Some of my favorites/recently watched:

Everything Everywhere All at Once

This is one of my favorite movies. It is such an outlandish concept so I originally thought I would not like it. If you care about national recognition to prove film worthiness, this movie just recently got nominated for many Oscars including best picture, and won many Golden Globe awards. Through an interdimensional rapture and the odd bagel symbolism, this movie provides commentary on the parenting struggles of Asian American immigrant families. We see the conflict between a second-generation daughter and her first-generation mother including disputes over traditional norms and expectations. Seeing an Asian-dominated cast was refreshing; I especially connected with some of the internal struggles depicted in the movie since I too am the product of immigrants. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to feel all emotions within 2 hours. 

Promising Young Women:

This is another more recent film that came out in 2020. It is one of my favorite movies that align with feminist themes. Warning: this movie does discuss heavy topics such as sexual assault and rape. The movie follows the tragic story of Cassie whose friend Nina was raped during college. Her case was not investigated by the college despite having video evidence, leaving her trauma unavenged. It is heavily implied that Nina later dies, leaving Cassie to grapple with the unfairness of our world and her need for justice. She used to be a “promising young woman”, but the injustice her friend experienced leads her on a quest for vengeance. She eventually commemorates her friend’s death through the identification of sexual predators and potential sexual predators, bringing them to justice. I highly suggest this movie because it talks about strong themes that unfortunately are very common in our society today. The only criticism I had with this movie was the ending, but overall it was very good. 

The Florida Project:

I literally will watch any AO3 movie out there so of course I stumbled upon this movie. This movie is set outside of Disney World, a common symbol of child utopia. The Flordia Project follows 6-year-old Moonee and her young mother Halley during their summer living in “The Magic Castle”, a budget motel. This movie provides social commentary on wealth disparities in America. A vast majority of Americans live paycheck to paycheck causing a strain on family relationships and overall happiness, something that the families vacationing in Disney do not usually worry about. Moonee is one of my favorite characters; despite facing an unkind world, she is a beacon of joy and hope for everyone around her. We see the silly yet simplistic experiences of childhood. 

Little Miss Sunshine:

This tragicomedy movie depicts such a unique family dynamic. The dysfunctional Hoover family embarks on a road trip to California for the daughter, Olive, to enter the Little Miss Sunshine pageant contest. Ironically, the car ride is anything but sunshine, featuring some hilarious and tragic conflicts. If you are looking for a movie that shows the growth and development of characters, this is right for you. 

Dead Poets Society:

Although this movie is insanely popular, I just recently watched it. I love Robin Williams and of course, he did not disappoint. This movie made me almosttt like poetry (sorry Mrs. Lankford). It follows a group of young boarding school boys who fight between self-identity and meeting their parent’s expectations. The new English teacher, John Keating, makes an impression on all the boys through the promotion of school unity and poetry. I highly recommend watching this in the fall or on a rainy day for the full experience. 

Marcel the Shell:

My friend Ellyse literally had to force me to watch this last week because I didn’t like the mix between live-action and animation. But I will admit that it was very wholesome. The shell is so cute and his relationship with his grandmother is again very cute. If you need to watch something lighthearted, I highly recommend this movie. 

Little Women:

Ok I love this movie. I have probably watched it at least 5 times. The cast is STACKED. Like come on Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Sorcha Ronan, anddd Timothée Chalamet. I still can’t decide between Jo and Amy. The sister and family relationships in this movie are amazing; we get to see all the happy, sad, and simple moments in the March family. Pleaseee watch this movie if you haven’t already.

Gifted: 

This is definitely one of my favorite movies on this list. It follows Frank and his niece Mary, a child math prodigy. Frank tries to build a normal life for Mary, despite the push for her to enroll in college classes and “use” her math skills as a 7-year-old. He understands that she is merely a child and helps her to overcome social anxiety, but unfortunately, his mother files a custody battle over Mary. We see the family struggle and experience both happiness and heartbreak. Frank and Mary are my favorite duo and I highly encourage everyone to watch this movie. And of course, I have to mention Frank the best orange cat. 

More favorites because I can’t decide:

• Girl Interrupted
• The Fundamentals of Caring (this movie had me laughing so much)
• Parasite
• X
• Lady Bird (ofc)
• Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind (suchhh good filming ahhh)
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (the best romcom no debate)

Currently Watching: Before Sunrise

Ok this movie is so sweet and the filming is very realistic. I am only halfway through but I can already tell that it is amazing. If you are looking for a realistic and well-filmed romance movie this is definitely it. The couple, Celine and Jessie are very cute and this movie makes you want to move to Europe. Ellyse and Leila are obsessed with this movie and it is definitely one of their favorites. My only critique is that I wish there was more drama, but again my friends are completely against this. 

Movies I want to watch:

• Babylon
• Minari
• Moonlight
• Room
• In the Mood for Love
• Amelie
• Brokeback Mountain