My Favourite Movies Part 2

I'm back with part two of my favourite movies. I got lots of comments on my first list so I thought I would continue the list and share some more of my favourites. If you haven't read Part One yet, then go have a read if you want to!

Hugo (2011)

I love everything about this film. The aesthetic, the story, the theme, the director (Martin Scorsese) and the actors. I adore old movies and this film is all about that. Based on the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. It follows a little boy called Hugo (Asa Butterfield) in 1931 Paris. He is left a broken automaton by his father who tragically died in a fire. Hugo lives in and works the clocks at a train station. Hugo steals parts from the clocks and a toy stall at the station to fix the automaton. The owner of the stall - unknown to Hugo at the time - is classic filmmaker Georges Méliès, played by Ben Kingsley. Hugo and Georges' Grandaughter, Isabel (Chloë Grace Moretz), reignite Georges' love for his old films.

I just love this film so much, I could watch it over and over again without getting tired of it. As I mentioned earlier, I love old films and this film truly explores the wondrous journey that film has been on. It shows how films were made in the late 19th Century/early 20th Century. Including the incredibly famous A Trip to the Moon (1902). I really suggest checking this film out if you haven't already, you really won't regret it.
A trip to the Moon - Star Film Company

Finding Neverland (2004)

Another beautifully aesthetic film. Starring Johnny Depp (separate the art from the artist), Kate Winslet and Freddi Highmore. Based on how J M Barrie wrote the play, Peter Pan. The story follows writer J M Barrie (Johnny Depp) and his friendship with the Llewelyn Davis family and how they inspired him to write the icon story of Peter Pan.


The story is sad and also wonderful at the same time. The acting from Kate Winslet was so moving. Well, I can't fault any of the performances in this film. It really opens your eyes to what goes into writing, it really inspires me to just start writing a book, or many books! If you're a writer then I just know you're going to adore this movie. It's not one to be missed.

Love Actually (2003)

I don't think I need to talk too much about this one, as I believe everyone and their dog has seen this! It's a Christmas classic. Even if you don't see it as a Christmas film, it's a classic.

It has a huge star-studded cast from Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman, Bill, Nighy, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Liam Neeson and the late Alan Rickman. Some huge names there. They all make the film something really special that I know I'm going to watch every single Christmas until I'm gone.

Stand By Me (1986)

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, the film follows four friends on a journey to find a dead body. It's not the typical Stephen King horror you'll usually find, it explores life, death, relationships and friendships.

Starring Wil Wheaten, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell and River Phoenix as the four friends on the journey. It's a classic film that holds a place in so many hearts. It has a nostalgic aura around it, even if you don't consider it a nostalgic film. I don't watch it too often, but every time I do it just reaffirms my love for it.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Who hasn't seen this Tim Burton classic? Everyone knows about the ghoulish character played by the brilliant Michael Keaton who gives such a fantastic performance. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis star as Adam and Barbara who unfortunately died after driving off a bridge. After a family move into their house they try to scare them off with some help from the terrible Beetlejuice, until they realise that they're not so bad, but by then it's too late.
It's hilarious and spooky, right up my street. I thoroughly encourage you to check it out if you haven't. Winona Ryder gives a great performance as the strange and unusual, Lydia Deetz. A gothic dream.

Heathers (1988)

The second film to star Winona Ryder. An angsty teen movie including murder, I love it. Another '80s classic which will definitely stand the test of time. Recently turned in to West End musical which featured Carrie Hope Fletcher.

Winona Ryder plays Veronica, a teen in a clique of 'Heathers'. Heather Duke, Heather McNamara and Heather Chandler. All three Heathers rule the school and Veronica isn't about that so she teams up with bad-boy JD (Christian Slater). They end up going on a killing spree until Veronica can't handle it anymore.
It's one of the greatest, most original movies I've ever watched. Not your typical teen or slasher movie, it's one to be watched. I haven't seen the stage version yet, but I am desperate to so hopefully I'll get round to doing that soon!

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Another film with Winona Ryder at the forefront. Can you tell that she's one of my favourite actresses? Based on the eighteen-month stay at a mental hospital in the '60s by Susanna Kaysen. It's a true story from her biography of the same name. As someone who suffers from mental health problems, the same ones as the lead character, I felt a deeper connection to the story. I feel so much empathy for all of the characters, even the antagonist, Lisa (Angelina Jolie).
There are some really iconic scenes within the film, some which really play with your emotions and I just love that. I love a film that really draws me in and causes me to feel what the characters are feeling, and this film does just that.

Les Miserables (2012)

Who doesn't know about this classic book, stage show and movie? You'll at least know some of the soundtrack. It's automatically recognisable. In France during the 19th-century, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who has been searched for by Javert (Russell Crowe), a police officer, for breaking his parole after being released from prison for stealing some bread, agrees to care for Cosette (Amanda Seyfried), the daughter of Fantine (Anne Hathaway), a fired factory worker.

All of the singing and music is performed live on the set, so what you're hearing is what the actor is actually singing there and then. This makes the performances of the actors so much more emotive. For example, when Anne Hathaway is singing 'I dreamed a dream' you can really hear the emotion in her voice. It was such a fantastic addition to the film, it makes it more like the stage show which has been running for over thirty years!

The Fifth Element (1997)

I had the biggest crush on Milla Jovovich as Leeloo, well I still do. Not only that, but the costumes for the film are spectacular - designed by Jean Paul Gaultier. I'm also not the biggest fan of Bruce Willis, but I think he is amazing in this film. It incorporates science-fiction, action, comedy, music and romance and I think that this is what makes the film so great!
Leeloo is the 'perfect human' and also the most powerful weapon ever created. When she escapes she ends up with Korben Dallas (Willis). Dallas decides to help Leeloo even though they end up in lots of trouble at the hands of Zorg (Gary Oldman).

War of the Worlds (2005)
Although I struggled to get through the novel, the film really stunned me. It actually really affected me, probably the only film to ever truly do that. It made me nervous, which is unusual. That is why it deserves a place on my list.

Amblin Entertainment and Cruise/Wagner Productions

The horrible sound that the tripods make haunts me! You know the one. I remember talking about this film with my friend and he had the exact same feelings as me, it was definitely one that stuck with us.
Martians invade Earth and Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) and his family have to fight for survival. They come across so many obstacles that threaten their lives: people and aliens.
It makes me quite anxious just thinking about it. That makes it a great film in my eyes. Definitely check it out!


I hope you liked my part two of favourite films. I'm definitely not done yet, so look out for another list in the near future.
Bren.