Fall is right around the corner and all you want to do is curl up with a hot beverage and blanket. Spending the weekend on a movie marathon is the perfect way to destress. If you are stuck scrolling through Netflix or Hulu, here is a go-to list to get you started!
Kubo and the Two Strings
Fantasy meets action in this animated movie directed by Travis Knight. Set in feudal Japan, 12-year-old Kubo lives a humble life with his ailing mother, creating origami with the help of his magical shamisen. Kubo’s humor is surprisingly dark and the storyline is loaded with complex themes, highlighted by crisp animation. Kubo’s storytelling and graphics will not disappoint.
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Singin’ in the Rain
Who doesn’t love a good romantic-comedy musical? With catchy tunes, well-placed humor and clever dance routines, Singin’ in the Rain pokes fun at the motion picture industry. Gene Kelly, Donald O’ Conner and Debbie Reynolds breathe life into their onscreen characters. It is a classic in every way possible.
District 9
In the mood for science fiction? District 9 has got you covered! The setting for this film is in contemporary South Africa, where a group of extraterrestrials are confined in a camp called District 9. The movie, laced with subtexts of xenophobia and social segregation, follows the journey of Christopher Johnson, an alien trying to go back home. If dystopian cinema is up your alley, District 9 is the film for you.
Crazy Rich Asians
If you have not heard of this film by now, you are living under a rock. Crazy Rich Asians is not on Netflix yet, but it is still a must-watch. Not only does it feature an all-Asian cast, the plot is simple yet full of heart. Multidimensional yet relatable characters, along with the story, are what make this film click. Plus, it is a love story without any martial arts specialists or musical geniuses, and that is a major step.
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Get Out
This satirical horror film made waves in the United States with its release in 2017. Known for its unexpected racial commentary and stunning performances, Get Out is terrifying without the help of jump scares and pipe organs. Get Out features a level of thoughtfulness that is unusual in horror films. It has the gore, blood and violence, but it is blended with social critique.
Murder on the Orient Express
Based on an Agatha Christie novel, this film is the fourth screen adaptation of Christie’s work. (In this vein, check out the 1974 and 2001 versions too!) Hercule Poirot is played by Kenneth Branagh, who is also the director of this mystery drama. As the title indicates, most of the film takes place on the Orient Express, while Poirot works through a puzzling murder. Christie’s tale is the strongest part of the film, so rest assured that the mystery will not be disappointing.
