In a seven year time span (2006-2013), the Arctic Monkeys released five studio albums. In the four years since the release of their fifth album, their grand total of studio albums is...still five. However, with other interests and involvement in other bands, these British musicians keep busy when they're not working on their commitments as the Band-Otherwise-Known-As-The-Deathramps.
As I may have explained before, I discovered the Arctic Monkeys, amongst others, by playing Guitar Hero. It was after hearing Brianstorm for the first time that I sought out the Arctic Monkeys discography at the stores and libraries, assuming that all of their songs would be of a similar rushing pace and banging sound. To my pleasant surprise, only their first album and a half is like that, with enough variation in their songs to make them interesting and lyrically magnetic.
This is the kind of band that I can stop listening to for months at a time and then suddenly pick back up obsessively. Even when I haven't listened to any of their albums for so long, I can still sing along to pretty much the entire of the Favourite Worst Nightmare or Humbug albums. The instruments are usually what attract me to a band at first, and their instrumental sounds range from new age punk to mellow lounge jazz, and the different effects that are chosen for the guitar to harmonize with the varying vocal range of Alex Turner reverberate in my ears constantly in a good way (I'm trying to sound way much more intelligent and academic than I really am here). The lyrics have, for the most part, centered on the various life issues of being a British suburban man, from the weirdness of teenage romance to the arrogance of celebrity, all the while triumphantly acknowledging the glitz and grit of the partying lifestyle most secular millenial men like Alex Turner and company come across.
In random celebration of the music of Arctic Monkeys, as well as just to give me something to write about, I will be giving you my Top 10 songs that I most enjoy from their studio albums (the choice of album songs is a distinction that I will clarify in another post). My choice in songs is based on what I consider the best of the best from each of their albums, from the most popular songs to my personal favorites, all the while attempting to showcase the variety in pace and tone you find in Arctic Monkeys discography.
For what it's worth, on the record, my take on ranking their albums overall is:
5. AM (2013)
4. Suck It and See (2011)
3. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006)
2. Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)
1. Humbug (2009)
10. I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor (WPSIA,TWIN)
What's to Like: Lightning fast basic guitar sounds on top of caveman drumming, all the while remaining well timed and held together by the lyrics flowing from Alex Turner with support from Matt Helders (the drummer) in the background. This is the kind of song that highlights what first attracted people to the Alex Turner's lyrics, expressing teenage horniness and dreamy excitement in a flat suburban setting.
Tune Out (a.k.a What's Not to Like): Nothing too weird to turn you away from the song, unless you don't like allusions to teenage lust or biting guitar riffs.
Best Lyric That Would Make a Great Painting: Dancing to electro-pop like a robot from 1984
9. Don't Sit Down Cause I've Moved Your Chair (Suck It and See)
What's to Like: The dark echoey guitar that's somehow reminiscent of psychedelic rock from the late 60s, early 70s. This is one of the rougher, rockier sounding tunes from the Monkeys, but it's also counterbalanced by ridiculous, jokey lyrics and a slower pace. With references to the Macarena and whatever shell suits are, as well as some gritty technical effects on the instruments, you know you're in for a bizarrely entertaining time.
Tune Out: References to old wive's tales and the devil that you may take seriously if you don't know what you're getting yourself into. Also, if you're not a fan of grungy bass and guitar sounds, turn away now.
Top Lyric You'd Want to Try in Real Life: Kung fu fighting on your roller skates.
8. The View from the Afternoon (WPSIA,TWIN)
What's to Like: This is the first song on the first album, and it kicks things into high gear right from the start. The drums almost steal the show with how quick and hard they're being played, and their duel with the guitars gives you that punk-ish vibe that the Monkeys started out with. Alex Turner's voice is still being developed but that makes it all the more appropriate for a song that requires a gruffy sound that goes from high and low sounds.
Tune Out: If you didn't know this song was put together by a bunch of teenagers, you'd think this really was from a drunk guy who's dealing with issues at the bars and casinos that he's playing at.
Lyric Most Likely Describing Your Night Out: Anticipation has the habit to set you up/ for disappointing evening entertainment but/ tonight there'll be some love, tonight there'll be a ruckus
7. Dancing Shoes (WPSIA,TWIN)
What's to Like: The balance between the instruments in the background is groovy and makes you want to get to your feet automatically. The lyrics fade in and out and are only really beneficial to shape the frame of the story, about two young lovers falling in love to the beat of a nice groove. I especially like how this song jumps from funky to rock, and this is one of the earliest examples of an Arctic Monkeys song finishing on a fast loud hammering sound.
Tune Out: A teenager's idea of romance in a pop culture influenced suburban environment.
Top Backhanded Compliment Lyric: Get on your dancing shoes/ you sexy little swine
6. R U Mine (AM)
What's to Like: Very engaging buzzy guitars. It knows it's not a complex song for any of the instruments, but it rocks and rocks hard. Alex Turner throws in some fast, witty lyrics that showcases what he can do in a lower vocal range in a different kind of voice while still giving Matt Helders and Nick O'Malley (the bassist) the chance to showcase their falsettos.
Tune Out: To me this song (and this entire album really) is just a showcase of the terrible attitude that comes from the non-commital clubbing and dating scene and pretends to be something deeper than what it really is,
Biggest Attempt at Being Poetic Lyric: She's a silver lining climbing on my desire
5. Crying Lightning (Humbug)
What's to Like: This song demonstrates how this album, Humbug, changed the Arctic Monkeys sound in a good way. The bass is featured prominent as it lays a medium level and groovy pace. The guitars have plenty of effects pedals going, but they're not intrusive and give the song a somber yet anticipatory sound. The drums balance well between the snare and the cymbal sounds, with some fun quick rolls thrown in. These lyrics are some of the most poetic, image-driven lines from Alex Turner that are directly about relationships and suburban life issues without sounding like it (i.e. they're not as direct as on their first album)
Tune Out: The strange thing is there aren't any lyrics or sounds that I would generally warn you away from, there's just something about the structure of the song that keeps me from considering it to be the best Arctic Monkeys song of all time.
Lyric You Most Want to Know the Backstory To: And how you like to aggravate the ice cream man on rainy afternoons
4. Cornerstone (Humbug)
What's to Like: Pleasant gentle guitars with flowing keyboard sounds in the background. The mellow vocals that bemoan a missing lover. It's a sweet song and tells a tragic yet engaging story. This showcases that the Arctic Monkeys can do slow stuff well when they really want to.
Tune Out: Ultimately by the sounds of the lyrics, this was one of those one night stand relationships that eventually end with a prostitute type girl replacing the lost lover. So, if you take away the circumstances of the song and just focus on the loss and heartbreak in the vocals....
Top Lyric That Could Make You Sound Like a Creeper:I smelled your scent on the seatbelt/ and kept my shortcuts to myself
3. Brianstorm (Favourite Worst Nightmare)
What's to Like: This song keeps the high speed intensity of the first album tracks without making the guitar sound overly aggressive. There's a little breakdown moment with just the drums and vocals that is really strangely catchy. The lyrics paint a strange picture of a strange fellow, but in a likable way that is easy enough to follow when you're not focusing on the hard rock instrumentals.
Tune Out: I got nothing for this one. It's their best rock'n'roll song.
Choice Lyric That Sets the Tone: Cause we can't take our eyes off your t-shirt and ties combination
2. Dance Little Liar (Humbug)
What's to Like: Despite a well paced and thumping drumbeat, the strange guitar tones keep things slow and melancholy. This is a contemplative type of song, almost cinematic in how the lyrics tell a story of conflict and the instruments carry emotional weight to them. It's hauntingly beautiful in a way despite the tragedy in the vocals. This song also carries the signature song structure of the Humbug songs where they start soft and slow but end in a very loud rambunctious din.
Tune Out: It's a song about a person in a committed relationship who is trying to cover their cheating affair.
Top Lyric That Let's You Know Things Are Dark: When there's dirt beneath the dirt....When there's dirt between the dirt
Honorable Mentions
-Perhaps Vampires is a Bit Strong But... (WPSIA,TWIN): This one is goofy and probably not a favorite of most other fans compared to other songs on this first album. It's precisely the goofiness of the song that I most enjoy. Plus the jam is groovy and fun.
-Flourescent Adolescent (Favourite Worst Nightmare): This is one of those songs that sounds lighthearted and fun based on the instruments but when you pay attention to the lyrics it's actually kind of depressing. Another example of how suburban British life is not all fun and games for some people.
-Old Yellow Bricks (Favourite Worst Nightmare): It's just a really bouncy and fun song. Also, the kind of song that sounds like a fun concept for an album about the Wizard of Oz series.
-Potion Approaching (Humbug): This is a multi-layered song with various switches in pace and tone without going into the strangeness of prog rock but still contains strange sounding guitars and punchy drums.
-The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala (Suck It and See): I was close to putting this on the list because I wanted to showcase the gentle side of Arctic Monkeys even when they combine soft singing with electric buzzing guitars
-Do I Wanna Know (AM): In all honesty, a great majority of why I like this song is because Alex Turner uses an old, uniquely shaped 12-string electric guitar for it. This one was hard to get into because of how slow the drums were paced on this, as well as a crass music video. However, that guitar really adds bonus points to this song.
1. 505
What's to Like: That haunting keyboard humming throughout the entire song. The image-drive lyrics sung in a forlorn yet passionate way. The gentleness in the sounds of the beginning followed by the intensity near the end. The teamwork in the instruments to stay in the background until things explode in the final verse. It's the kind of song that feels relatable even if you have not been in this specific situation before or not really been in love like this before. The whole atmosphere is urban yet it has a neo-western feel to it as well.
Tune Out: Perhaps the extended reverberation on the guitar can get annoying after awhile.
Most Heartbreaking Lyric: It seems that once again you've had to greet me with 'Goodbye'.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Monday, May 22, 2017
Turning Staycation Into Vacation
This past weekend, it had been my intention to go with my dad to the Smoky Mountains for a quick four day getaway. However, our plans were altered mainly due to strong predictions that the weather was not going to be fun weather to camp in and would ultimately ruin a short vacation anyway. Since I had already submitted for PTO and had not taken a break from work in awhile, I decided to go ahead and take a "vacation" anyway.
The problem is that with most forecasts predicting rain for half the vacation time and without the desire to scramble together a last minute four day weekend roadtrip, I was ultimately left with a "staycation", sitting around the house all weekend with no particular plans. At least, that's how I felt on Thursday when looking at things. However, as the weekend has gone by, I've made it a commitment to take advantage of this free time and treat it as if I really were far away from home and not in my every day setting with routines.
It wasn't all big and grand. Shoot, most of my weekend involved sitting and being in the car. However, I truly felt that without my normal routine and doing things out of the ordinary, I had found some small way of making a staycation feel more like a true vacation that I haven't had in a good chunk of time. Here's how. Please also bear in mind that I'm an unmarried young adult, so my experiences may differ from your.
-Put the road in Road Trip: I was already planning on spending two full days stuck in my car during my initial vacation plans. I might as well carry on and hit the road as long as there wasn't a storm stopping me. My dad and I took a quick trip up to Hannibal and back on Friday (about 4 hours of just driving and sitting, mind you). On Saturday, I decided to do a quick pilgrimage and spent an equal chunk of time circling around central Missouri where I stopped at various Catholic places I came across.
Part of the point of driving around so much was just to see the sights. I had never really seen most of the spots I was passing through, and it was cool seeing gorgeous riverways, thick tree covered hills, and little historic towns along the way. Missouri is a gorgeous state to drive through in my opinion and this weekend emphasized that beauty in my eyes.
-Take pictures: Generally if you're on vacation, you're almost guaranteed to have a camera in your hand. Since it's an unusual/ brand new setting and you're likely to not see things the same way again, you want to capture an image to preserve the memory of the thing or place you stopped at on vacation. Well, as I said before, I had not really been to some of the places I drove through over the weekend, so I had to have my camera on my phone at the ready at all times.
Part of my Saturday adventure naturally came with the need for a camera. I intentionally sought out these Catholics churches and shrines on a very particular route. This is because one random side hobby of mine is to collect pictures of different Catholic churches, statues, and icons and create an album of those pictures on my Facebook page. It's not very detailed, and in some cases I'm literally doing a drive-by and taking a quick pic before moving on. However, having the camera gave me a mission and purpose on an otherwise wandering experience.
-Check out the local fare: Tons of small towns and new places have something interesting to offer when it comes to their food and drinks. Purchasing such foods and drinks helps support small, family businesses and it gives you a taste of something you may not otherwise have consumed before or after.
I didn't do too much of this. I did make a pit stop though on my journey Saturday. In the town of Washington, I sought out an ice cream joint to cool off on a warm afternoon. I found Dairy Delight and tried their scoops of Mint Chip and Raspberry Truffle ice cream. Both sweet and cool. Had I been better prepared, I would have tried some other foods at the little festivals going on in Washington or Hermann that day, or I would've made a pit stop at the Daniel Boone Brewfest if I wasn't by myself. So, not a total success in this area of vacation experiences, but at least I can say I tried something local, something different and I enjoyed it.
-Put a good movie on: Of course, I did spend some time at home each day, mainly in the evenings when the rain was most likely to come down and I had had my fill of outdoorsy stuff during the day. Sometimes on vacation, especially after a day of being on the road, you just gotta sit back, relax, and put something good on TV. That was one of my favorite things about road trips growing up, having access to cable TV in hotel rooms so I could surf for multiple movies and TV shows I wouldn't have otherwise had access to. This past weekend I just decided to watch "Saving Private Ryan" because I knew it was a good movie, but I hadn't seen it in so long and I wanted to make sure it really held up since I put it on my Valuable Films List.
-Take advantage of good weather: The main purpose of a vacation, such as camping, is to be outside and to explore natural settings. This can only work when the weather cooperates by either being warm, sunny, or at least not raining.
Because the forecast called for rain for half of my vacation weekend, I knew I had to get outside whenever the weather was good. I went to the driving range a couple of times as well as played a round of golf on Monday. I went for a walk with my mom on Sunday in a park I had never really been to before. I checked out grottos and statues in the woodlands outside of a shrine. Even just the driving around was an attempt to take advantage of good or sunny weather (it made for some spectacular views) so that I didn't stay cooped up in my house.
-Don't worry about regular life too much: Since on a vacation you're normally far away from the stresses of work and extracurricular activities, I attempted the same concept for my staycation weekend. Granted, it was hard. I had all this free time to worry about Crossroads (Catholic young adult ministry) plans, looking at different job opportunities, and just scheduling my future in general. However, even Scripture tells us not to worry and to not put so much focus on tomorrow but rather be present in the present. So, if I ever thought of a different task to take care of, I just told myself "Well, it's going to have to wait until after my vacation", a similar concept to when I rest on Sunday and don't worry about work or chores when I have the whole day free.
-Blast the jams: What's a vacation roadtrip without music? Whether it's to keep the mind occupied or to keep me awake, music is always a big part of my vacation experiences. This weekend, I dug into the recent discography of an indie country blues musician named Parker Millsap as well as listened to more of the acoustic folk tunes of the Oh Hellos. Even on Saturday evening when I was just relaxing, I went back to some Arctic Monkeys music I hadn't heard in awhile.
-Spend time with family: All of my vacations growing up were with my parents and my brother, so it comes naturally to me to equate vacation time with family time. I made time during the extended weekend to spend time individually with my dad, my mom, and my brother, just catching up and chatting in ways I do not get to do on a regular basis.
The problem is that with most forecasts predicting rain for half the vacation time and without the desire to scramble together a last minute four day weekend roadtrip, I was ultimately left with a "staycation", sitting around the house all weekend with no particular plans. At least, that's how I felt on Thursday when looking at things. However, as the weekend has gone by, I've made it a commitment to take advantage of this free time and treat it as if I really were far away from home and not in my every day setting with routines.
It wasn't all big and grand. Shoot, most of my weekend involved sitting and being in the car. However, I truly felt that without my normal routine and doing things out of the ordinary, I had found some small way of making a staycation feel more like a true vacation that I haven't had in a good chunk of time. Here's how. Please also bear in mind that I'm an unmarried young adult, so my experiences may differ from your.
-Put the road in Road Trip: I was already planning on spending two full days stuck in my car during my initial vacation plans. I might as well carry on and hit the road as long as there wasn't a storm stopping me. My dad and I took a quick trip up to Hannibal and back on Friday (about 4 hours of just driving and sitting, mind you). On Saturday, I decided to do a quick pilgrimage and spent an equal chunk of time circling around central Missouri where I stopped at various Catholic places I came across.
Part of the point of driving around so much was just to see the sights. I had never really seen most of the spots I was passing through, and it was cool seeing gorgeous riverways, thick tree covered hills, and little historic towns along the way. Missouri is a gorgeous state to drive through in my opinion and this weekend emphasized that beauty in my eyes.
-Take pictures: Generally if you're on vacation, you're almost guaranteed to have a camera in your hand. Since it's an unusual/ brand new setting and you're likely to not see things the same way again, you want to capture an image to preserve the memory of the thing or place you stopped at on vacation. Well, as I said before, I had not really been to some of the places I drove through over the weekend, so I had to have my camera on my phone at the ready at all times.
Part of my Saturday adventure naturally came with the need for a camera. I intentionally sought out these Catholics churches and shrines on a very particular route. This is because one random side hobby of mine is to collect pictures of different Catholic churches, statues, and icons and create an album of those pictures on my Facebook page. It's not very detailed, and in some cases I'm literally doing a drive-by and taking a quick pic before moving on. However, having the camera gave me a mission and purpose on an otherwise wandering experience.
-Check out the local fare: Tons of small towns and new places have something interesting to offer when it comes to their food and drinks. Purchasing such foods and drinks helps support small, family businesses and it gives you a taste of something you may not otherwise have consumed before or after.
I didn't do too much of this. I did make a pit stop though on my journey Saturday. In the town of Washington, I sought out an ice cream joint to cool off on a warm afternoon. I found Dairy Delight and tried their scoops of Mint Chip and Raspberry Truffle ice cream. Both sweet and cool. Had I been better prepared, I would have tried some other foods at the little festivals going on in Washington or Hermann that day, or I would've made a pit stop at the Daniel Boone Brewfest if I wasn't by myself. So, not a total success in this area of vacation experiences, but at least I can say I tried something local, something different and I enjoyed it.
-Put a good movie on: Of course, I did spend some time at home each day, mainly in the evenings when the rain was most likely to come down and I had had my fill of outdoorsy stuff during the day. Sometimes on vacation, especially after a day of being on the road, you just gotta sit back, relax, and put something good on TV. That was one of my favorite things about road trips growing up, having access to cable TV in hotel rooms so I could surf for multiple movies and TV shows I wouldn't have otherwise had access to. This past weekend I just decided to watch "Saving Private Ryan" because I knew it was a good movie, but I hadn't seen it in so long and I wanted to make sure it really held up since I put it on my Valuable Films List.
-Take advantage of good weather: The main purpose of a vacation, such as camping, is to be outside and to explore natural settings. This can only work when the weather cooperates by either being warm, sunny, or at least not raining.
Because the forecast called for rain for half of my vacation weekend, I knew I had to get outside whenever the weather was good. I went to the driving range a couple of times as well as played a round of golf on Monday. I went for a walk with my mom on Sunday in a park I had never really been to before. I checked out grottos and statues in the woodlands outside of a shrine. Even just the driving around was an attempt to take advantage of good or sunny weather (it made for some spectacular views) so that I didn't stay cooped up in my house.
-Don't worry about regular life too much: Since on a vacation you're normally far away from the stresses of work and extracurricular activities, I attempted the same concept for my staycation weekend. Granted, it was hard. I had all this free time to worry about Crossroads (Catholic young adult ministry) plans, looking at different job opportunities, and just scheduling my future in general. However, even Scripture tells us not to worry and to not put so much focus on tomorrow but rather be present in the present. So, if I ever thought of a different task to take care of, I just told myself "Well, it's going to have to wait until after my vacation", a similar concept to when I rest on Sunday and don't worry about work or chores when I have the whole day free.
-Blast the jams: What's a vacation roadtrip without music? Whether it's to keep the mind occupied or to keep me awake, music is always a big part of my vacation experiences. This weekend, I dug into the recent discography of an indie country blues musician named Parker Millsap as well as listened to more of the acoustic folk tunes of the Oh Hellos. Even on Saturday evening when I was just relaxing, I went back to some Arctic Monkeys music I hadn't heard in awhile.
-Spend time with family: All of my vacations growing up were with my parents and my brother, so it comes naturally to me to equate vacation time with family time. I made time during the extended weekend to spend time individually with my dad, my mom, and my brother, just catching up and chatting in ways I do not get to do on a regular basis.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Keeler’s Valuable Films List
As I may have mentioned in previous posts, I am a fan of the Vatican Film List. A list of 45 movies organized under three categories of "Religion" "Morality" and "Art". While there are still plenty of movies on that list that I need to see, it got me thinking of what my own 45 movies list would look like. So I made one.
Neither of these lists are "Best" or "Need-to-See" lists per se, but they are best stated as simply "Important" movies worth checking out. The Vatican Film List was actually compiled to celebrate the exact 100 year anniversary since the beginning of film making. My list is perhaps more simply just great movies that I have seen, made from early years of film making to present day. I repeat, these are simply movies that I have personally seen and may not even be the very best of their category, especially since it's just subjective personal opinion.
Neither of these lists are "Best" or "Need-to-See" lists per se, but they are best stated as simply "Important" movies worth checking out. The Vatican Film List was actually compiled to celebrate the exact 100 year anniversary since the beginning of film making. My list is perhaps more simply just great movies that I have seen, made from early years of film making to present day. I repeat, these are simply movies that I have personally seen and may not even be the very best of their category, especially since it's just subjective personal opinion.
For my list, I decided to use three categories as well, but my labels include "Catholic", "Moral Value", and "Artistic Value". This is an attempt to separate my list from the other and to try to match my criteria for valuable movies with quality movies that represent the Catholic faith. The movies listed under each category are not in any particular order of rank, just a simple list of 15 movies that best represent each category. I tried as best I could to not repeat Vatican Film List picks, but some of these movies I put on the list BECAUSE I only watched them after seeing them on the Vatican Film List and I was impressed by their film making. Under the "Artistic Value" category, I chose 15 films to represent 15 different genres or styles of film. Also, I repeat, these are only movies that I have personally seen.
Catholic
-Of Gods and Men (2010)
-I Confess (1953)
-Roma, Citta Aperta (1945)
-The Flowers of St. Francis (1950)
-On the Waterfront (1954)
-Going My Way (1944)
-Henry V (1989)
-The Rite (2011)
-Calvary (2014)
-A Man for All Seasons (1966)
-The Song of Bernadette (1943)
-Becket (1964)
-Monsieur Vincent (1947)
-The Scarlet and the Black (1983)
-The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Talking Points: This is basically my list of 10 Highly Recommendable Catholic Movies with some extras thrown in, so I'm only going to explain just a few of my choices here.
I did not watch I Confess until after creating my previous list. I consider it to be an underrated Hitchcock classic. It’s a great examination of the Seal of the Confessional and also humanizes priests as men who know what love and romance is even before being ordained. The end goes a little goofy, but it’s the dedication that each character has toward achieving their desired goal that drives this movie's great use of tension. In a movie where you already know the answer to the mystery, it sure is thrilling.
Roma: Citta Aperta shares many similarities with The Scarlet and the Black since they both deal with the Nazi occupation of Rome during World War II and the stealthy response from the Catholics in and out of the Vatican. What separates the two is Roma is an Italian movie made right on the heels of the end of World War II, filmed right within Rome itself, which emphasizes the realism of the movie.
The Flowers of St. Francis, the English translation of the title of this Italian film, is a series of vignettes focused on how St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order and some of the stories about him and his first monks during that time. I’m told that real monks were used in the supporting roles, which adds to the realism, and it really really makes you believe that you are watching slices of life about this saint and his companions right in the 13th century.
I did not watch I Confess until after creating my previous list. I consider it to be an underrated Hitchcock classic. It’s a great examination of the Seal of the Confessional and also humanizes priests as men who know what love and romance is even before being ordained. The end goes a little goofy, but it’s the dedication that each character has toward achieving their desired goal that drives this movie's great use of tension. In a movie where you already know the answer to the mystery, it sure is thrilling.
Roma: Citta Aperta shares many similarities with The Scarlet and the Black since they both deal with the Nazi occupation of Rome during World War II and the stealthy response from the Catholics in and out of the Vatican. What separates the two is Roma is an Italian movie made right on the heels of the end of World War II, filmed right within Rome itself, which emphasizes the realism of the movie.
The Flowers of St. Francis, the English translation of the title of this Italian film, is a series of vignettes focused on how St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order and some of the stories about him and his first monks during that time. I’m told that real monks were used in the supporting roles, which adds to the realism, and it really really makes you believe that you are watching slices of life about this saint and his companions right in the 13th century.
Moral Value
-Babette’s Feast (1987)
Moral of the Story: Food is awesome and you never know when your simple good deeds will provide unforeseen rewards
Moral of the Story: Food is awesome and you never know when your simple good deeds will provide unforeseen rewards
-The Bicycle Thief (1948)
Moral of the Story: Just because someone does an evil deed to you, is it justifiable for you to also do an evil deed out of desperation?
Moral of the Story: Just because someone does an evil deed to you, is it justifiable for you to also do an evil deed out of desperation?
-It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Moral of the Story: Helping people is worthwhile and bears fruit, even when you cannot see it on a regular basis.
Moral of the Story: Helping people is worthwhile and bears fruit, even when you cannot see it on a regular basis.
-Schindler’s List (1993)
Moral of the Story: It is better to give than to receive and people have worth. Also, Nazis are evil.
Moral of the Story: It is better to give than to receive and people have worth. Also, Nazis are evil.
-The Last Samurai (2003)
Moral of the Story: Redemption is possible.
Moral of the Story: Redemption is possible.
-The Quiet Man (1952)
Moral of the Story: Peace is the ultimate good, but true strength and courage are required to move forward.
Moral of the Story: Peace is the ultimate good, but true strength and courage are required to move forward.
-The Lord of the Ring: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Moral of the Story: You don't have to be grand or big to do something heroic. Also, evil is bad and good is good.
Moral of the Story: You don't have to be grand or big to do something heroic. Also, evil is bad and good is good.
-The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
(2007)
Moral of the Story: Killing the bad guy is not always the right answer.
Moral of the Story: Killing the bad guy is not always the right answer.
- Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Moral of the Story: There's a difference between the obligation of duty and personal ambition.
Moral of the Story: There's a difference between the obligation of duty and personal ambition.
-Groundhog Day (1993)
Moral of the Story: Helping people is more important than your own selfish desires.
Moral of the Story: Helping people is more important than your own selfish desires.
-The Prestige (2006)
Moral of the Story: Revenge can only lead to disastrous consequences.
Moral of the Story: Revenge can only lead to disastrous consequences.
-Sergeant York (1941)
Moral of the Story: Killing is wrong, but sometimes you've got to step up and save people.
Moral of the Story: Killing is wrong, but sometimes you've got to step up and save people.
-The Mission (1986)
Moral of the Story: There's always a chance for forgiveness and peace is the right way to live. Also, colonialism is evil.
Moral of the Story: There's always a chance for forgiveness and peace is the right way to live. Also, colonialism is evil.
-Lilies of the Field (1963)
Moral of the Story: Community is vital to life and sometimes you can find a mission and purpose in places you wouldn't expect.
Moral of the Story: Community is vital to life and sometimes you can find a mission and purpose in places you wouldn't expect.
-Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987)
Moral of the Story:Community is vital to life and you can make friends with anyone if you give them a chance. Also, not all Nazis are evil?
Artistic Value
-Animation: Princess Mononoke (1997)
I was
close to copying the Vatican Film List and putting Fantasia in this slot since
it is such a piece of high quality art and the hard work has withstood the test
of time, but I think that this choice showcases an entire history of animation
within its runtime. Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli are one of the most
renowned animation companies today because they bring a specific artistic style, rooted in their country’s culture and history, to life. The shots of nature and
the spirits that inhabit the world are gorgeous, but the animation is also not
afraid to give time to the grotesque and violent. If you wanted to prove the value of hand-drawn 2D animation in the modern context, this movie is the best way to go about it.
-Western: Stagecoach (1939)
While I
considered other options, including other John Wayne movies, this is the
definitive Western to me. The actors portray two things: caricatures of cliché Western
characters and people with heavy personal struggles based on their pasts. There’s
the gun play and horse riding that Westerns are known for, the location shots
are infamous in their ability to define the genre, and the people all seem like
they come straight from the last couple decades of the 19th century
in Southwest United States. It's reserved in the gritty violence and anti-heroism that later defined the western genre and instead allows genuine humor and drama to create an enduring story and heartfelt characters.
-Comedy: Hot Fuzz (2007)
This movie is comedic in how serious it presents itself. It knows how to spoof a genre properly while simultaneously tell its own unique story. This movie invites multiple viewings because of the little inside jokes and clues it leaves along the way. Despite some profanity and modern mindsets, it is never vulgar and nowhere near as inappropriate as most other movies passing themselves off as "comedies". The characters are all cooky and fun, as are the action scenes in the last third of the movie. Seriously, the delivery of the lines in this movie is so dry and dramatic that you can't help but laugh at them. The reason this movie beats out the more quotable Big Lebowski is this one actually has a coherent plot and has restraint in areas that Lebowski lacks.
This movie is comedic in how serious it presents itself. It knows how to spoof a genre properly while simultaneously tell its own unique story. This movie invites multiple viewings because of the little inside jokes and clues it leaves along the way. Despite some profanity and modern mindsets, it is never vulgar and nowhere near as inappropriate as most other movies passing themselves off as "comedies". The characters are all cooky and fun, as are the action scenes in the last third of the movie. Seriously, the delivery of the lines in this movie is so dry and dramatic that you can't help but laugh at them. The reason this movie beats out the more quotable Big Lebowski is this one actually has a coherent plot and has restraint in areas that Lebowski lacks.
-Horror: Psycho (1960)
For the
record, other horror movies like The Exorcist and even The Conjuring were in close
contention for making this list. However, sometimes the natural is even scarier
than the supernatural, and Psycho is the best popular example of something macabre
happening in ordinary life. All of the most thrilling scenes are memorable
because of their power of suggestive fright, including the shower scene, the basement
scene, and the final shot of the movie. The black and white cinematography on
top of the music score adds so much atmosphere to what may otherwise just be a
melodrama with some absurd moments. This work is also one of the most
accessible movies of the horror genre since it does not rely on gruesome blood
effects and demonic voices.
-Science Fiction: Star Wars (1977)
I know.
I’m surprised by this myself. I spend so much time acknowledging the Star Wars
movies as just average movies given overrated praise by fanboys. Yet, if I had
to pick one movie that encapsulated science-fiction and was a good
representation of influence from the past and insight into the future of
filmmaking, it would have to be the original Star Wars movie. There’s different
planets, laser weapons, robots, space travel, alien creatures, and some
philosophical dialogue. The ability of the filmmaking team to utilize little
models and standard technology to create such life-like imagery is worth
commending.
-Documentary: It Might Get Loud (2008)
I
cannot say that I’m watched too many documentaries before and I am sure that
there are others that deserve higher praise than this one. For my own part
though, from the documentaries that I have seen overall, this is the one I hold as a standard to compare the quality of other documentaries I see. It tells its
story of the history of the electric guitar, thereby the history of rock music,
from different angles in a fun, entertaining, and engaging way. All
three guitarists bring a different perspective and represent a different period
in rock’n’roll. You want the movie to keeping going as it heads toward the finale and you want to rewatch because of the great music and the intriguing behind-the-scenes approach you're given into the world of rock music.
-Adventure: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
If there was one movie that had the atmosphere and fun of old school adventure movies with modern technology and respectable dialogue, it's Raiders. The introductory scene especially looks and feels like it could've been made back in the 40s, but the longer the movie goes on, not only does it get better, but it gets bolder and more spectacular, like a modern movie. You get all of the exotic locations and fight scenes that action adventures are known for, as well as the intriguing relationships that are found in love interests, sidekicks, and bad guys. And who doesn't love a movie where Nazis are the bad guys? The characters are not caricatures or cliches, but they are also allowed to be a little melodramatic in proper movie fashion. The imagery, the locations, and the quotes from this movie are all memorable.
If there was one movie that had the atmosphere and fun of old school adventure movies with modern technology and respectable dialogue, it's Raiders. The introductory scene especially looks and feels like it could've been made back in the 40s, but the longer the movie goes on, not only does it get better, but it gets bolder and more spectacular, like a modern movie. You get all of the exotic locations and fight scenes that action adventures are known for, as well as the intriguing relationships that are found in love interests, sidekicks, and bad guys. And who doesn't love a movie where Nazis are the bad guys? The characters are not caricatures or cliches, but they are also allowed to be a little melodramatic in proper movie fashion. The imagery, the locations, and the quotes from this movie are all memorable.
-War: Saving Private Ryan (1998)
There are some war movies that are all about the gunplay and get you pumped up by the exciting action. There are some war movies that are more focused on the philosophies about war, violence, and peace and don't care too much about the weaponry. There are some war movies that just want to recreate for you what happened during World War II. Saving Private Ryan is all of the above. You get such gritty violent realism that it can be hard to make it past the opening scene. There are plenty of other tense and bloody action scenes that honestly depict the horrific violence involved in war. The movie also takes time to build its characters in quiet moments, giving us insight and understanding about war from regular Joes who had nothing to do with the military before the US got involved in WWII. Despite how gruesome the movie can be, it's also worth repeated viewings and pays tribute to regular but real heroes.
There are some war movies that are all about the gunplay and get you pumped up by the exciting action. There are some war movies that are more focused on the philosophies about war, violence, and peace and don't care too much about the weaponry. There are some war movies that just want to recreate for you what happened during World War II. Saving Private Ryan is all of the above. You get such gritty violent realism that it can be hard to make it past the opening scene. There are plenty of other tense and bloody action scenes that honestly depict the horrific violence involved in war. The movie also takes time to build its characters in quiet moments, giving us insight and understanding about war from regular Joes who had nothing to do with the military before the US got involved in WWII. Despite how gruesome the movie can be, it's also worth repeated viewings and pays tribute to regular but real heroes.
-Silent: Modern Times (1936)
Just like the documentary category, I can't say I've sat through many silent movies, so I don't have much to back up this choice. I saw this movie because it was on the Vatican Film List and I can see why it was chosen. There's some thematic exploration of ideas in the industrial work world of the time as well as some interestingly choreographed scenes. Charlie Chaplin has remained popular for his comedy for a reason, and he knows how to make people laugh with goofy faces, body language, and awkward situations. Even the few moments of sound and dialogue are not necessary for this movie to function well. It works because of the grand set pieces, the goofy interaction between the characters, and the physical way that the story is told.
Just like the documentary category, I can't say I've sat through many silent movies, so I don't have much to back up this choice. I saw this movie because it was on the Vatican Film List and I can see why it was chosen. There's some thematic exploration of ideas in the industrial work world of the time as well as some interestingly choreographed scenes. Charlie Chaplin has remained popular for his comedy for a reason, and he knows how to make people laugh with goofy faces, body language, and awkward situations. Even the few moments of sound and dialogue are not necessary for this movie to function well. It works because of the grand set pieces, the goofy interaction between the characters, and the physical way that the story is told.
-Black & White: Seven Samurai (1954)
Again, this is one genre that I do not have too much experience with, so out of my limited knowledge of movies that fit this category, I think Seven Samurai fits the best. Under this heading, you might think I'm also talking about modern movies that are shot in black and white, like Sin City, The Artist, or Schindler's List, but those movies are just copying an artistic style, mainly an artistic style that existed at an older time when colored movies were too experimental or too expensive to produce. What also separates this category from something like the Silent movie genre is how dialogue and sound impacts the movie experience.
I do not think this movie would work in a new, colored setting, which is why any remake of this movie has had to set their project in a different time and location. The lights and shadows in this movie leave an impact on how the viewer understands characters and their motives. You do not need to have all the color that later Kurosawa samurai movies have to appreciate the spectacle of the realistic costumes and props. The action scenes, once you get to them, are thrilling even when they're quiet. The dialogue is poetic while remaining realistic, and there's even moments where tension is built up because of a lack of dialogue so that when you do finally hear something screamed or whispered it gives you an emotional punch. The clash of the sword, the sound of horses trotting, and gruff Japanese voices all bring history to life in a way a silent movie cannot.
Again, this is one genre that I do not have too much experience with, so out of my limited knowledge of movies that fit this category, I think Seven Samurai fits the best. Under this heading, you might think I'm also talking about modern movies that are shot in black and white, like Sin City, The Artist, or Schindler's List, but those movies are just copying an artistic style, mainly an artistic style that existed at an older time when colored movies were too experimental or too expensive to produce. What also separates this category from something like the Silent movie genre is how dialogue and sound impacts the movie experience.
I do not think this movie would work in a new, colored setting, which is why any remake of this movie has had to set their project in a different time and location. The lights and shadows in this movie leave an impact on how the viewer understands characters and their motives. You do not need to have all the color that later Kurosawa samurai movies have to appreciate the spectacle of the realistic costumes and props. The action scenes, once you get to them, are thrilling even when they're quiet. The dialogue is poetic while remaining realistic, and there's even moments where tension is built up because of a lack of dialogue so that when you do finally hear something screamed or whispered it gives you an emotional punch. The clash of the sword, the sound of horses trotting, and gruff Japanese voices all bring history to life in a way a silent movie cannot.
-Superhero: The Avengers (2012)
The Dark Knight is probably the best made movie involving a comic book hero . However, if there was one movie that you could use as the definitive superhero movie, meaning that it tells a full comic book story in a semi-realistic-mostly-fantastical way with a cast of colorful characters that gives you the whole arc of emotions within comic books, I'd argue that The Avengers is that one definitive movie. You get all of the action that's involved in comic books, including urban destruction in a major city. You get all of the special powers that superheroes are known to have as well as the futuristic high tech gadgetry. You get the good vs. evil storyline with some plot twist elements. Finally, you get the humor and character interactions that bring some lighthearted goodness into a setting that would otherwise be gritty and depressing.
The Dark Knight is probably the best made movie involving a comic book hero . However, if there was one movie that you could use as the definitive superhero movie, meaning that it tells a full comic book story in a semi-realistic-mostly-fantastical way with a cast of colorful characters that gives you the whole arc of emotions within comic books, I'd argue that The Avengers is that one definitive movie. You get all of the action that's involved in comic books, including urban destruction in a major city. You get all of the special powers that superheroes are known to have as well as the futuristic high tech gadgetry. You get the good vs. evil storyline with some plot twist elements. Finally, you get the humor and character interactions that bring some lighthearted goodness into a setting that would otherwise be gritty and depressing.
-High Art: Tree of Life (2011)
Many movies that are high art "arthouse" pieces come off as arrogant, slow, and involved in too much thinking to be enjoyed by anyone other than movie snobs who live off of watching movies that the general masses despise. However, I think that Tree of Life is an accessible and worthwhile arthouse movie if the viewer is willing to let it guide them on the journey. For my full take on what makes Tree of Life so great, read my review here.
Many movies that are high art "arthouse" pieces come off as arrogant, slow, and involved in too much thinking to be enjoyed by anyone other than movie snobs who live off of watching movies that the general masses despise. However, I think that Tree of Life is an accessible and worthwhile arthouse movie if the viewer is willing to let it guide them on the journey. For my full take on what makes Tree of Life so great, read my review here.
-Romantic Comedy: The Princess Bride (1987)
This movie is quite literally the definition of a genre. It is primarily a romance focused on two lovers fighting to be with one another amongst beautiful locations, with soft serene music in the background. It is also primarily a comedy with witty word play and sarcastic dialogue leaping from the actors’ mouths. Now, you might usually just associate this movie with adventure or comedy, but I think the romance is an important aspect of the plot as well as the characters. It also is not anywhere near as crude or modern as most movies that are usually put under this genre category. The Princess Bride is something that both women and men, kids and adults, can watch and enjoy time and again.
-Musical: Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
If you are going to turn a stage musical into a film, it has to be a different experience than just watching something live on stage. These live musicals on TV are essentially just watching a stage production through the scope of a TV screen. Some musicals, like Joseph….Dreamcoat, do the same thing by introducing their movie as a show within a show. A movie version of a musical needs to transport you to physical locations, bringing the setting to real life. That’s the fault of most classic musicals, the characters are still clearly on sets and sound stages. A movie version of a musical also needs to stand on its own as a good piece of art without relying on the quality of the stage version. That’s the fault of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, their stage versions are so good that you’d rather see them live than watch the inferior movie versions, which also means that quality of the singing comes into play. Based on all this criteria and given my love for Catholicism in movies, you’d might think that this means that Sound of Music would fit in this slot.
However,
my pick for this spot is actually Fiddler on the Roof and this is for a few
different reasons. One reason is atmosphere. Fiddler on the Roof really
provides some serious atmosphere and does so with reverence to the spirituality
of its people as well as the place that it is set in. You truly believe that
you are in a poor village in rural Russia, even in moments when they’re filming
on a sound stage. The movie is not afraid to slowly roam over the landscape or
quietly allow the emotions of the moment to settle in. Sound of Music has some
good atmosphere and quiet moments, but its focus seems to be to travel quickly
from moment to moment to tell the story at a quick pace. Sound of Music as a
movie also takes some liberties with the story of the musical, moving songs and moments to places different than where they are in the stage production. Fiddler
on the Roof is the exact same story in both movie and stage versions. There's also the reverence of the religion of its characters. Sound of Music has some scenes involving Catholicism, but it's not pervasive in the characters' lives, even Maria who struggles with her vocation. Fiddler puts a sharp focus on Judaism and how it impacts the lives and culture of the people in Anatevka. The songs, character movements, and set pieces are rooted in the religion of the main characters.
-Sports: The Sandlot (1993)
I dare
you to find a movie that loves its sport as much as The Sandlot loves baseball.
While some sports movies use the sport as a vehicle to push the theme or
purpose of the story (*cough*RemembertheTitans*cough*), the characters of The
Sandlot love to play baseball because of how fun it is. You see them enjoying
the pitching, catching, throwing, and sweating of baseball, as well as the rivalries
and camaraderie that stems from building a baseball team. The heroes and
legends within the movie are surrounded in the atmosphere of baseball. The movie is incredibly quotable, just as fun to watch as a kid as an adult, and you learn some life lessons without it being too obvious and hard hitting.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Top 10 Small Movies of Summer 2017
Recently, I made my prediction for the Top 10 highest grossing movies of the 2017 summer season in the United States, ranked in order so that the #1 will earn the most money overall. It's just a fun little wager that is driven by my curiosity of which movies people are most likely to spend their hard earned money on. The list is as follows:
1. Cars 3
2. Guardians of the Galaxy 2
3. Despicable Me 3
4. Spiderman: Homecoming
5. Wonder Woman
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
7. Transformers: The Last Knight
8. War of the Planet of the Apes
9. The Mummy
10. Baywatch
2. Guardians of the Galaxy 2
3. Despicable Me 3
4. Spiderman: Homecoming
5. Wonder Woman
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
7. Transformers: The Last Knight
8. War of the Planet of the Apes
9. The Mummy
10. Baywatch
When I posted the list on Facebook, I got a variety of comments making different guesses or saying where they thought I was guessing incorrectly. There was one comment, though, noting that there were no original movies at all in this Top 10, with a further comment noting how there is no more originality and creativity when it comes to stories in movies we see today.
This got me thinking on the nature of summer movies. If we look at last summer's movies, it is a very similar environment to this year. All of the highest grossing summer movies were part of established franchises, with very basic stories and characters and even though they looked nice, the stories themselves just were not well written, meaning that they were average or bad movies. That's not to say all of the movies were bad, just that they were either based on a previously established story/ franchise before it or that the writing lacked any spark of imagination, or both. Meanwhile there were several "indie" movies or less talked about movies, like Kubo and the Two Strings, Swiss Army Man, and Sing Street, that hardly anyone was going to see in the movie theater even though the people that did see the movies all talked about how awesome they were.
I'm sure some of these movies on the above 2017 Top 10 list are going to be good, entertaining, quality movies worth seeing. I myself am excited to see Guardians, Spiderman, and Despicable Me even. I'm also even more certain that many of the movies on the same list are going to be trashy, surface-level, noisy, just-overall-BAD movies that I think people should stop spending their money on.
So, in an attempt to try to balance the scales, and to prove that there are still quality stories coming out this summer to movies theaters, I've compiled another Top 10 list. This Top 10, which you'll soon find below, consists of movies that would fall under the "indie" category, with smaller movie studios with smaller budgets. You'll like not have seen much marketing or heard much word about majority of these movies unless you're a movie snob who has ingested all the information from the film festival circuit or otherwise watched the trailers like I had to do when I found these on IMDB.
Obviously I've not yet seen any of the below movies, so I cannot truly judge if they are good or bad, but their premises and trailers are intriguing enough to be worthy of interest. I will provide the ratings for each movie since these are likely to be darker and more mature than many of the other movies coming out this summer and therefore discretion is advised. I'm not going to applaud a movie for its inappropriate content (sex scenes, nudity, obscene amounts of profanity) and each movie needs to be evaluated individually before you think it is appropriate enough to see it. So this list is just a way to inform you that these movies exist and on the surface, before they're released to the general public, seem potentially more worthwhile on spending money to go see than my other list. The below list is ranked according to my interest/ perceived value of the movie in question (i.e. #1=Most Interest/ Best Value; #10= Least Interest/ Riskiest Value)
So, in an attempt to try to balance the scales, and to prove that there are still quality stories coming out this summer to movies theaters, I've compiled another Top 10 list. This Top 10, which you'll soon find below, consists of movies that would fall under the "indie" category, with smaller movie studios with smaller budgets. You'll like not have seen much marketing or heard much word about majority of these movies unless you're a movie snob who has ingested all the information from the film festival circuit or otherwise watched the trailers like I had to do when I found these on IMDB.
Obviously I've not yet seen any of the below movies, so I cannot truly judge if they are good or bad, but their premises and trailers are intriguing enough to be worthy of interest. I will provide the ratings for each movie since these are likely to be darker and more mature than many of the other movies coming out this summer and therefore discretion is advised. I'm not going to applaud a movie for its inappropriate content (sex scenes, nudity, obscene amounts of profanity) and each movie needs to be evaluated individually before you think it is appropriate enough to see it. So this list is just a way to inform you that these movies exist and on the surface, before they're released to the general public, seem potentially more worthwhile on spending money to go see than my other list. The below list is ranked according to my interest/ perceived value of the movie in question (i.e. #1=Most Interest/ Best Value; #10= Least Interest/ Riskiest Value)
Ultimately, I'm just one man with one opinion. However, if I could cause some little bit of change for something as silly yet impactful as the choice of movies we see and support financially, I'd be mighty pleased. At the end of the day, remember that the big movie studios are only going to provide finances to movies that they think will rake in the cash, so if you want to see less blockbuster trash and more substantial storytelling, pay for movie tickets for movies like the ones below.
1. Dunkirk (Release Date: July 21)
Yes, I topped my list with a Christopher Nolan movie and I'm sure you're ready to call me out as a hypocrite for including such a big name with big money on a small, indie movies list. However, if Christopher Nolan's name wasn't attached to this movie, would you know that this was a big budget Hollywood production or even know that this movie exists? I include it on this list because I really do think it looks worth checking out and I do think that it should be in the Top 10 highest grossing list. So many good actors in a story of valor and bravery. However, since this is not a franchise movie and it's a war drama, the likelihood that people are going to purchase truckloads of tickets just because it's directed by Christopher Nolan is unlikely.
2. Baby Driver (Release Date: June 28)
Okay, now Edgar Wright is on this list and I'm still not a hypocrite...right? Seriously though, the same idea with Christopher Nolan applies to Baby Driver. Not as many people would even know of this movie at this point if Edgar Wright's name wasn't attached, nor would it look so sleek and shiny with such a handsome budget. Yet, the blend of action and humor are still there, as is the quirkiness that is allowed in smaller budget movies. It looks like a fun summer action movie with some dark comedy and even a little romance thrown into the mix. Essentially this could please the action junkie crowd that loves smash-em-up summer blockbusters AND the comedy seekers who just want to have a good laugh in the summer.
Rating: The official rating hasn't been released as of yet, but the best guess is R mainly for violence and language3. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (Release Date: July 21)
This is the last of my summer picks that may have some serious street cred to it since the director is responsible for The Professional and The Fifth Element, and the movie has the likes of Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Ethan Hawke, and Clive Owen in the lead acting roles, all well recognizable and known at this point. This is going to be the sci-fi movie experience of the summer, with the zaniness of Mad Max Fury Road mixed in with the special effects and universe setting of Star Trek. This could be a case of style over substance, where the visual eye candy overpowers a simple storyline, but at least it also looks like it's trying to shoot for a unique sci-fi experience that's both fun and adventurous. If the story it was based on and the actors involved were more popular, this might have a shot at being in the Top 10 Highest Grossing, and I will be pleasantly surprised if that actually happens (as is the case with my above two choices on this list).
Rating: PG-13 for violence, suggestive material, and brief language
4. It Comes At Night (Release Date: June 9)
Horror movies seem to have become part of the summer movie season in recent years, and last year had some memorably good ones, most especially The Conjuring 2. If you're looking to get your horror movie fix this summer, the best bet looks like this one. The trailer doesn't really give much away, nor does the description, but everything is so bizarre and intense. There's people in gas masks, dirty faces, fires, creepy doors, cramped spaces in the dark, guns being pointed at people, and everyone sounds freaked out.
Rating: R for violence, language, and disturbing images
Rating: R for violence, language, and disturbing images
5. The Book of Henry (Release Date: June 16)
At first this movie seems like it's going to focus on a family drama. Naomi Watts is the mother of a boy who is a super genius (like we haven't seen this kind of thing before) and they're both trying to fit in in their normal suburban life while the son tries to help his mom without dominating the relationship. THEN the rest of the trailer is this dark mystery that seems to involve rescuing a little girl from an abusive relationship, with much more suspense and action than the first half would lead us to believe. The movie totally balances the line between Oscar-bait slow indie drama and cult classic dark indie drama.
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language
At first this movie seems like it's going to focus on a family drama. Naomi Watts is the mother of a boy who is a super genius (like we haven't seen this kind of thing before) and they're both trying to fit in in their normal suburban life while the son tries to help his mom without dominating the relationship. THEN the rest of the trailer is this dark mystery that seems to involve rescuing a little girl from an abusive relationship, with much more suspense and action than the first half would lead us to believe. The movie totally balances the line between Oscar-bait slow indie drama and cult classic dark indie drama.
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language
6. The Wall (Release Date: May 12)
A war drama that seems to actually not have too much action. Aaron Taylor Johnson and John Cena (really, John Cena in a drama?) are military guys targeted by an enemy sniper in the desert. As they attempt to take out the enemy with nothing but open desert and a small crumbling wall for cover, Johnson must deal with his injured partner as well as not let the enemy mess with his head via radio communication. Modern warfare meets character study, sounds interesting enough to me.
Rating: R for some language and violence
Rating: R for some language and violence
7. Meaghan Leavey (Release Date: June 9)
All right, you've got a quality leading lady in a movie also directed by a woman. It's even got a dog in a supporting role in a movie based on a true story. That should be enough to draw anybody in to a seat in the theater. Sure, it's another action drama movie about the modern military , but if people want there to be more lead acting jobs and directing jobs for women, going to see this movie is just one small simple action that can help. Plus it's got some solid actors that you can trust to bring good performances overall.
Rating: PG-13 for violence, language, suggestive content, and thematic elements
Rating: PG-13 for violence, language, suggestive content, and thematic elements
8. The Hero (Release Date: June 9)
Sam Elliot plays himself, or a blend of himself and Adam West, as an older man known for acting roles in the past who is blocked from further good work because everyone associates him with the past. It seems like the kind of movie made for folks of the older generation as well as anybody who is struggling with being productive in their careers in a purposeful way. I would caution that it seems like there would be some inappropriate material (the dude is having a relationship with a much younger woman), but hopefully it won't make up much of the movie.
Rating: R for drug use, language, and some sexual content
Rating: R for drug use, language, and some sexual content
9. Maudie (Release Date: June 16)
This is the most Oscar-bait looking movie of the bunch, so if you're looking for a slow quiet drama to cool you down this summer this may be your best bet. It's about a middle aged woman, who is talented as well as handicapped, and her budding relationship with the grumpy loner middle aged man she works for. The woman character is strong and resilient, but not in a cliche way that the blockbusters make their characters to be, but she seems to overcome obstacles both by her own strength and the strength she receives from her relationships to other people. And also, it's a movie written and directed by women, which I only point out because people talk about the need for greater diversity and leadership in the movie industry and it's not going to happen if audiences don't pay to see movies when it happens (I'm sure there's other variables, but at least this is one variable that the movie viewers themselves can control).
Rating: PG-13 for thematic content and brief sexuality
10. A Ghost Story (Release Date: July 7)
If you're looking for a bizarre thinking man's movie to keep your brain active this summer, maybe look into this movie. The trailer and description are almost incomprehensible, but in a good way since they only reveal just enough to peak your curiosity. Something about Casey Affleck walking around in a ghost blanket in a house throughout history while the characters talk about love and death and life and time and all those good philosophical buzz words. But hey, Casey Affleck won an award for being in a highly acclaimed Oscar drama last year and the director was in charge of Pete's Dragon last year (as well as some other previous indie projects), so it's got some credibility to it. It doesn't seem like the kind of movie that is going to get a wide release or at least be in movie theaters for too long, so get out to your local indie joint as quick as possible.
Rating: R for brief language and A disturbing image
Post Script: You'll notice I didn't have movies like Alien: Covenant and The Dark Tower on the list (shame of me, right). Again, this is all personal opinion, so if those movies or others I missed look worth checking out to you, by all means go do it. I'm just trying to throw some support and love to smaller budget movies with bigger ideas and tons of character.
Another thing you'll notice is NONE of these movies that I mentioned in this list are PG or G. That's mainly because...families are really out of luck with movie choices this summer. SERIOUSLY, there's almost nothing for families to go see this summer that isn't rated PG-13. Aside from Cars and Despicable Me, the only other real decent movie for everyone is the Captain Underpants movie, which in my opinion looks more style over substance AND came out 10 years too late (but what do I know, maybe kids love the book series as much as my peers did back in the day). Otherwise, families will have settle for either The Emoji Movie or The Nut Job 2 and...no, just no....just don't give your money to these movies, people!
This is the most Oscar-bait looking movie of the bunch, so if you're looking for a slow quiet drama to cool you down this summer this may be your best bet. It's about a middle aged woman, who is talented as well as handicapped, and her budding relationship with the grumpy loner middle aged man she works for. The woman character is strong and resilient, but not in a cliche way that the blockbusters make their characters to be, but she seems to overcome obstacles both by her own strength and the strength she receives from her relationships to other people. And also, it's a movie written and directed by women, which I only point out because people talk about the need for greater diversity and leadership in the movie industry and it's not going to happen if audiences don't pay to see movies when it happens (I'm sure there's other variables, but at least this is one variable that the movie viewers themselves can control).
Rating: PG-13 for thematic content and brief sexuality
10. A Ghost Story (Release Date: July 7)
If you're looking for a bizarre thinking man's movie to keep your brain active this summer, maybe look into this movie. The trailer and description are almost incomprehensible, but in a good way since they only reveal just enough to peak your curiosity. Something about Casey Affleck walking around in a ghost blanket in a house throughout history while the characters talk about love and death and life and time and all those good philosophical buzz words. But hey, Casey Affleck won an award for being in a highly acclaimed Oscar drama last year and the director was in charge of Pete's Dragon last year (as well as some other previous indie projects), so it's got some credibility to it. It doesn't seem like the kind of movie that is going to get a wide release or at least be in movie theaters for too long, so get out to your local indie joint as quick as possible.
Rating: R for brief language and A disturbing image
Post Script: You'll notice I didn't have movies like Alien: Covenant and The Dark Tower on the list (shame of me, right). Again, this is all personal opinion, so if those movies or others I missed look worth checking out to you, by all means go do it. I'm just trying to throw some support and love to smaller budget movies with bigger ideas and tons of character.
Another thing you'll notice is NONE of these movies that I mentioned in this list are PG or G. That's mainly because...families are really out of luck with movie choices this summer. SERIOUSLY, there's almost nothing for families to go see this summer that isn't rated PG-13. Aside from Cars and Despicable Me, the only other real decent movie for everyone is the Captain Underpants movie, which in my opinion looks more style over substance AND came out 10 years too late (but what do I know, maybe kids love the book series as much as my peers did back in the day). Otherwise, families will have settle for either The Emoji Movie or The Nut Job 2 and...no, just no....just don't give your money to these movies, people!
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