The Cinema is superior. Don’t get me wrong Netflix is a dream, but being able travel out to a cinema and witness a film on the big screen is such a rewarding experience. Just imagine a future without movie theatres…
Original Odeon cinema ticket (2007)
Do you remember when we use to have actual tickets rather than just receipts? What if one day we no longer need tickets because cinemas no longer exist?
Seeing films on the big screen is so much more special than watching them at home. It’s both the social aspect and the excitement of being absorbed into the screen that makes it so spectacular; the darkness engulfing you, the sound swimming into your ears and you gently falling into the story.
Think about the beauty of being sounded by other people watching the movie with you. Whether you are with family, friends or alone, you feel connected to every there: the merging of laughter, the fusion of gasps, the mixture of screams…. we’re all united by the film.
Although modernised, cinemas still maintain traditional elements that bring nostalgia. The smell of popcorn, rich reds and dim lights are all triggers for ‘cinema memories’. The memories we create at the cinema; memories of our favourite movies, the people we’re with, how we felt, the sweets we snuck in, and maybe even the wonderful trailers.
We all should embrace the cinema and appreciate how sacred it truly is. Our ‘cinema memories’ will remain souvenirs in our minds that we can cherish forever.
We just have to get past those terrifying ticket prices!
‘The Lion King’ (2019) was a film that gained excitement from many across the world. It was determined to be this years box office hit, but what was it really like? Was it over hyped? Or was it better than ever?
Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ – Rafiki holding Simba
‘The Lion King’ (2019) revisits Simba’s heart-breaking
journey from a frightened cub to a lost lion returning to claim his crown. Once
again, prepare a box of tissues because the tears will be rolling!
Despite the film being animated, each character portrayed had clear individualism and maintained the characterisation from the original 1994 film. Mufasa’s character embodies knowledge, power and bravery, whilst Scar reflects sin, jealousy and hate – Scar is undoubtedly the foil character that proves Mufasa to be the ideal King and greater leader. However, Scar’s venomous ambition and cunning plans lead to Mufasa’s devastating death. Simba, now left unguided and traumatised, is forced to flee under Scar’s orders to “Run and never return”.
We see Simba grow under the belief he is to blame for his father’s death, but when Nala finds him, she pleads for his help and asks him to return to confront Scar.
Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ – Mufasa and Simba
The film, however, could have placed more focus on the lionesses, Sarabi (Simba’s mum) and Sarafina (Nala’s mum), as their character’s appeared disconnected from the story – their minimal lines did not present their emotions, especially towards the news of Mufasa’s death and their belief that Simba had died too. Nevertheless, Sarabi does challenge Scar and Shenzi, showing her authority as Queen.
Although the film has a cloak of darkness hanging over it, the humorous duo Timon and Pumbaa leave audiences chuckling along to their great one-liners and hilarious relationship; I must say, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner were perfect for the roles. It is also impossible to forget the lovable and loyal Zazu, who is also wonderfully funny, and Azizi and Kamari (the renamed hyenas), who are both a little goofy.
Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ – Timon and Pumbaa
The stunning graphics and detailed animation were beautifully realistic; from dust specks to fur texture the animators brought the film to life. We are most definitely left more emotionally connected as a result of this detail that was missing from the original; the life-like animals and breathtaking scenery will feel as though you had journeyed to Africa and were witnessing it all yourself. However, one criticism is that the movements of the mouths did not appear to match correctly with the speech and sound – then again, animal mouth’s aren’t exactly made to speak like humans.
The spectacular soundtrack assisted in powering the emotional roller-coaster with the traditional (and irresistible) ‘Hakuna Matata’ and new additions, like Beyoncé’s ‘Spirit’, which was a perfect summary of ‘The Lion King’ itself – a spiritual and powerful film that captures the heart and soul when exploring the themes of grief, self-reflection and identity.
Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ – Scar and the hyenas
Overall, ‘The Lion King’ was a touching and captivating masterpiece, that evoked raw emotion and captured brilliance. It was a remarkable film that had audiences applauding as the credits began to roll – and tears too. A film I would highly recommend, but would warn children that some scenes are more distressing than in the original.
Have you ever been stuck on which movie to watch? Need some recommendations? Unsure on what genre to explore? Well, you are in the right place! Here are my top 15 must watch movies:
The Breakfast Club
Set in a high school detention, ‘The Breakfast Club’ is an 80s classic that will capture you deeply into its well-crafted and absorbing story line. Despite their differences, a group of ‘typical’ teens come together and open up to each other over a joint of weed. What could go wrong?
2. Forrest Gump
Be prepared for a heartwarming and heartbreaking story about the lovable Forrest Gump, a man who was bullied for his low IQ and physical disability as a child. Whilst at a bus stop, he retells his experiences to strangers – from the Vietnam war to his first love, we become captivated by Forrest’s life.
3. The Godfather
As the most highly rated movie, how could ‘The Godfather’ not be on this list? Filled with death, deviance and disorder this film defines the crime genre. When Vito Corleone declines Virgil Sollozzo’s request for an investment in his drug business, everything falls into the hands of anarchy.
4. Shawshank Redemption
Unfrogettable and powerful, ‘Shawshank Redemption’ is a film about a man who is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife (and her lover). Throughout his time he maintains his innocence and builds a close friendship with inmate Ellis Redding; a story that becomes even more gripping as it develops.
5. Son Of Rambow
When Lee Carter, a troubled and wannabe film-maker, meets Will Proudfoot, a friendless boy living with a strict amish-like family, he decides to cast Will as the lead in his movie. Although creativity pulls their unlikely friendship together, they are still faced with their differences and own personal battles. Will these obstacles interfere with their friendship?
6. Inception
Leo takes a leap into the dream world created by Christopher Nolan’s imaginative and complex mind; an action-packed and well calculated thriller that blends reality, thought and invention to form a phenomenal film. Prepare yourself for an intense, emotional experience.
7. American Psycho
The title speaks for itself; madness and murder, a film perfect for lovers of drama, destruction, chills and thrills. Patrick Bateman’s mind is a labyrinth of mystery where he appears as a put-together businessman, but also a serial killer who likes to get freaky in the sheets – This is a film that will truly entangle you in the world of a psycho.
8. Jaws
Spielberg, once again, is able to leave audiences on the edge of their seats with their hair stood on end. If you’re afraid of sharks, you may as well watch it – nobody leaves without the jaws theme tune coming into their heads whenever they go to the beach …dun dun dun dun. ‘Jaws’ is a classic horror that turns your blood cold at the thought of an open ocean with creatures lurking deep in its depths. The film plunges you into the drama when a young woman’s body is discovered mangled upon the shore. A shark, perhaps?
9. When Harry Met Sally
When Harry and Sally keep bumping into each other for over a decade, they begin to develop a close friendship despite Harry’s theory that ‘men and women could never be friends’. With interludes of love stories from a variety of other couples, we embark on a journey where Harry and Sally’s friendship transforms into love – this film gave my heart a warm, fuzzy hug.
10. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
With a script that engages audiences so well, when you finish watching this you’ll feel as though you were actually in the 80s and friends with Ferris Bueller (I wish). If you’re looking for a laugh but also a lesson, ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ is a must see!
11. Spirited Away
If you haven’t seen a Studio Ghibli film then ‘Spirited Away’ is the place to start. Although many quickly turn their heads to an anime, once you start watching it is impossible to escape this spiritual experience. Messages and meanings are carefully embedded throughout the film, which leaves you wondering in your thoughts and deepening your own self. With thirty-one awards to its name, there is no doubt ‘Spirited Away’ is a masterpiece.
12. Back to the Future
Bursting with fun and adventure, ‘Back to the Future’ is the iconic fantasy/sci-fi movie that can only be described as fireworks in the imagination. Inspiring us all to invent new technologies and see the endless possibilities of knowledge, you’ll be absorbed into the excitement and action of the film.
13. The Dark Knight
Heath Ledger portraying the Joker was the greatest decision of all time. His ability to portray a psychotic maniac, troubled by his past and obsession with anarchy proved him worthy of his oscar win. As a fan of Heath, this being his last role is devastating – we lost a true talent who had a very successful future ahead. If you have not yet watched this exceptional film, you are seriously (‘why so serious?’) missing out.
14. Saving Mr Banks
‘Saving Mr Banks’ looks into the story behind the making of ‘Mary Poppins’- an insight into the slight comedic relationship between Walt Disney and the writer (P.L. Travers) , whilst also investigating her anguished past life that inspired her novel. Starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, the strong cast compliments the ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ script.
15. Pretty In Pink
For something a little lighter with a bit of humour and teen drama, ‘Pretty In Pink’ will give you everything you need. From quirky characters like Duckie (my personal favourite) to rich arseholes like Steff you will never be bored! Go give it a watch for Duckie!
There are so many movies I wanted to add, like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Coraline, Some Like It Hot, Roman Holiday…. I could go on and on and on! However, I wanted to keep it quite short so I had to narrow it down to these fifteen.
If you have watched any of these or recommend any of your own must watch movies leave a comment!
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