Top 5 Thursday: Movies I Watched for My Challenge (April 2016)

This month I saw lots of new films, lots of good ones and lots of classics. Here are the five best films I saw this month, for my 100 movie challenge.

5. Zootopia
People who know me, know how much I love rabbits. So I was super excited to see a film with a bunny as one of the leads. “Zootopia” is so well made, it looks beautiful and it was super funny (that scene with the sloths). Disney didn’t disappoint, again!

4. On the Waterfront
I understand why “On the Waterfront” is a classic. I’m glad to finally check it off of my ‘must-see’ list. And I just love young Marlon Brando.

3. Martha Marcy May Marlene
I didn’t know what to expect. Elizabeth Olsen was so good in this film. And the story was very interesting and sometimes shocking.

2. The Soloist
Such a beautiful story, based on real events. I enjoyed Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx together and apart. Great film.

1. Mr. Holland’s Opus This film was so inspiring and I loved Richard Dreyfuss as Mr. Holland. I cried, I really cried.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Deliverance, Secretary, Son of Saul, The Good Dinosaur

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 50: Mr. Holland's Opus

Director: Stephen Herek
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 143 minutes
Year: 1995
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, William H. Macy, Olympia Dukakis, Alicia Witt, Terence Howard, Glenne Headly

Description: A frustrated composer (Richard Dreyfuss) finds fulfillment as a high school music teacher.

Review: As a (former) teacher I always love to see movies about teachers who make a difference, touch the lives of the students. “Mr. Holland’s Opus” is a movie that does this too, it’s a beautiful film.
Richard Dreyfuss plays Glen Holland, a frustrated composer. Because he needs money, he takes a job as a music teacher as a high school. He is not very excited to start, but that’s until he sees what his classes do for the students.
“Mr. Holland’s Opus” is an ode to music. From classical to pop to rock music. It’s an impressive film with a lot of highlights. Music is emotion and this movie shows that. And you feel it. Richard Dreyfuss’ performance is wonderful, I loved him in “Mr. Holland’s Opus”. The ending might feel a bit too much, but I think it’s great.
“Mr. Holland’s Opus” is a beautiful film and a great dedication to music.

Rating: 5/ 5