Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movie – Update 3

I decided to rewatch my 100 favorite movies of all-time. What those are, you can check HERE. I watch them in random order, there is no rhyme of reason there, just watching those movies I love so much.
 

5/ 100: La La Land (2016)
Jazz pianist Sebastian and aspiring actress Mia fall in love and try to support in each other as they pursue their personal ambitions and dreams. Delightful musical by director Damien Chazelle, who also directed another favorite “Whiplash”. The film is in the 1950s and 1960s style and Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have amazing chemistry and shine. The soundtrack is fantastic (it has spent many hours in my CD-player) and entered my top five right after my first watch. Check out my review HERE.
 

6/ 100: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Greg is a nerdy teen that has no friends and doesn’t fit into any social groups. And he would like to keep it that way. He only hangs out with Earl, with whom he makes crappy films based on classics. Until his mother pushes him to visit Rachel, a girl in his school that suffers from leukemia. This film is so heartfelt, honest, raw and pure. I loved every minute of it. Check out my review HERE.
 

7/ 100: The Way Way Back (2013)
To his horror, shy fourteen-year-old Duncan must spend the summer vacation at the beach house of the arrogant Trent, the new boyfriend of his mother Pam. Fortunately, his suffering is eased by a charming girl next door and a job at the local waterpark, led by bon vivant Owen. A coming-of-age film that offers surprises in terms of content and is refreshingly sincere in tone. Directors Nate Faxon and Jim Rash, who previously wrote the screenplay for “The Descendants”, take adolescent suffering seriously without getting bogged down in melodrama. Warm film with a super fun cast. Check out my review HERE.      
 
Still to watch: 93

Five to Watch - Sweltering Summer Movies

We’re in the middle of summer. For a lot of people the best time of year (not for my btw). I decided to focus on films where the heat got cranked up, once you might not know, are overlooked or underrated. Here are five sweltering summer movies you should watch.

Now and Then (1995)
Four girls who met in 1970 when they were around twelve, meet twenty years later and notice the differences. What connected them all that time was an unsolved murder in 1945. The film is nice to watch, because of the good performances of both the young actresses and the older versions of them. It’s the ‘girl version’ of “Stand By Me”, which is much better, but “Now and Then” is a sweet and relatable coming-of-age story.

Do the Right Thing (1989)
A colorful, individualistic magnification of of a multi-racial New York neighborhood, full of tension. In less than 24 hours, the residents are led to a boiling point, partly because of the summer heat, partly because of intolerance. The hatred is mainly directed towards the Italian owners of a pizza joint. A film full of brutality and double standards, which definitely established director Spike Lee’s reputation. It’s a beautiful piece of work. And even though it won’t be for everyone, I think you should all give it a go.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)
It’s the summer of 1983. The 24-year-old American research assistant Oliver comes to Northern Italy to assist Professor Perlman. He impresses his seventeen-year-old son Elio, who falls in love with Oliver to his own amazement. It’s a prize-winning film adaptation of André Aciman’s novel of the same name, directed by Luca Guadagnino. All praise is understandable, because “Call Me By Your Name” is a fantastic film. It’s sparkles, it’s intimate and honest. I fell in love with it right away and the summer is the perfect time to watch it.

The Way Way Back (2013)
Against his will, shy fourteen-year-old Duncan has to spend the summer at the beach house of the arrogant Trent, his mother Pam’s new boyfriend. Luckily, the grief is alleviated by a charming neighbor girl and a job at the local water park. Here he befriends owner Owen (a great role by Sam Rockwell). It’s a coming-of-age film that offers surprises in term of content and is refreshingly sincere in tone. A kindhearted film with a great cast.

My Summer of Love (2004)
A pleasant countryside drama about the growing intimacy between two British teenage girls during a sweltering summer in Yorkshire. Bored teenager Mona is a working class girl who is mothered by her brother Phil, a reborn Christian. Mona’s adoration for sophisticated Tamsin sets the relationship between sister and brother on edge. Intimacy and increasing tension of all kinds are convincingly portrayed, driven by an intelligent screenplay and strong acting.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies from 2013

It was a pretty good year for movies, 2013. I saw many of them for my 2014 movie challenge, so now I decided to make a top 5 of my favorites from that year. Here it comes.

5. Captain Phillips

Tom Hanks showed us again why he is the best actor in the world. What a fantastic performance, especially that final scene. The movie captivated me from beginning till end.

 

 

4. Rush

Not a fan of Formula 1, but a fan of this movie I am. Great performances by both Daniel Brühl and Chris Hemsworth. And Ron Howard is one of my favorite directors.

 

 

3. Prisoners

A very good movie, not overhyped at all. Because so many people were so positive, I’m always cautious. They didn’t lie, because “Prisoners” is amazing!

 

 

2. The Way Way Back

It’s a movie that probably not a lot of people saw, but I love it. I already saw it many times and I will rewatch this film many times in the future. It’s the kind of movie I love, Indies with a good combo of comedy and drama.

 

 

1. The World’s End

The conclusion in the so-called ‘Cornetto-trilogy’. I still hope that Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost will continue making movies together. “The World’s End” never played in our theatres, because they thought it wouldn’t get enough audience. Well, that proofs that the Netherlands is a weird country. It’s one of the funniest movies ever and the best of the year 2013.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Warm Bodies, Don Jon, Fruitvale Station, Star Trek Into Darkness, Inside Llewyn Davis, Nebraska, This is the End, Dallas Buyers Club, Enemy, Her, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Top 10: Best Movies I Watched for My 2014 Challenge

I had a lot of fun with my movie challenge this year and I’m definitely going to start one in 2015. But first I’m going to share my ten favorite movies that I watched for my challenge. Please note them, because if you haven’t seen them yet, you must. Also check my honorable mentions, the movies that almost made my top 10 list.

10. Shame

I never thought I would love “Shame” as much as I do. Normally I would skip a movie about a man with a sex addiction. I’m glad I didn’t, because it’s so much more than that. Michael Fassbender was so good in this movie, seriously Oscar worthy.

 

 

 

9. Prisoners

I recently rewatched it and it left me the same as the first time I saw it: gasping for air. A totally unexpected thriller, that captivated me from beginning ‘till end. Wonderfull performances by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, but also Paul Dano did a good job.

 

 

8. 12 Years a Slave

If this movie doesn’t touch you, you’re a robot. Every inch in my body felt the pain and the suffering of Solomon. Such an amazing movie, goose bumps.

 

 

7. Whiplash

Oh how I loved this movie! I heard so many great things about it and I totally agreed with all of those people. Seriously, J.K. Simmons in this film, if his character was real he would scare the sh** out of me.

 

 

6. The Grand Budapest Hotel

This year I discovered that Wes Anderson is one of my favorite directors. His movies are a piece of art, they look amazing. I wish I had his creative mind. I enjoyed “The Gran Budapest Hotel” and Ralph Fiennes’ performance is one of the best of the year.

 

 

5. Intouchables

I’m a bit ashamed that it took me this long to finally watch “Intouchables”. I only heard good reviews about this movie and all I can do is agree. It’s an amazingly touching, endearing movie.

 

 

4. Guardians of the Galaxy

I didn’t know anything about the heroes in this film before seeing it. Each one of them stole my heart and I’m a fan of “Guardians of the Galaxy”. It’s understatement if I say I adored this movie. I even think it’s the best Marvel movie so far!

 

 

3. The Way Way Back

I have a selection of films that I watch whenever I want to feel happy, like “Little Miss Sunshine”, “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Now I can also add “The Way Way Back” to that selection. Ever since I watched it, I rewatched it twice already.

 

 

2. The World’s End

I knew before watching it that I was going to love it. The combo of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost works every time and I love this movie. I sure don’t hope this trio is going to stop making movies together.

 

 

1. Jagten

This movie really took me by surprise and it was an absolute winner for me. After the movie ended, I couldn’t stop thinking of it, it really grabbed me and got under my skin. It’s always great to get into a movie not knowing anything about it and then be speechless in the end. Fun fact: this was the first movie for my challenge that I gave a 5 star rating.

 

 

Honorable Mentions: Begin Again, Rushmore, Rear Window, The Lego Movie, About Time, Captain Phillips, Nightcrawler

Movie Battle: Adventureland Vs. The Way Way Back

Both movies I really loved the first time I watched them. They are both coming of age movies, centering around a guy who just tries to feel normal and start a job at a park. “Adventureland” Vs. “The Way Way Back”

 

 

CAST

Adventureland: The leading part is for the easy likeable Jesse Eisenberg. His love interest is played by Kristen Stewart and the really funny roles are for Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Ryan Reynolds also has a role.

The Way Way Back: Relatively unknown Liam Jones plays the leading role. His mother is portrayed by Toni Collette and his douche of a stepdad is played by Steve Carell. A great role by the way. Sam Rockwell plays my favourite character in the movie, it’s impossible to not like this guy. Also a fun roles for Allison Janney and Maya Rudolph, and AnnaSophie Robb plays the love interest.

STORY

Adventureland: It’s set in 1987. Eisenberg plays college graduate James Brennan who takes a ‘nowhere’ job at his local amusement park. He thinks it’s the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.

The Way Way Back: Duncan is a shy guy, who goes on vacation with his mom, mom’s new boyfriend and the boyfriend’s daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds just the place. He starts working at the local Water Park, where he finds an unexpected friend in manager Owen.

EFFECTS

Adventureland: The movie has a cool 80’s vibe, due to the clothes, music and surroundings.

The Way Way Back: It’s mostly about the characters and the story here. You do get a summer feeling while watching the movie.

WINNER

“The Way Way Back”. It’s such a good film, I can’t fault it. It’s a guarantee to make you feel better and gives you an instant smile.

Quotables: "The Way Way Back"

I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it. I just love coming of age stories. Especially when it has great, memorable characters (Sam Rockwell!!!) and some cool quotes. I really love this movie and here I am sharing the best quotes from “The Way Way Back”.

Owen: You disappoint me, kid. You're late. You planning on making a habit of this?

Duncan: What?

Owen: You're fired!

Duncan: But I just...

Owen: [sticks out his hand] You make a valid point. Welcome back. With benefits.

 

Duncan: How long have you been working there?

Owen: Oh, the park? Um, I've always been there. Ever since I was a small Cambodian child. Of course, that was after 'Nam. I was in the shit. Then I joined the circus to become a clown fighter. I know about 46 ways to kill a clown. I hate clowns. I'm kidding except for the part where I really do hate them.

Owen: Seriously, when's the last time you bought jeans?

Duncan: My mom buys my jeans.

Owen: Good. Always take things literally. How's that working out for you? Does that get you laid?

Susanna: So. You're a big fan of REO Speedwagon?

Duncan: What?

Susanna: Can't Fight This Feeling?

Duncan: Oh, no. My mom must have put that on there.

Susanna: Oh. And you just got to it and thought "what the hell?" I'm going to sing the shit out of it anyway.

 

Betty: So how was your winter? Because our year was a challenge. My niece was raped in October.

Pam: Oh, my God!

Betty: I know. Not even food courts are safe.

In the Picture: The Characters from "Th Way Way Back"

“The Way Way Back” is a movie I only saw recently, but fell in love with immediately. And it has some great characters, interesting ones with actual depth and emotions. One of them actually made it to my list of favourite movie characters.

Duncan

Played by: Liam James

Duncan is a very quiet 14-year old, who goes on a vacation with his mom and her new boyfriend. He doesn’t really want to go, but has no other options. To try to make the best of it, Duncan decides to check out the town and he discovers a water park. This changes his vacation.

Owen

Played by: Sam Rockwell

Owen is the manager of ‘Water Wiz’, a local water park. He takes Duncan under his wing. Although Owen might look like a tough guy, he has a heart of gold and he is the only one that sees the true Duncan.

Pam

Played by: Toni Collette

Pam is Duncan’s mother. Duncan feels abandoned by her, and Pam doesn’t get him. She is constantly trying to reach out to him, but then falls back in the arms of boyfriend Trent. Drinking, late night partying and smoking marijuana.

Trent

Played by: Steve Carell

Trent is Pam’s new boyfriend. To her, he is a perfect guy. Trent is constantly verbally and emotionally abusing Duncan, often making comments and gestures that are belittling and rude at him. And he’s also not very faithful to Pam. Trent is simply a big ass douche.

Betty Thompson

Played by: Allison Janney

Betty is the cocktail loving vacationing neighbor of Trent and Pam. She likes her parties, drinks and guys and lives her life like she is catching up on her own teen years. Betty isn’t always very subtle and she seems nosy, but she only means well.

Susanna Thompson

Played by: AnnaSophia Robb

Susanna belongs to a popular groups of girls, but she actually doesn’t want to. She is intrigued by Duncan, because he’s an outcast, much to the liking of her friends. Susanna also takes part in Duncan’s growing happiness.

Caitlyn

Played by: Maya Rudolph

Caitlyn works at ‘Water Wiz’. She is a kind woman, loved by Owen, although she doesn’t want to give in to those feelings herself. She also appreciates Duncan’s help and presence at the water park.

 

 

Favorite Character: Owen

Top 5 Thursday: Coming Of Age Movies

I always love a good coming of age story. I especially like watching them over the summer. There are so many of them, but only a few that can make my list. And a lot of them were made not that long ago. Here are my five favourite coming of age movies.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Although it’s e pretty recent movie, it got a great eighties feel to it. It felt like a John Hughes film. Because of this nostalgic touch, it makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” very authentic an unique.

 

 

4. Juno

Ellen Page is fantastic in this movie. “Juno” is a fun movie, thought through very well. It’s a great coming of age film.

 

3. The Way Way Back

Only recently saw it for the first time, but already re-watched it. I fell in love with it right away, because the characters were so relatable. I especially loved Owen, played by Sam Rockwell. Love this movie to bits!

 

2. Easy A

I sounded like a standard teen comedy, but it’s so much more. It brought us Emma Stone, who is amazing, and a great comedy.

 

1. Stand By Me

This is definitely the best in the genre. I have seen it so many times and I will watch it many times more, and I never get sick of it. Although the characters don’t belong anywhere, you come to love each one of them.

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Adventureland, Superbad

DVD Collection Update (16)

It's been a while and there are a lot of new movies in my collection. Some classics, some newer movies. Here they are.

First I got "The Goonies", a movie I never saw before. I wished I saw it as a kid, it would've been so great. But now, as an adult, I still love it. I think kids these days wouldn't like it as much as 80's and 90's kids.

An absolute classic, I never saw it and I feel a little bit ashamed. It's a science fiction movie everyone should see. Now I finally did and I think it's really good. I'm not as enthusiastic as most people, but I can see the appeal.

Another classic, even older, is "North by Northwest". I think everyone knows that airplane scene, including me, but I've never seen it before. It's still waiting on my shelve to be played and I'm really curious. It's one of Hitchcock's finest.

"Hunger" is Steve McQueen's first directed movie and I heard a lot about it. I can't wait to watch it, the trailer looked amazing.

EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! It was such a fun film, not just for kids, are you kidding me? I love the references and the cameos. It's so much fun!!!!!!

I just knew I was going to love this movie, because it's just my kind of film. A great mix of drama and comedy, both genres not overpowering. And I have a little crush on Sam Rockwell after watching "The Way Way Back", because his character stole my heart.

"Shame" really surprised me, I didn't think I was going to love it this much. I gave it a five star rating!

I didn't think it was possible, but "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" is even sillier then te first. Not as funny, but still worth your time. That's if you like the sillyness.

With owning "12 Years a Slave" I mentioned all the Steve McQueen movies in one post and with that I also own all three films. I loved this movie.. Seriously, if you don't cry over this, you're a robot. Even my friend Irene, who doesn't even cry on a relatives funeral, teared up. Well, she's also pregnant, so that's also a reason why she might be extra emotional.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies I Watched for My Challenge (June 2014)

June was a pretty good month, I saw some real good movies. Some I actually put on my favourites list. Here are the five best movies I saw for my challenge this month.

5. The Spectacular Now

Not just another boy meet girl movie, really unique and authentic. Enjoyed it and loved Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley.

 

4. The Descendants

George Clooney really surprised me. His performance was amazing, I want to see him more in roles like this.

 

 

 3. The Lego Movie

Who would have thought a movie made out of Legos would be such a hit with me. I think it’s awesome! Oh, and everything about this movie is awesome (the song too).

 

2. Shame

I think I knew beforehand this was going to be a pretty good movie, but I never expected to be so amazed by it. I gave it a five star rating. It’s so beautifully filmed and so well acted by Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan.

 

 

1. The Way Way Back

I just knew that I was going to like it and it didn’t let me down one bit (also a five star rating) . I love this movie to bits. Especially Sam Rockwell stole my heart.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Blade Runner