Booksmart (2019)

The first thing I did upon returning home from seeing Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut Booksmart was add nearly every single song on the soundtrack to my Spotify. I can’t recall a movie in recent years that put as much thought into its song choices as this one did. I’m thoroughly impressed with Olivia Wilde. Booksmart was beautifully shot, and it’s very clear that thought went … Continue reading Booksmart (2019)

As Good As It Gets and the Depiction of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

As somebody who has been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I always appreciate when there are accurate depictions of it in film and television. I appreciate it when the disorder is not used for comedic purposes (looking at you, Big Bang Theory). It’s a frustrating disorder to have and it can be absolutely debilitating. As Good As It Gets is, by far, one of the … Continue reading As Good As It Gets and the Depiction of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

51. West Side Story (1961)

Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy. Ok, I’m going to be completely honest: I do not like West Side Story. It is my least favorite movie musical, possibly of all time (right up there with Annie). But, seeing as the film comes in at number 51 on this list, I had … Continue reading 51. West Side Story (1961)

90s Flashback: Arachnophobia (1990)

I remember watching Arachnophobia when I was a child. Specifically, I remember watching the shower scene and being absolutely horrified. It turns out that, as an adult, that scene is still pretty horrifying. 1990’s Arachnophobia is not necessarily a good film nor is it paced very well. The film feels like it takes forever before it really gets going. We spend far too long in … Continue reading 90s Flashback: Arachnophobia (1990)

52. Taxi Driver (1976)

A mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action by attempting to liberate a presidential campaign worker and an underage prostitute. I don’t think I’ve ever been so engrossed in a film while simultaneously being incredibly uncomfortable in my entire life. And I’m sure that is exactly what … Continue reading 52. Taxi Driver (1976)

53. The Deer Hunter (1978)

An in-depth examination of the ways in which the U.S. Vietnam War impacts and disrupts the lives of people in a small industrial town in Pennsylvania. At the start of The Deer Hunter, we hear a beautiful melody that sounds too content, too happy, and too sweet to possibly be the theme to a film about the horrors of the Vietnam War.  However, the film … Continue reading 53. The Deer Hunter (1978)