Great Movies

Movies. One of the greatest methods of storytelling in the modern era. Movies allow people to escape from reality for two hours. They allow people to dream and make fantasies come alive. The great ones, however, make viewers think. These types of movies aren’t just movies, they’re films. A film changes the way a person views the world. They stay with you when you leave the theater, leaving a lasting impression. They make people believe that anything is possible. When I was younger, I didn’t truly understand this. I didn’t have the appreciation that I now have for films. While I don’t have the time to see films like I used to (college changes your activities), I still have many favorites. While not all of these are the happiest of films, they tell an important story. I also have not seen all of the movies considered “the greatest.” Nevertheless, these films are the ones I find myself watching over and over again.

Many people make the argument that the greatest films were made in the golden age of Hollywood. While I don’t believe that is true, It’s a Wonderful Life will forever be that movie I can always find myself watching when Christmas time rolls around. Maybe because it is one of the few Christmas movies with a much deeper message than most movies of its genre or maybe it’s because of my love of the holiday, but I have a deep attachment to this movie. George’s character is relatable to everyone and so is his story. He is, ultimately, what most people turn into; a disillusioned adult stuck in a deep rut. George like most people fails to see the generous amount of love that he has in his life. His experience (spoiler!) where he must choose to continue on with his life is a movie moment that I will always remember.

I don’t think that a movie necessarily has to be considered “great” by the critics. It’s how you respond to it, what moves you. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. I will always love movies that have been ripped apart by the critics. However, I will always have an appreciation for the classics such as The Sound of Music, Fight Club, The Breakfast Club, Gone with the Wind, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Some of my more recent favorites are Pride and Prejudice, Anchorman, Bridesmaids, Titanic, and The Blind Side.