ charm, defensiveness, and self-destructive attitude.

Darrell Curtis (Darry) – Aaron Taylor Johnson

Darrell was difficult for to me to cast because I needed an actor to be able to convincing have the presence as the oldest and father figure of the group. Aaron Taylor Johnson entered my mind as his performance in “Nocturnal Animals” was hauntingly disturbing.  Johnson’s resume is impressive as I think he will be able to convey Darry’s emotions in more body movement then dialogue.

Sodapop Curtis –Tye Sherdian

Sodapop is the best looking, laid back, easy going, peacemaker of his brothers and the Greasers. He is the middle child and does his best to help his older brother Darry and younger brother Sodapop. Tye Sheridan is a popular, attractive, young actor is definitely can play the sensitive, heart of gold, Sodapop.

Cherry Valance -Sophia Turner

This was a no brainer for me. Who’s a popular actress that has a bright future ahead for them and happens to be a red-head? Sophia Turner! She’s beautiful and already has an impressive resume with “Games of Thornes” and playing Jean Grey in “X-Men Apocalypse”.  Sophia will be able to bring Cherry’s beauty, innocent, heart, and fieriness.

Two Bit Mathews –Taron Egerton

I love Taron Egerton and I knew I had to cast him in the remake. Emilio Estevez originally played the humorous and tough Two Bit Matthew, so I want to pick an actor who’s known and is going to have a successful career.

Steve Randall – Tom Holland

Steve Randall is Sodapop’s best friend and has a minor role but was originally played by the one of only Tom Cruise. So, I knew I had to pick a young actor who is going to have a massive career like Tom Cruise. So, I picked another Tom. Tom Holland the newest Spiderman. He’s young, talented, and can easily pull off Steve’s charm.

Bob Sheldon –KJ Apa

Bob was the first character I cast because I can perfectly vision KJ Apa (Riverdale) playing a drunk, entitled jock. He’s great on Riverdale and can easily portray Bob.

Randy Anderson – Josh Hutcherson

Josh Hutcherson is famous for this role as Peeta in the Hunger Game Series, so the reality of him taking a minor role might be hard to believe. I think Josh can portray Randy, Bob’s best friend in a realistic way. He has a crucial part towards the end of the book with Ponyboy and I can see Josh giving Randy more depth.

This was insanely fun to do! Think of your favorite movie and create your own cast!

 

 

10 Movies Everyone Should See

As I started compiling my list, I tried hard to think of underrated movies. I didn’t want my list to be the typical top ten movie list. To creatively help me select ten films, I decided to create categories. This has helped me narrow down my choices to pick ten excellent movies that everyone should experience.

1. The Obvious Choice

All the movies listed in this category can be the top ten lists of every film critic and/or movie lover.  These are the movies that have become a huge part of pop culture. If you don’t know the reference people are making, they look at you like you have been living under a rock. These films include “The Godfather,” “Jaws,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Titanic” and “Casablanca.” Yes, all of these films are excellent and brilliant. “Schindler’s List” is a must and “Dead Poets Society” is one of Robin Williams’s best films. My picked for the Obvious Choice movie is “The Shawshank Redemption.”

The movie tells the story of two imprisoned men, who bond over the years as they try to find peace and redemption through acts of common decency. The 1994 film, “The Shawshank Redemption” is a classic film everyone should see and probably has seen. If you haven’t, the next movie you need to watch is “The Shawshank Redemption.” It’s written by Stephen King and Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman give excellent performances.

2. The Academy Choice

“And the Oscar goes too…” I have been a little obsess with the Academy Awards in the last couple of years and have a strong love hate relationship with the winners the Academy selects. Out of all of the 88 Best Pictures Winners, I have to select one. Where do I even begin? “The Silence of the Lambs” is excellent and “A Beautiful Mind” is a beautifully heartbreaking. “Kramer vs Kramer” won Best Pictures in 1980 and is still a powerful and relatable film today. Last year’s winner, “Moonlight” definitely deserves praise. I also have to mention how perfect and excellent “No Country for Old Men” is. However, my picked for The Academy Choice movie is “The King’s Speech.”

If you love the Netflix show, “The Crown” you must see “The King’s Speech.” Colin Firth’s Oscar winning performance as King George VI of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is powerful and spot-on. The movie is about King George VI, and his spontaneous ascension to the throne and the speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) who helped King George to become a worthy monarch. “The King Speech” is rated R, only for language but I would recommend this movie to teenagers and adults.

3. The Animated Movie

I am child of the 90’s, so naturally I loved all the Disney animated movies that were released such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and The Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.” Disney and Pixar films are some of my favorite movies, so only picking one animated movie is tough. “Toy Story” is excellent. If you know me, my obvious answer is “Beauty and the Beast.” In my opinion, it will always be my personal favorite. However, when creating this list, I wanted to think outside of the box.  I’m going with a non-Disney movie, which I recently fell in love with; “Kubo and the Two Strings.”

“Kubo and the Two Strings” is about a young boy named Kubo who must locate a magical suit of armor worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past. The animation in this film is beautiful and breath-taking. The story is original, unexpected, and heartfelt.

4. The Drama

This might be the hardest category for me since I have seen and love a great drama. There are way too many to pick from, like “The Social Network,” “Room,” “Boys Don’t Cry,” and one of my favorite Christopher Nolan movies, “Memento.” My favorite dramas from last year are “Loving,” “Lion,” and “Manchester by the Sea.” “Brothers” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, and Natalie Portman is an excellent and tense film about Sam (Tobey Maguire) returning home after he goes missing in Afghanistan. The acting in this movie is strong and very underappreciated. “We need to talk about Kevin” is a very dark and uncomfortable film about a mother’s relationship with her mentally disturb son. Tilda Swinton and Ezra Miller are brilliant in this movie. After thinking long and hard, I am picking one of my personal favorites, “Into the Wild.”

“Into the Wild” is based off the true story of Christopher McCandless, who abandons his possessions and gives $24,000 saving account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness.  I highly recommend that you read the book first. However, Sean Penn does a great job directing and telling the story of Chris. The film can start some incredibly deep and meaningful conversations with yourself and others.

5. The Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie

I love the concept that magic could exist in the world which is one reason why I love reading and watching fantasy stories. Over time, I have discovered some great science fiction films as well. Of course, Harry Potter is my all-time favorite fantasy franchise. “Lord of The Rings” is a great trilogy as well for fantasy lovers. “Terminator 2” is a classic and in my opinion the best Terminator movie. (Please stop making these movies, it’s not needed.)  Neill Blomkamp’s film, “District 9” is a hidden gem for science fiction movies. Definitely check it out, if you have not seen it. “Ex Machina” is another small indie science fiction film on Artificial Intelligence. The performances from Oscar Issac, Domhnall Gleeson, and Alicia Vikander are worth checking out. I have to go with the foreign film, “Pan’s Labyrinth.”

Movie lovers definitely have seen this film but I don’t know if enough people know about the genius of this film. Guillermo del Toro film “Pan’s Labyrinth” is set in Spain of 1944, the young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerier but enchanting fantasy world.  Yes, it’s in subtitles but it’s worth a watch, and I didn’t even find the subtitles distracting at all.

6. The Comedy

Who doesn’t love to laugh? Growing up in the 90’s, I watched all of Jim Carrey’s and Adam Sandler’s movies. Some of my favorites comedies are “Dumb and Dumber,” “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “Big Daddy.” As a young adult, I discovered black comedy and fell in love with the Coen Brother films  “Fargo,” and “Raising Arizona.” In most recent years, I have enjoyed comedies like “The Hangover,” “Bridesmaid,” and “Spy.” Out of all the favorite comedies I have to go with the indie classic, “Best in Show.”

Christopher Guest’s film, “Best in Show” is one of the funniest mock-documentaries I have seen. The reason why this film is hilarious is because of the incredible cast, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard, Catherine O’Hara, Jennifer Coolidge, and Jane Lynch. The plot is simple; it’s about a colorful group of characters competing at a national dog show. It brilliant and every time I watch it, I laugh out loud! All dog lover must watch this movie.

7. The Romantic Comedy

As a teenager, the majority of the movies I went to see were romantic comedies. Looking back, there are several awful teen movies. However, there were a few classic romantic comedies that I still love today like “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Clueless,” “Never Been Kissed,” and “While You Were Sleeping.”  I read all of Nicholas Sparks’ books, so of course, “A Walk to Remember” and “The Notebook” are my top favorite adaptations of his books.  I love the movie, “The Holiday” its a perfect movie to watch in the winter time. “500 Days of summer” is another fresh take of a romantic comedy that I highly recommend people to see. Recently, I saw “The Sick Big” with my father and we both loved the original and hilariously smart movie. Overall, I have to go with the classic 1991 film, “Father of the Bride.”

One of my favorite Steve Martin films is “Father of the Bride” and I love his interaction with Martin Short. Martin and Short was hilarious together in this film, and I also love Diane Keaton as well. Overall, I love this film because it’s a perfect family friendly romantic comedy that kids and adults can enjoy together.

8. The Musical

One of my favorite things to do is to go to New York City to see a couple Broadway shows with my mom. We have made a tradition out of traveling to NYC and one main reason we keep going is because of Broadway. Some of my all-time favorite musical movies are “The Wizard of Oz,” “West Side Story, “and “Chicago.” All classic and iconic movie musicals! I also love the newer modern musical such as “La La Land,” “Once,” and “Sing Street.” “Sing Street” was my favorite movie from 2016, so it makes sense for me to pick, “Sing Street.” However, I have to go with an obvious and the most iconic movie musical in my opinion, “Singin’ in the Rain.”

The oldest movie on my list is 1952 musical classic, “Singin’ in the Rain.” Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor star in this glorious musical set in 1927, Hollywood. Gene Kelly amazing talent is displayed as I can’t help but sing along to the song. You’ll get a glorious feeling watching this film!

9. The Movie You Never Heard Of

As I continue my love of watching movies, it’s refreshing every now and again to watch something completely original and bizarre. This year, I saw the movie, “Ghost” with Casey Affleck and it was creatively brilliant. Last year, I loved the movie, “Captain Fantastic” and was very pleased to see Viggo Mortensen nominated for Best Actor. He’s wonderful in “Captain Fantastic.” One of my favorite Mark Ruffalo movies is “You Can Count on Me.” Check it out; it’s a wonderful hidden gem. “The Impossible” starring Ewan McGregor, Namoi Watts, and a young Spiderman, Tom Holland is an excellent film based off a true story a family caught in the destruction of the aftermath of 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Some other unknown movies that are worth checking out are “About Time,” “Swiss Army Man,” and “Short Term 12.” My pick for movie you never heard of before is, “The Invitation.”

“The Invitation” is an excellent thriller starring Logan Marshall-Green, (not Tom Hardy.) All you need to know about this film is that Will (Logan) gets an invitation to a dinner party from his ex-wife. It’s a suspenseful, tense, and what the shit did I just watch kind of movie.

10. Personal Favorite

Anyone who knows me knows my answer to this is, “The Outsiders.” So, I’m going to shock everyone and pick another personal favorite. Since, I am trying to pick underrated and unknown films; I thought I would pick another hidden gem. This is hard! There are so many choices like “Sing Street,” “Room,” “Simon Birch,” and “Inception.” I love “Inception!” I never get bored watching the film. Joaquin Phoenix is incredible in “Her” and Jake Gyllenhaal is fantastic in “Nightcrawler.” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is an epic and perfectly creative indie film that I could easily pick. However, I’m going with a personal with, “Pollock.”

Jackson Pollock is one of my all-time favorite artists, so unsurprisingly I loved the film “Pollock” directed by Ed Harris, who also starred in the film as Jackson Pollock. Marcia Gay Harden, won an Academy Award for her performance of Lee Krasner, Pollock’s wife.  Set in 1940’s, the film covers the life of Pollock as he becomes popular as an abstract expressionist painter and meets Lee Krasner, who puts her career on hold for him. “Pollock” is a great film for any movie and art lover.