30- Day Film Challenge: Day 30

• a film with your favorite ending

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

I cannot tell you how many times I cried when Shadow made his way up the hill.  I couldn't find any clips with good quality. It was too perfect not to post. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 29

•  a film that makes you want to fall in love

Ever After (1998)

I don't like to admit it but I am a hopeless romantic. No other films stirs my romantic heart a flutter more than Ever After.  

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 28

• a film that made you feel uncomfortable 

Kids (1995)

I watched this movie once and it scarred me for life.  Scariest non horror film I have ever seen. 

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30- Day Film Challenge: Day 27

• a film that is visually striking to you

Avatar (2009)

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When this film premiered eleven years ago, it changed the film industry forever. If I am being honest it changed my tolerance for blockbuster films.  I began to expect more. Avatar is much more than the typical popcorn film. I absolutely adore it and I always take away something new on every watch.  It is absolutely visually stunning and I am in awe of it. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 26

• a film you like that is adapted from somewhere

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

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This film was the epic conclusion to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It did not disappoint.  

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 25

• a film you like that is not set in the current era

The Handmaiden(2016)

The Handmaiden Park Chan Wook GIF from Thehandmaiden GIFs

This erotic psychological thriller takes place in the 1930's when Korea was occupied by Japan. This film has more twists than a roller coaster.   It is aesthetically beautiful film. One of the best films I have ever watched. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 24

• a film that you wish you saw in theaters

Battle Royale (2000)

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I have spoken about this film in a previous post. In that post, I declared my love for this film. It would have been great to watch this film with an audience and on a bigger screen. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 23

• a film made by a director that is dead

Psycho(1960)

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I was always well aware of the filmography of Alfred Hitchcock. Not until I was an adult did I actually watch his films. My parents were more into classic musicals than classic horror films. I have actively sought out to educate myself on classic films. I absolutely adore Hitchcock as a director.  I know this is film blasphemy to admit that I watched the remake and the sequel to Psycho before the original.  The revelation of the killer in Psycho is one of my favorite scenes in cinematic history. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 22

• a film that made you angry

The Ritual (2017)

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I have never hated a protagonist more than I hated Luke in The Ritual. I was always annoyed by his presence and wanted him to die throughout the film. That is not the feeling you should have for a protagonist in a horror film. This movie just enraged me. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 21

• a film that you dozed off in

Hulk( 2003)

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As much as I love Eric Bana and Ang Lee, this film was a dozy. Such a shame since I love The Hulk as a character. Marvel did make it up to me eventually.

30- Day Film Challenge: Day 20

• a film that changed your life

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

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There have been several films that have had an impact on my life. If I had to pick one film that changed my life it has to go The Shawshank Redemption. This film highlighted the resilience of the human spirit. It was one of the first times I found myself thinking about the criminal justice system. How  prisons ( especially in the United States) do not try to rehabilitate prisoners. It is a system that is banking on them failing on the outside. Leading some former inmates to either take their own lives or found themselves resorting back to crime. A powerful film with the most inspiring quotes. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 19

• a film made by your favorite director 

Pulp Fiction(1994)

This was the film that introduced me to Quentin Tarantino. The first time I watched it, I was far to young to grasp his techniques nor the script. When I got older and began to understand the art of directing, Pulp Fiction became one of my favorite films. I am still dumbfounded at its brilliance.  Quentin makes films that allow his actors to shine. I would argue that Pulp Fiction is his strongest script. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 18

• a film that stars your favorite actor/actress

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

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From the first moment I saw Christina Ricci as Wednesday Adams  it was love. I remember wanting to be her as a child. I wanted to watch every single film she was in because she brought me so much joy. I chose Sleepy Hollow because it is my favorite film she stars in. 

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30- Day Film Challenge: Day 17

• favorite film sequel

X2: X- Men United (2003)

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I am the biggest X-Men nerd on the planet. As a kid I used to dream of being one.  In my humble opinion, X2 is the best film out of all the X-men films(excluding Logan).  I remember watching this film over the opening weekend. There was so much excitement in the air. I was blessed with an enthusiastic audience which made the viewing experience even better. From the opening scene with Nightcrawler  kicking everyone's butt in the oval office to the ending revelation of Jean being reincarnated to the Phoenix. This movie blew my mind. 

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30- Day Film Challenge: Day 16

• a film that is personal to you

The Descendants (2011)

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This film was one of the first films that resonated with me after losing my Father.  It was an honest look at loss, grief , betrayal and loyalty. These themes were then  layered with the complications of family and friendship. Finding the humor and the beauty in the mess of a hurricane that is life. Watching it was really cathartic  for me. 

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30 Day Film Challenge: Day 15

• a film that makes you feel happy

Babe (1995)

I am women enough to admit that I love Babe with all my heart. I ain't ashamed of that fact. It makes me sublimely happy. It also makes me cry. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 14

• a film that gave you depression

Schindler's List (1993)

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The image of the little girl in the red coat will haunt me forever. Schindler's List was one of those beautifully poetic films that make you question your humanity. You find yourself asking all sorts of questions. It is difficult to watch, but essential. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day 13

• a film that put you in deep thoughts 

Capernaum (2018)

This award winning film was one of the best films I have ever watched.  It moved me tremendously. Nadine Labaki was able to direct a film that dealt with unsettling subject matters with such sensitivity. It was beautiful to witness. Months after the credits rolled in the film, I am still thinking about it. I find myself thinking about the choices parents make. They might seem inhumane and unpractical to someone like me who has lived a privileged life because I have not lived a single day in their shoes.  I find myself contemplating about the sacrifices people make for their families and how we as a society continue to let down our fellow man. Capernaum was a masterpiece that I am forever grateful was created. 

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30- Day Challenge: Day 12

• a film that you hate from your favorite genre

Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster is a fantastic director with an exceptional eye. All of his works have outstanding performances from his female leads.  That being said, I have not like a single film he has put out. I can appreciate Hereditary as a work of art but I hated that film. I was disturbed and confused after it was over. It took some time to process that I hated the film.  

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30-Day Challenge: Day 11

• a film you like from you least favorite genre

Blazing Saddles (1974)

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I don't think I have least favorite genre. I just went with a genre that I do not watch as much which are Western films.  My favorite film in my least favorite genre is actually a spoof of the popular genre. I guess that says it all. Blazing Saddles is pure genius. One of those films that you feel guilty laughing at but you cannot help yourself. The jokes are just too smart for their own good. 

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30-Day Film Challenge: Day Ten

• your favorite superhero film

Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse

I was close to picking another film  but Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse owns my heart. From the first frame until the last frame my heart was glowing. Stylistic animation, fantastic voice overs, and the exceptional storytelling is what sets this film from apart its counterparts. Arguably one of the best films ever made . I am looking forward to sequels that will follow. 

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30- Day Film Challenge: Day Nine

• a film you hate that everyone else liked

Aquaman (2018)

Not really sure how much of a fan favorite this film was. All I know is it did gross over a billion dollars at the global box office. People must have liked it.  I hated Aquaman with the fire of thousand suns.  I wanted to support Jason Momoa since I've been a fan since his Baywatch days. My Lord, that was a dumpster fire mess of a film. It was everything that I hate in blockbuster films. Lazy CGI, more plot holes than a sinking ship, invisible chemistry between two romantic leads and unnecessary fight scenes. Which was so unfortunate since there were so many incredible talents.  There were a few miscasts (cough cough Amber Heard). I did really enjoyed Nicole Kidman's performance though. She was a complete bad ass.  You will never catch me watching another Aquaman. Not even the beauty of Jason Momoa and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II could persuade me. 

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30- Day Film Challenge: Day Eight

• a film where you liked the soundtrack more

Hercules (1997)

My understanding of this particular point is that I am supposed to choose a film that I do not care for but love the soundtrack. It could have gone in the direction of the Twilight series since I hate Twilight with a burning passion and the soundtrack is better. That one Bruno Mars song is chef's kiss. Growing up, the films that came in the 90's had fantastic soundtracks. Soul Food and Waiting to Exhale soundtracks are masterpieces.

 

I am cheating on this one because I do not hate Hercules. I love Hercules, it was one the films I was considering as my favorite animated films. What makes Hercules amazing is their score. The best score out of any Disney film. Whoever decided to do a gospel theme for Hercules deserves nothing but amazing things in their lives.  From "The Gospel Truth" to " A Star is Born" absolute fire.  My personal favorite is Michael Bolton's  rendition of "Go the Distance". Unfortunately, Hercules is going to be one of films being updated to live animation. I can only imagine Disney will destroy it with their casting. At least I can listen to this score on repeat until that time comes.  

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30- Day Film Challenge: Day Seven

• a film that you will never get tired of 

The Princess Bride( 1987)

The idea of being sick of watching The Princess Bride is inconceivable.  This film first came to my attention in the early 90's. I was too young to appreciate the film.  One fateful Thanksgiving weekend in Paris, I rediscovered it. My life has been far richer since. 

It is a great movie to watch if you are feeling down. Honestly, it is a perfect movie to watch during any occasion. One of mine personal favorites. Another film I like to quote for no reason whatsoever. 

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30- Day Film Challenge: Day Six

• Your favorite animated film

The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

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This was actually a difficult decision for me, since I was deciding between three different options. After weighing everything it had to be The Emperor's New Groove.  Arguably one of the funniest films ever made. Not to mention, I can quote it like crazy. If Disney tries to do a live animation version, I will  be disturbed. 

30 - Day Film Challenge: Day Five

• A film where a character has a job you want

Singing in the rain (1952)

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be an actress. I was always fascinated with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. 

After studying film, I have found my eye being drawn to different aspects of a film.  I am forever grateful that I watched this masterpiece much later on in life. I don't think I would have appreciated or loved it as much if I watched it during my youth. I remember smiling from ear to ear the first time I watched this. It was on a long flight.  As I mentioned earlier, I am a sucker for films about film making. I am also a musical nerd. I blame my Father for making me a huge musical lover. The films with bigger musical numbers always suck me in.  Singing in the rain  checks every single box. 

The film takes place during the transition from silent films to "talkies". It has breathtaking musical numbers, especially The Broadway Melody Ballet that featured the great Gene Kelly and mesmerizing Cyd Charisse.  An absolute treat to watch. 

30 - Day Film Challenge: Day Four

• A film with a number in the title. 

3 Ninjas (1992)

Oh the nostalgia is strong with this one. I loved this movie so much growing up. I had the biggest crush on Rocky. Which little girl didn't? Who didn't love singing Rocky loves Emily on top of their lungs? I really miss these feel good family films of my youth. 

30 - Day Film Challenge: Day Three

• A film that has more than five words

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)

It was actually hard to think of a film that had more than five words in its title. I was first going with O Brother, Where Art Thou? then came to horrifying realization that film does not have more than five words in its title.  There were a handful of sequels that met the criteria that I had not seen.  I realized that one of my favorite films that came at last year met the criteria.

I'm a sucker for movies about film making.  In many ways, Once was a love letter to cinema.  The mise en scene in Cliff's trailer was sublime. This film was not for everyone and I was shocked it did so well at the box office. I for one, loved every single frame of the film. 

30 - Day Film Challenge: Day Two

• A film you like that  starts with the first letter of your name

Who Framed Roger Rabbit ? (1988)

There were a handful of films that began with the first letter of my name. Somehow, none of them struck me as hard as this 80's classic. Despite being a caricature of film noir, this live action/ animation hybrid manages to effortlessly blend all of the essential themes.  It even had one of the greatest introductions ever with the fabulous Jessica Rabbit. 

Just one of those movies that left a great impression on me as a child.  Lately, I have been yearning to watch it from an adult glance. I have a feeling the murder of the adorable toon that rubbed against Judge Doom will be even more traumatizing to witness as an adult.

30-Day Film Challenge: Day One

• The first film you remember watching

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)

I have been watching movies before my earliest memory. It is difficult for me to recall the first film I remember watching.  I believe the earliest memory was kind of a traumatic experience for me.  Years before the era of streaming. Eons before DVD's. There was an experience known as the Video Home System (VHS). I was two years old and managed to press play on my family's VHS player.  Unbeknownst to me  or perhaps I knew, this film was in. My Dad walked in on time to see tears streaming down my face as I sat on my parent's bed. He asked me what was wrong. I told him that Freddy would not leave the boy alone. Why won't he leave the boy alone Daddy? Why is he bothering him in the shower?  My Dad tried to stop the player but  I was determined to see how the scene would turn out.  I witnessed my first horror movie death. It was an introduction to an iconic slasher villain and to a genre that I would come to love dearly. 

Movies to Watch During Quarantine

We are living in difficult times. There is so much uncertainty these days. With so many of us being confined to our homes what we watch should not remain uncertain. Feel free to add any recommended films in the comment section. Be safe everyone.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco (Amazon Prime)
Brittany Runs a Marathon (Amazon Prime)
The Farewell (Amazon Prime)
The Handmaiden (Amazon Prime)
The Cabin in the Woods (Hulu)
Under the Tuscan Sun (Hulu)
28 Days Later (Hulu)
Captain Fantastic (Hulu)
American Ultra (Hulu)
Bridget Jones's Diary: The entire trilogy (Hulu)
The Descent
Hearts Beat Loud (Hulu)
How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World (Hulu)
Waiting to Exhale  (Hulu)
Booksmart (Hulu)
50/50 (Hulu)
Sorry to Bother You (Hulu)
The Oath (Hulu)
Where Hands Touch (Hulu)
Three Identical Strangers (Hulu)
Snowpiercer (Netflix)
He even Has Your Eyes (Netflix)
What Happened to Monday (Netflix)
In the Shadow of The Moon (Netflix)
Always Be My Maybe (Netflix)
The African Doctor (Netflix)
Train to Busan (Netflix)
Sleepover (Netflix)
Nothing to Hide (Netflix)
Edge of Seventeen (Netflix)
The King's Speech (Netflix)
Dumplin' (Netflix)
Bird box (Netflix)
The Incredibles 2
Pan's Labyrinth (Netflix)
The Princess and the Frog (Netflix)
To All the Boys I loved Before (Netflix)
To All the Boys: PS I Still Love You (Netflix)
22 July (Netflix)
Suite Francaise (Netflix)

Best Films of 2019

Top Ten( in no particular order)

• Us
• Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
• Queen & Slim
• The Farewell
• Dolemite is my Name
• The Last Black Man in San Francisco
• Shazam!
• Hustlers
• Marriage Story
• Harriet

Second Tier

• Someone Great
• Joker
• Downton Abbey
• Brittany Runs a Marathon
• John Wick: Chapter Three- Parabellum
• How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Movies I Have Not Seen but I Want To

• Parasite
• 1917
• Waves
• The Irishman
• Judy
• Jojo Rabbit
• Knives Out
• Little Women
• Ready or Not
• Blinded by the Light
• The Lighthouse
• Dark Waters
• Bombshell
• Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
• Clemency
• Just Mercy

Best Movies I Saw This Year ( Not Released this Year)

• The Handmaiden
• Capernaum