Every year, I watch cable TV and find movies I’ve never heard of before— be it through trailers, recommendations, or even the source material that they’re based on. If I have the time to sit down with my grandma, I’ll probably watch them.
With COVID-19 social distancing obligating us to stay home and not being able to spend time with our families who we haven’t seen in a while, we can only meet up through Zoom meetings. Why not have a movie marathon? Does your city still have a place to rent physical copies of movies? Don’t let the tradition die out!
These are some of those movies that, even though I’ve come across them by accident, they’re perfect for rewatching this Thanksgiving:
- The Borrowers (2011)
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Based on Mary Norton children’s fantasy novel, The Borrowers presents a beautiful perspective of what family means. In her house, a grandmother claims to see miniature creatures living beneath the floor. Her grandson does not believe her, but a scientist, interested in this “species,” tries to capture the Clock family (the borrowers) in as many ways as possible. When the daughter of the family, Arrietty, needs to keep her family safe and united, the adventure begins. But in the middle of her trip, she realizes how much she wants to live her life and how prepared she is to make decisions. At some points, the movie presents how we may not always agree with our loved ones while still appreciating them. It reveals the coming-of-age attitude that young adults assume to confront the world, as well as the power of believing in yourself.
- The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
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Tintin, a young and persistent journalist, finds a new story to investigate. After acquiring a mysterious old ship, he’s chased by Ivan Ivanovich Sakharine, whose relationship with the ship and its meaning will intrigue and motivate Tintin to resolve the ship’s puzzle. Throughout the plot, Tintin, alongside his friend Milú, chases an alleged treasure and the curse behind it. This mix of action, comedy and drama definitely promises to entertain viewers. On the other hand, the film illustrates just how dangerous a journalist’s work can be, risking their lives in unimaginable places, and facing any type of threat just to find the truth. Since its release, many fans have been arguing about when they’ll see the second and third part. The Adventures of Tintin is loosely based on the 20th century comics, so if you like to read comics, here you have a new collection to read!
- Inkheart (2008)
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Inkheart is the story of a dad and a daughter whose love for literature gets them involved in a tale they probably never imagined, but that assured them to find Resa, Meggie’s mom and Mortimer’s love. What could happen if you read a book and one character comes to life while you enter the book? Now they need to not only find Resa, but also put the stories in order, both throughout their real lives and in the book. What I really like about this movie is how it mirrors the feeling when you really love a book, because you feel identified or because it gives you an answer to a problem, and you feel as if you really were inside the book. It represents the escapism one experiences for a few hours while reading. I don’t know about you, but after reading, I take the time to reflect on the topic and evaluate how I can transform my life based on what I’ve read. Magic is a small word for this story based on Cornelia Funke’s novel. I adore these type of stories!
- Mortal Engines (2018)
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The list wouldn’t be complete without an apocalyptic film. Based on the novel of the same name authored by Philip Reeve, Mortal Engines narrates the story of Hester, a young woman who lives in the post-crisis of Earth after the end of the world, where cities now can move from side to side above a mechanic grid in an attempt to colonize other cities. Hester and Tom, trying to survive in the middle of catastrophe, team up in an adventure that will save the day and also help Hester answer questions about her past. I enjoyed how the friendship between the main characters developed and the machines’ special effects. I’m not a fan of action movies, but this one amazed me.
- The Age of Adaline (2015)
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Adaline is a woman that’s more than 100 years old. No, she is not a vampire, nor a lucky old woman that keeps celebrating her birthday. After a car accident, she was struck by a lighting bolt that modified her system, and now suffers from a genetic disorder that stopped her aging. She sees how time passes by, but time takes no toll on her. After decades of escaping from telling the truth to someone and falling in love again, she understands that her destiny can’t change and she will see how everyone dies while she keeps celebrating yet another year. Is it a blessing or a curse? I really love the calm-natured plot, the color palettes, and how the story develops. It reminds me of how important it is to recognize that, regardless of how many obstacles you face or how different you are from others, you don’t have to run away. You deserve to be happy.
There are so many other movies that I’ve accidentally come across, but I can’t remember their titles. Anyway, I still like to stay in comfortable pajamas with a delicious snack and enjoy stories that I’ll probably never see again.
This Thanksgiving, take a break from college, please! As a movie night after dinner with your family or whoever you’re living with, distract yourselves with a new movie or watch your favorites all over again. The important thing here is to have fun and be grateful about those small moments. Stay at home and enjoy a happy Thanksgiving day!