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.

My Favourite Films Part 1

Yep, this is part one. I'm not sure how many parts I'll actually write about all of my favourite films. I'm a cinephile so I have a lot. There is something magical about movies and the way you get sucked into them. I've always loved watching films, I even wanted to be in them when I was younger. I mean, I'd still love to be a part of a film, but the chances of that are rather slim now. Anyway, whilst I'm not in them, I like to watch them. I have a heap of films I adore so I thought that more than one post was the best way to express my love for them. Anyway, let's get going.

• Cruel Intentions (1999): It's cliche, sad and funny all at the same time. It stars a rather handsome Ryan Phillippe as Sebastian Valmont and Sarah Michelle Gellar as his evil step-sister, Kathryn Merteuil. They come up with a plan, to feed their egos and reputations, to 'deflower' the new headmaster's daughter, Annette Hargrove - played by Reese Witherspoon, before school starts again after summer. I'm pretty sure you can figure out what happens... But that doesn't stop me from loving the film. Based on the book 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' by Pierre Choderlos De Laclos.

• The Devil Wears Prada (2006): This film single-handedly changed and defined my life. It's so inspiring I can't even begin to tell you. The scene where Meryl Streep tells Anne Hathaway how fashion and the fashion industry works, you know the one with Andy's blue sweater, was ICONIC. What a scene! Andy gets a job as the assistant to Miranda Priestly, the chief and editor of the fashion magazine - Runway. Let me tell you, they don't call Meryl Streep the greatest actor of all time for nothing. This film is a perfect example. I just love it so much, if you haven't seen it I really recommend watching it.



Nell Campbell, Tim Curry and Patricia Quinn in the Rocky Horror Picture Show

• Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): A classic. A cult classic. Now, this film really did define who I am as a person. Everyone has seen film right? If not, what the Hell are you doing? It's legendary. Starring the wonderful Tim Curry as an alien transvestite from Transylvania, what more could you want. I first watched this film when I very young, about four-years-old, oops... I think if I had never seen this film I would be a very different person. It's the campest, most wonderful musical you could imagine. You won't be able to help but do the 'Timewarp'.

• The Great Gatsby (2013): As you all know, because I bang on about it all the time, 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favourite novel. Baz Luhrmann captures what the book is about in such a beautiful way. I tear up just thinking about it. Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan as Jay Gatsby and Daisy is the best possible casting, I think. They both seem to encapture the characters personalities without romanticising the toxic relationship they both have. Don't even get me started on the incredible cinematography and soundtrack, I'd be here all day!

• Romeo and Juliet (1996): Another Baz Luhrmann starring Leonardo DiCaprio. But this time, it's 90's Leo... Am I right gays and girls? Everyone knows the classic tragedy by William Shakespeare, and there have been countless recreations of it, yet Baz's version is a stand-out to me. Visually and musically it is so iconic and beautiful. I could sit and watch it over and over again - crying each time. It's the most wonderful film.

• Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (2018): If you read my Travel Bucket list post then you'll know I was truly inspired to pack up and travel on my own to so many wonderful and beautiful countries and cities. I want to live my Donna Sheridan life to the limits (minus the baby part). This film only came out this year, but I'd been waiting ten years for the sequel to the brilliant first film, 'Mamma Mia'. I love ABBA, musicals, Meryl Streep and Greece, so what is there not to like? I cried (a lot), laughed and sang whilst watching this film. Go check it out!

• Batman: The Dark Knight (2008): I adore Heath Ledger and getting to see him play the infamous Batman Villain, The Joker, was something pretty special. I love Batman so this is the perfect mix. Christopher Nolan directed the trilogy: Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. These dark takes on the Caped Crusader fill me with such joy. They are everything I would want in a superhero film. It's iconic, and Heath's mind-blowing performance will truly stick with you forever.

• The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011): Growing up watching the Harry Potter films was something I'm pretty grateful for. They're so amazing. I just love everything about them, they mean a lot to me really. I love nothing more than just sitting down and having a major binge session, watching all eight films. Believe me, I've done it multiple times.



Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in Titanic

• Titanic (1997): I cry every single time I watch this damn film.Without fail. I cannot deal with how sad it is! Another 90's Leo film that makes me want to curl up and cry. A love story mixed in with the true events of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Kate Winslet, Rose, and Leo, Jack Dawson, have continued to be close friends and that makes me so happy. I just love it when they get together. I'm such a sucker for a sad, romance film.

• Wuthering Heights: Again, this book to film is one of my favourites of all time. It has also been made multiple times, but this 1939 version starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier really triggers some emotion in me. This black and white film is so beautiful. I love everything about it. Laurence Olivier really portrays the bitterness, love and control Heathcliff is all about. I made my Mum watch it with me and she loved it too, so you know it's a great film. If you have only seen more modern takes on 'Wuthering Heights' then I really suggest watching this version because there is just something truly special about it.

I hope you liked the first part of my favourite films. If you haven't seen any of the films on this list then please go and check them out. I like to think I have a broad appreciation for a lot of film types, so I'm certain you'll find something you'll like.
What are your favourite films?
Thanks for reading!
Bx