Netflix Friday - Volume 98

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.
 

Action: Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021)
The bodyguard, Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), continues his friendship with assassin, Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), as they try to save Darius’ wife Sonia.
 

Drama: Big Fish (2003)
A frustrated son (Billy Crudup) tries to determine the fact from fiction in his dying father’s (Albert Finney) life.
 

Comedy: American Pie 2 (2001)
Jim (Jason Biggs) and his friends are now in college, and they decide to meet up at the beach house for some fun.
 

Animation: The Wind Rises (2013)
A look at the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II.
 

Romance: Life as We Know It (2010)
Two single adults (Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel) become caregivers to an orphaned girl when their mutual best friends die in an accident.
 

Horror: The Unholy (2021)
A hearing-impaired girl is visited by the Virgin Mary and can suddenly hear, speak and heal the sick. As people flock to witness her miracle, terrifying events unfold. Are they the work of the Virgin Mary or something much more sinister?
 

Science Fiction: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
After Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptile foe (Rhys Ifans).
 

Crime: The Town (2010)
A proficient group of thieves rob a bank and hold Claire (Rebecca Hall), the assistant manager, hostage. Things begin to get complicated when one of the crew members (Ben Affleck) falls in love with Claire.
 

Thriller: 1922 (2017)
A simple yet proud farmer (Thomas Jane) in the year 1922 conspires to murder his wife for financial gain, convincing his teenage son to assist. But their actions have unintended consequences.
 

Documentary: Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives (2022)
After marrying a mysterious man who claimed he could make her dog immortal, a celebrated vegan restauranteur finds her life veering off the rails.
 

Family: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Against all the odds, a thirteen-year-old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine.

Netflix Friday - Volume 19

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.

Action: Godzilla (2014)
The world is beset by the appearance of monstrous creatures, but one of them may be the only one who can save humanity.

Drama: Big Fish (2003)
A frustrated son (Billy Crudup) tries to determine the fact from fiction in his dying father’s (Albert Finney) life.

Comedy: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) is an advertising executive and ladies’ man who, to win a big campaign, bets that he can make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days.

Animation: The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
The quiet life of a terrier named Max (Louis C.K.) is upended when his owner takes in Duke Eric Stonestreet), a stray whom Max instantly dislikes.

Romance: Ghost (1990)
After Sam (Patrick Swayze) is murdered, his spirit stays behind to warn his girlfriend Molly (Demi Moore) impending on danger, with the help of a reluctant psychic (Whoopi Goldberg).

Horror: The Purge: Election Year (2016)
Former Police Sergeant Barnes (Frank Grillo) becomes head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), a Presidential candidate targeted for death on Purge night due her vow to eliminate the Purge.

Science Fiction: The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
The affair between a politician (Matt Damon) and a contemporary dancer (Emily Blunt) is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart.

Crime: The Last Castle (2001)
A court-martialed General (Robert Redforf) rallies together twelve hundred inmates to rise against a corrupt and sadistic warden.

Thriller: Fear (1996)
When Nicole (Reese Witherspoon) met David (Mark Wahlberg); handsome, charming, affectionate, he was everything. It seemed perfect, but soon she sees that David has a darker side. And his adoration turns to obsession, their dream into a nightmare, and her love into fear.

Documentary: Birders (2019)
Bird watchers on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border share their enthusiasm for protecting and preserving some of the world’s most beautiful bird species.

Family: Rudy (1993)
Rudy (Sean Astin) has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.

Movies That Instantly Make Me Happy

With all the sadness in the world and everything you have to worry about on a daily basis, it’s nice to have those movies that can put a smile on your face and not having to worry about a single thing.  I put together a list for you, of movies that never failed to make me happy.

Love Actually (2003)
This beloved film may be a Christmas movie, but it can be watched year-round. At least I watch it any time I can. Its huge ensemble cast makes up eight different couples whose love lives are all intertwined. It all culminates in a story that will always warm your heart, no matter how many times you watch it.

The Princess Bride (1987)
This fantasy romance follows long-lost loves Westley and Buttercup, who in order to be reunited, must fight through various obstacles they face in the kingdom of Florin. When I’m in the worst of moods, “The Princess Bride” always gets me laughing.

Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump in this 1994 classic. His character is so endearing and it might sound cliché, but “Forrest Gump” never gets old. I have nothing but love for this film.

La La Land (2017)
A pianist and actress transport audiences back to the golden days of Hollywood, when musicals and the art of dance were used to encourage viewers to follow their dreams. The 2017 Oscar-winning film is a must-see for theater buffs, and anyone who loved bright colors and romance.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)
“You’ve Got Mail” is maybe a bit outdated, but this is such a fantastic romcom. It’s over 20 years old, but the dialogues still crack me up and each time Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks find each other in the park at the end, it makes my heart melt.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
This is my go-to movie whenever I’m feeling down. It’s a classic and never fails to put a smile on my face. Especially the moment where Gene Kelly sings the titular song in the rain, I can’t stop smiling.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Nothing makes me smile more than a quirky, out-of-the-ordinary family. If this movie doesn’t make you smile, you’re dead inside. It’s about dreams and illusions and the beauty of a dysfunctional family. Pure joy. And Abigail Breslin literally brings sun to the rainiest cold days.

Annie Hall (1977)
“Annie Hall” tells the story of a neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer who tries to work out why his relationship with Annie Hall ultimately ended and the nature of love. When I first saw this movie, I learned that Alvy Singer is my long lost sibling, because it’s like watching myself. Woody Allen’s hilarious nervous pessimism will have you gunning for happier vibes. The lobster scene alone should make you feel better.

Amélie (2001)
The magic of “Amélie” is in how it defines us not by what we buy or what we consume but by what we do. It’s a whimsical romance, but it’s more than just a girl-meets-boy love story. Amélie attempts to fix the broken people around her even as she ignores her own happiness in the process. Random acts of kindness is Amélie’s middle name.

Intouchables (2011)
It’s a life-affirming, witty, funny and charming movie. The proportions of drama and comedy are almost perfect. The story of two friends, as different as black and white, day and night, is truly amazing.

Big Fish (2003)
Tim Burton made a movie that’s almost like a fairytale. The story of Edward Bloom says that everyone has their own universe inside of them. This is such a positive film, filled with the ‘dream big’ message.

Five to Watch - Movies About Pursuing Your Dreams

“A Star is Born” has just hit the theaters and I can’t wait to see it. This movie gave me the idea for this theme: movies were characters chase their dreams. These films are a true inspiration to those who want to pursue their dreams. I picked films I find very good and somehow they flew under the radar, are underrated or seriously overlooked. Here are my five picks for movies about pursuing your dreams.

Big Fish
Throughout his life, Edward Bloom has been a man of fierce passion and tall tales. In his later years, he remains a huge mystery to his son William. In an effort to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures. Edward is a man who did everything to have a happy life.

Under the Tuscan Sun
Frances is a writer who just saw her marriage fall apart. She goes on a trip to Tuscany and impulsively decides to buy a villa and build her new life there. Secretly, this would be a life I want to live. It’s such a dreamy place to live. .

Warrior
This is an amazin sports drama that supassed all expectations. The film isn’t about touch fighters who can crash all those who stand in their way. It’s about relationship between fathers and sons, brotherhood, fighting for your family, making dreams reality and second chances. .

The Pursuit of Happyness
It’s based on the real life of Chris Gardner, a single father struggling with homelessness while raisin a toddler. It’s one of the most heartwarming and motivational movies ever. The struggles of the father-son duo and his perseverance to follos his dream, even during the toughest of times. It will motivate you to keep pursuing your own.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
So often we dream about changing our life and take a 180-degree turn for one step forward. This is a story about a little man who pulled himself together and decided to change his life for the better. Walter Mitty is a hero of a real life fairytale, a tale which miracles are possible and can be found right under your nose.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 2003

The beginning of the years wasn’t great, but later on this year brought us some fantastic films. Some of my favorites. Here are the best movies from 2003.

5. Big Fish
I love this fairytale like film, it just makes me happy every time I watch it. And that field full of daffodils, where is my field of daffodils?

4. Love Actually
Somewhat of a guilty pleasure, the ultimate Christmas feeling for me. All those intertwining love stories, I actually love it!

3. Kill Bill Vol. 1
Although the second film is my favourite of the two, this deserves a place on my list. Tarantino hardly ever disappoints and The Bride is kick-ass!

2. Mystic River
Such great acting and a very good story. Even after watching it a couple of times, the suspense is always there. Perfect casting too.

1. Lost in Translation
One of my all-time favourite movies. Who thought that Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson would be a match made in heaven? I certainly didn’t, but I just love them together.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Old School, Identity, Finding Nemo, 28 Days Later,

Top 5 Thursday: Romantic Gestures in Movies

Although I'm single, and happy about it, it doesn't mean I don't have a good sense of romance in me. I can be a hopeless romantic sometimes. The romantic moments in movies, hardly ever happen to real life people. Here are my five favorite romantic gestures as seen in movies.

5. The Library from “Beauty and the Beast”
The Beast gives his library to Belle. I wish I could have walls stacked with books, including a sliding ladder.

4. The Goose Chase from “Amélie”
Amélie setting up a wild goose chase for her beloved Nino all through Paris. I just love that, even women can make great romantic gestures.

3. Singing the Song from “The Wedding Singer”
Adam Sandler boards a plane and enlists the help of Billy Idol in order to serenade Drew Barrymore with his heartfelt song "Growing Old With You."

2. Daffodils from “Big Fish”
Edward is so in love with Sandra, he plants an entire field full of daffodils, her favorite flowers.

1. Boombox from “Say Anything”
John Cusack blasts Peter Gabriel outside Ione Skye’s window. Why doesn’t it ever happen to me?

They almost made the top 5: You’re Just to Good to Be True from “10 Things I Hate About You”, Orange Tic-Tacs from “Juno” Walking into the Factory from "An Officer and a Gentleman" and The Last Meatball from “Lady and the Tramp”

Movie Moments: "Big Fish"

"Big Fish" is full of great scenes. This movie is a visual treat and has such great characters. Here are my favorite moments from the movie "Big Fish", in the order they appear in the film.

Moment # 1: The witch
Edward tells his son about the witch. He visits her with his friends and they dare him to bring them the glass eye that belongs to the witch. He does, but the witch comes with him. Whenever you look into the glass eye, it shows you how you’re gonna die. Edward never shares that information with anyone.

Moment # 2: Edward meets Karl
The town of Ashton is terrorized by a monster, or so they say. Edward volunteers to go and meet with the so called monster. He meets Karl, a giant man, and finds out he is harmless. Edward tells Karl that he might be big, but the town is just to small for him. And for Edward. Together they leave Ashton to explore the world.

Moment # 3: Norther Winslow's poem
Norther has been working on his poem for twelve years and all he has are three sentences: The grass so green. Skies so blue. Spectre is really great!

Moment # 4: Spectre dance
In the town of Spectre, Edward joins a party. Together with the other residents he starts dancing. Then he realizes he needs to leave. He would be happy to end up in Spectre some day, but he isn’t meant to end up somewhere just yet.

Moment # 5: Edward sees Sandra
Edward visits the Galloway circus when he first sees Sandra. The world around him literally stops, but she’s gone before he has the chance to talk to him. He makes a deal with Mr. Galloway to work for him and Mr. Galloway will tell him a fact about Sandra every month.

Moment # 6: Daffodils
When Edward finds out her name and where she goes to college, he decided to tell her how he feels. She is already engaged to be married, but that doesn’t stop him. He finally wins her over by giving her a garden full of daffodils, which are her favorite flowers.

Moment # 7: Edward returns from the war
Sandra thinks Edward died in the war. While she's hanging the laundry out to dry, Edward turns up again, in one piece.

Moment # 8: Norther Winslow robbes a bank
Edward goes to the bank where he meets Norther again. He is about to rob the bank and Edward is forced to help him. Because there was nothing in the vault, Edward gives Norther some money so he wouldn’t go home empty handed.

Moment # 9: Edward and Sandra in the bathtub
Edward is in the bathtub, because he thought he was drying out. Sandra gets in the tub with him and says: “I think I’ll never dry out”.

Moment # 10: The thunderstorm
While on the way in his car, he ends up in a terrible thunderstorm. His car gets flooded and he sees the most beautiful woman swim by. When the storm is over, his car ends up in a tree.

Moment # 11: Edward fixes Jenny's house
Edward visits Jenny when she’s older and fixes her house, because it’s all crooked. Together with Karl he makes it into a beautiful dream house.

Moment # 12: Will tells Edward how he goes
Edward is in the hospital. When he wakes up he asks Will to tell him how he goes. Will starts telling him about how they leave the hospital and drive to the river. There they’ll meet all of Edward’s friends. Will carries him to the river, where Edward becomes a really big fish, something he was always meant to be.

Moment # 13: The funeral
After Edward died, Will, Sandra and Josephine attend his funeral. There they see people Edward told them about in his stories. So Edward didn’t only tell lies after all.

Favorite Moment: # 6: Daffodils