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

Best Horror films - My personal favourites!

I love horror films. They're for sure my favourite genre of film. I've watched so many. Although I am yet to find one that truly scares me, there are a lot out there I can watch over and over again and still be sat on the edge of my seat!

If you're anything like me (able to watch them alone at 3am in the dark) then you've definitely seen at least 90% of these films.

This list is a personal favourites list so we will most likely have different opinions on these movies. It was really hard to narrow it down to just 10 (6 drafts) so there will most probably be another list of another top 10 horror films! I've arranged them in some sort of order, but my opinions on them are likely to change quite often.

10. I know what you did last summer (1997).

I know what you did last summer is a suspenseful film about four teenagers who one night  accidentally kill a man and cover up the murder. The next summer they all return home from college and work to discover they may not have been the only ones who know about what they did. Someone is tormenting them and they need to find out who else knows before things get too out of hand.

I love this film. It stars Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. Based loosely on the Lois Duncan novel of the same name and the urban legend of the killer mental hospital runaway with a hook as a hand - it has suspense around every corner. Scary Movie also did a spoof of the film (although you may have caught that already).

If you love slasher films I highly recommend seeking this one out, it's got all the cliche moments throughout with a twist at the end of the film even I didn't pick up (I like to think of myself as film savvy). 

9. Carrie (1976)

  Based on the very famous Stephen King novel, Carrie follows the story of a bullied, out-caste girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers. After being humiliated at her school prom all Hell breaks loose! 

The chances are you've seen the 2013 version featuring Chloe Grace Moretz as Carrie, so you know the jist of what happens. But, I promise you the Sissy Spacek version is a hundred times better. I don't know if it's because I love older films or because it has so much more of a dramatic effect, but I definitely prefer the original. The first time I watched it I couldn't look away, it was amazing!

8. 28 Days later (2002)

Gorgeous Cillian Murphy plays Jim, who wakes up from a coma to discover an incurable rage virus has taken over the world. The film follows Jim, and a few other survivors, as they try to find sanctuary. 

It's basically a really intense zombie film. One of the first ones I ever watched, and as soon as I did it was all over for me. I became a huge zombie film lover, I don't think there's any out there I don't like. 

Although the sequel 28 weeks later is a fantastic film too, this one is just a little superior in my opinion. Helps it was also directed by the brilliant Danny Boyle (trainspotting)!

7. Saw (franchise) 

I know it's not technically a singular film, but the saw franchise is too big and explosive for me to just narrow it down to just one film. There are too many traps and games for me to just pick one. There are currently 8 films in the Saw franchise, with the latest one, Jigsaw, coming out last year (2017). I thought it was really good, I know a lot of people would disagree with me though.

Saw has some of the most iconic movie deaths of all time. I can guarantee that everyone can name at least one trap or game from any of the saw films, even if they've never seen it.

6. A nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

The one about the creepy guy with blades for fingers who haunts the dreams of teenagers. Sure, everyone has heard of this. But have you seen it? I hope so! The original 1984 version of this horror classic is so good. 

Although I thought the 2010 remake was pretty good too, it doesn't even compare to the original. The story lines are a little different too and I just think the original is constructed in a better way. Also the fashion in the 80's version is killer (excuse the pun)!

5. Child's play (1988)

Oh boy! I love the Chucky films. They're hilarious and twisted and kinda crappy too, but that's what I love about them so much. Out of all the franchise, this one is my favourite. It's the origin story, and who does't love an origin story? 

Classed as an American 'supernatural slasher' film. A little boy is gifted a Doll named 'Chucky'. But the doll actually contains the soul of a murderer who used witch-craft to move in to the doll just before he died. The foul-mouthed doll then goes on a murderous rampage.

It's a cult classic that has to be seen at least once in your lifetime!

4. Paranormal Activity (2007)

The first Paranormal Activity was so good. The other ones, not so much. But I really loved the first one, it really stuck out to me. They way it was filmed and the subtle hints of horror you get in it. 

It's a psychological thriller that really makes you think whether or not it could happen. Filmed on a camcorder by the actors makes it one hundred times creepier. Also not actually seeing the 'Demon' is a great touch too that really messes with your head.

Although I think the sequels are a bit been-there-done-that this one was a first in many ways. I love watching it.

3. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

A classic. The Leather Face killer is a well known character. It's such an iconic film that has truly stood the test of time. 

A bunch of teenagers head to Texas to visit a grave, but stumble across a psychotic, cannibalistic family who have no problem brutally mutilating them. With Leather Face, the huge, muted bloke with the chainsaw, as the main face for this iconic family. We never see any gore or brutal murders happen in the film which, to me, makes it even scarier. It's so fantastically filmed and directed. 

Based on the real-life serial killer, Ed Gein, who famously murdered people and made furniture, clothes and bowls out of human skin and bones. Pretty grim, right? As well as Leather Face he was also the inspiration of Norman Bates from the Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho due to his obsessive devotion to his mother, and also Jame Gumb from Silence of the Lambs.  

If you're going to watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre, make sure it's the original and not the 2010 remake. That was shockingly bad.

2. Scream (1996)

Scream and the Scream franchise are one of my favourite films/film series ever. I love them so much. I watch them all the time and could never get bored of them. That being said, the first one is definitely the best. 

The most self-aware slasher film of all time. The year after the death of Sydney's mother a killer is loose and after Sydney. 

The script for this film is so spot-on. The 90's fashion is something of a dream. The twist at the end. Everything about this film is just so so good. It's my go-to film at Halloween and was famously 'spoofed' by Scary Movie.

The 'Ghost-face' killer is probably (along with Leather Face) one of the most iconic killers in film. I can see why! Totally check out this absolute classic if you ever get the chance! You wont be disappointed.

Finally we've reached my number 1. 

1. The Exorcist (1973)

Of course this classic is in the number 1 position! It's for sure my favourite horror film of all time. With classic one liners and fantastic acting. 

It does exactly what it says on the tin; it's about the exorcism of a little girl named Regan who gets possessed by the Devil. I don't want to give too much away, just in case you're one of the few people who haven't seen this film (if you haven't, what are you doing?!). 

I think it's probably a top favourite for most horror fans, because it's just such a classic.

Fun Facts: When released in theatres, paramedics where called out often because people were so affected by the film they passed out!

It's based on a true exorcism!

Many people believe the filmed is cursed because the set of the film caught fire during filming.

Thank you for reading!

Bx

Photos courtesy of:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119345/

http://www.thediligentadvisor.com/i-know-what-you-did-with-your-money-last-summer/

http://stephenking.wikia.com/wiki/Carrie_(1976)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tBYHLkXDIc

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289043/

https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/secret-cinema-28-days-later

https://www.cinepremiere.com.mx/57618-la-saga-de-peliculas-de-terror-saw-regresa-con-nueva-cinta.html

http://www.squareeyed.tv/2016/02/22/game-over-the-definitive-ranking-of-every-film-in-the-saw-franchise/

http://shatthemovies.com/a-nightmare-on-elm-street-1984/

https://wheresthejump.com/jump-scares-in-a-nightmare-on-elm-street-1984/

https://www.tes.com/lessons/gpfSkB44g5zhGw/unit-op-1-12-the-value-of-stimulating-play

http://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3482429/don-mancini-developing-childs-play-television-series-exclusive/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranormal_Activity

http://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3468995/paranormal-activity-director-oren-peli-doesnt-make-movies-anymore/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072271/

http://www.hwdyk.com/trivia/m/2084/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-1974

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scream_(1996_film)

http://altcitizen.com/throwback-review-scream/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-exorcist/id572533870

https://www.amazon.com/Exorcist-Ellen-Burstyn/dp/B00124PXW8