Edited by Jasmine Ryu Won Kang
Of course, school is important but so is your well-being! Reading week is coming up, so use some of your time to unwind and if –– like me –– you are a fan of cinema, take it as an opportunity to catch up on films. Through a list of five of my favorite movies, I hope to inspire you with ideas for what to stream next.
- Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
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Synopsis: Directed by the one and only Quentin Tarantino, “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” follows the story of an actor and his stunt double in the 1960’s. The movie brilliantly takes us through the characters’ journey in trying to become successful in Hollywood.
With its fun soundtrack and excellent acting, this movie is a delight. Leonardo DiCaprio plays the lead (Rick Dalton), and he, Brad Pitt (Cliff Booth), and Margot Robbie (Sharon Tate) all deliver a fantastic performance. My only issue with “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” is that the female characters portrayed in the movie lack depth and complexity. That being said, the movie is surprisingly funny. This isn’t what you would expect from a signature Tarantino film as it differs from iconic titles such as “Pulp Fiction” or “Kill Bill” but it remains a great movie that I would definitely rewatch and recommend watching — especially if you enjoy Drama, Thriller, or Comedy.
- Spiderman: Far From Home
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Synopsis: Our ‘friendly neighborhood Spiderman’ decides to join Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to leave super-heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent.
Humorous and heart-felt, this sequel dethrones “Spiderman: Homecoming.” The film is action-packed, entertaining, and angsty, and explores the challenges that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) faces in a post-Endgame world. Although not as emotionally intense as “Avengers: Endgame,” “Spiderman: Far From Home” will most definitely take you by surprise more than once. I highly recommend it! With the launch of WandaVision, the MCU is entering a new phase in 2021 and, being the last installment of the “Infinity Saga,” “Far From Home” is a must-watch.
- Knives Out
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Synopsis: When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death.
With slick writing, sublime performances, superb editing, and great atmospheric music, “Knives Out” is incredibly fun and particularly entertaining. If you are a fan of old murder mystery stories, look no further –– you will love this movie!
- Marriage Story
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Synopsis: A director, Charlie (Adam Driver), and his wife, Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), who is an actress, struggle through a divorce that pushes them to extremes.
“Marriage Story” brilliantly sheds light on the joys of marriage and the challenges that come with divorce. Through the characters of Nicole and Charlie — that Johansson and Driver beautifully portray, the film embarks the public on a journey that allows it to see that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
- Booksmart
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Synopsis: Two bookworms and academic overachievers decide to ‘let loose’ for one night to make up for the lost time, after realizing that they have been cast aside by their peers.
In all honesty, this movie has to be one of my favorite comedies! The main characters, two high-school girls named Amy and Molly, successfully manage to keep you amused and entertained through their fun, crazy graduation-eve-adventure. It’s inclusive, progressive, and definitely worth watching! You won’t regret it.