The 7 Movies On My Shelf That Every Human Needs To Watch

I am, more than almost anything else in my life, an avid movie watcher. I love going to the movie theater, I love watching movies at home, I love quoting movies, I love movie trivia, and I love intelligent discussions about movies. What I'm trying to articulate is, I FREAKING LOVE MOVIES. Fun fact, I can literally have an entire conversation in just movie quotes. I suppose I gained this thirst for cinema from working at a movie theater when I was in high school. Or perhaps it came from my parents' love for movies or maybe my brother...I don't remember when it started but it has continued throughout my life. I own 136 movies (this doesn't include seasons of TV). I know, it's outrageous. 

My sister and I talk movies constantly. Recently I told her I was going to write this post and her feathers ruffled and she challenged me...she told me to write mine and then she'd write her own list and we'd compare. Obviously mine will be better. My movies are perfect. So here are the seven movies on my shelf that every human being should watch (in no particular order, it was hard enough to only pick 7, i refuse to rank them)...

Silence of the Lambs 

Why it's on the list...it is referenced constantly; in other movies, in books, in tv and for good reason. Anthony Hopkins is deliciously creepy as Hannibal Lector, Jodie Foster shines as Clarice, and that guy who plays Buffalo Bill gives me the willies. I've seen this movie over and over but it never fails to scare me. It's not too outrageous as far as horror films go so you could really believe this might happen. The last "scary" scene of the movie gets me to scream out loud every time. This film has no equal, don't be stupid...watch it. 

The Princess Bride 

 

If you've never seen this movie we probably aren't friends. I'm dumbfounded by anyone who hasn't seen it. First, it's proof that, at one point, Cary Elwes was hot...super mega hot. Second, it has Billy Crystal as an old, wrinkly man. Those are minor pluses. It has romance and action and hilarious jokes and a giant and eels and TRUE LOVE EVERYONE. Who doesn't love TRUE LOVE? I will unfriend anyone that doesn't like this movie. 

V for Vendetta 

"Remember, remember the fifth of November..." CHILLS. This one, ah man, so hard to describe without giving much away. The acting is on point and the story is intricate yet not so confusing you can't follow it. It flashes glimpses of a post-apocalyptic America that are terrifying. It's beautiful and heartbreaking and full of hope.  

50/50

I laughed and cried and then laughed and then cried some more. This movie gives a realistic look into the world of cancer (and might I add not just cancer, as a person with an incurable disease this movie connected to me on a very deep level). You don't have to be a cancer survivor to love this movie, to feel it. Everyone has had a brush with cancer and you see people from your life in the characters. The dialogue is smart and refreshing, the acting is wonderful, and it's impossible not to fall in love with this film. Trust me.    

10 Things I Hate About You

Tell me you don't love this movie and I'll call you a lying fool. This movie is hysterical. It is predictable and corny and ridiculous and gives you the warm and fuzzies. Heath Ledger will charm the pants right off you and JGL is simply adorable. Plus it's got that chick from "The Secret World of Alex Mack"...best show ever. And not just girls find this movie funny...I'm looking at you Kevin. 

The Lorax

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Wise words Lorax, wise words. Obviously Dr. Suess is awesome but I had serious doubts about this movie. My mother had to drag me kicking and screaming to see this. I LOVED it. It's funny, great for kids, and has a really important, serious message. Don't screw up the planet...oh and don't be a crappy friend. The music is good and the voices fit smashingly. Really great animated movies are rare these days. This is one of the greats.

Mean Girls

 

Never have I ever, heard anyone say "I don't like Mean Girls." You know why? BECAUSE THIS MOVIE IS THE BEST THING EVER. I don't go a day without dropping at least three Mean Girls quotes and/or references. This is easily the most quotable movie I own. Hilarious, truthful, and life changing...so fetch. 

Honorable Mention...

Pitch Perfect 

This gets honorable mention for it's sheer rewatchability (yes I just made up that word, deal with it). I laugh until I cry when I watch it, which is at least once a week. Plus the music and singing is fantabulous...Aca-believe it bitches. 

I'm Done Y'all

I've had enough. I am so done feeling ashamed, embarrassed, and apologetic for things in my life. Why do I feel this way? Why does it matter what someone thinks about certain aspects of my life? I'm just done with all those pesky feelings...and here's what I am refusing to feel bad about, got an issue? Kiss my ass. 

1. What TV, music, movies, and books I like

For a while I went through a stage where I was like, "I NEED TO READ LITERATURE AND WATCH IMPORTANT MOVIES AND LISTEN TO PROFOUND MUSIC." Do you know what I found out? I HATED that crap, all of those books/movies/tv shows/songs I was "supposed" to like drove me nuts. I don't care if The Artist won best picture, I'm not wasting my time on that. If you don't like the movies I like then don't watch movies with me...or speak to me. 

2. My job

Listen, I have 3 part time jobs. I work damn hard for my money. I pay my bills on time and even have some extra cash to enjoy myself from time to time. So I'm not off doing a "career" job right...whatever. What gives a person the right to judge me for working a "demeaning" job while they are some corporate robot who's sole purpose is to churn out numbers? Nothing. We both pay taxes and bills and whatnot. Don't you dare judge me for the work I do. 

3. How Much I Love My Dog

I probably like him better than you. He makes me happier than most people do. I rest my case. 

4. How I Dress

I like to be comfortable. I don't like heels and I wear dresses only when forced and even then I wear it with disdain. No I don't need expensive labels...my off brand sweats are fine thank you very much. Your expensive, "fashionable" clothes do not make you better than me...maybe just richer. 

5. My Relationship Status

Is there some unwritten rule that states all people 23 and older must be in a relationship or else they will be stoned and exiled, shamed for all eternity? Oh no there isn't? I am happy as an individual and haven't met a man I am interested enough in to date seriously. Whenever someone finds out I'm single they give me a sad smile and say, "oh you'll find someone soon, I'm sure." I usually break out in hives and sputter out some unintelligible response. I'm basking in my singleness. 

Ok, I think I'm done. But for real, why was I (and probably you) still feeling weird and apologetic about these things? Not one of these define who I am or factors into what kind of a person I am. I will now, and forever more, proclaim these points with pride! If you don't like it, go find someone else to annoy. 

Today

I received a text message from my mom at 3:45 pm (eastern time) alerting me to the bombings in Boston. I had to read it several times and even then it didn't quite sink in. It couldn't be true. Never have I ever experienced a national tragedy that was connected to me on such a personal level. Nothing bad could happen in a city where people I love live. It took me three minutes to digest the news and then panic. I sent out two text messages, trying to reach the friends I love. I am not known for being a very emotional person but today I am. Today I've felt everything. For 8 long agonizing minutes I was sick with worry. Horrible theories and images raced through my mind while I stared at my phone waiting to hear back from my two friends. I cried out when my phone buzzed at 3:53 and I let happy tears run as I conversed with my friend about her safety. One down, one to go. Ten minutes passed before I found out my other friend was safe. I've never experienced time filled with so much dread as the minutes waiting for those texts. 

I watched as much of the news as I could stomach and I just can't sit through any more. I consider Boston my home away from home. I love the people there, I love everything about the city. I can't stop the silent tears and I can't understand the empty feeling inside me. All I want are answers. Why did this happen? Who could do this? Where do we go from here? But there aren't going to be any answers that satisfy me, I know this. 

I keep getting up and pacing my small apartment, feeling powerless and small and sadness and relief and uncertainty. And I know that people all over the world are feeling the same things I am. Senseless acts of violence are never understood. I cannot begin to imagine what the people of Boston are feeling if I, a mere outsider right now, am so lost and confused. I ache for them, I weep for them. 

All I know for certain is that when I see my two friends on my next Boston visit, I will tear up and I won't want to let them go. Hold tight to those you love and don't waste any time telling those who matter that you love them. 

And Boston, stay strong my city.

Glee: Oh Bitter Sweet Memories

This season of Glee has been insufferable. I finish each episode with a bad taste in my mouth, especially this past week's episode. It's an inconsistent mess of a television show, with horrible storylines. It used to be so great, so smart. I can't even tell if the main problem with this season is the writing or the new characters. 
There have been brief, shining moments of the wonderfulness that Glee can create but they never last long. I could honestly write a thesis paper on everything wrong with this show but that is not what I am here to do. I am here to remind myself, and everyone else, what was (and occasionally still is) so fantastical about Glee. I will do my very best to keep all of my negative mojo out of this post. So, here are my favorite things about Glee, mostly past with a pinch of present...

When Rachel Was 16 

           













 

HER FASHION SENSE

When the Glee Kids Got Slushy Facials 

When Sue Was Brilliant

When There Were Couples You Actually Rooted For

Puck & Quinn 

Mike & Tina

Santana & Brittany 

Kurt & Blaine (early stages)

Rachel & Jesse

Will & Emma (early stages) 

When The Performances Made You Cry 

Keep Holding On

Mine

Beth (stupid YouTube doesn't have a full version of the performance)

Imagine

Make No Mistake, She's Mine (Perhaps by now you've realized I love Santana...I apologize to no one)

Pure Imagination (Again screw YouTube)

When The Performances Were Simply Perfect

Shake It Out

Don't Rain On My Parade

(You're) Having My Baby

Teenage Dream

How Will I Know

Total Eclipse of the Heart

We Are Young

Maybe This Time

Rumour Has It/Someone Like You

When Santana Insulted Anyone 

If you have lots of free time, check this out

When They All Switched Places

When Quinn Wasn't A Horrible Awful Mess 

WHEN BRITNEY SPEARS APPEARED 

















When The Parents Rocked 

When The Troubletones Ruled The World

When The Show Made You Feel All The Feelings

When The Unholy Trinity Reigned Supreme 

When The Competition Was Great 

When It Was Glee