5 films to add to your movie bucket list 

Seeing as most grades are currently in the middle or start of the Assessment block, I figured what better time to recommend some brilliant movies to help us in our procrastination endeavours! 

Before I tell you about them, I understand everyone has a different taste in movies – some people like horror, some people like rom-coms, and so on, but hopefully, there is something here for everyone, whatever your fancy… 

In no particular order:  

1.THE MATRIX 1999, directed by the Wachowski sisters, starring Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving. Rated M. 

Synopsis:  

In the near future, computer hacker Neo is contacted by underground freedom fighters who inform him that reality, as he perceives it, is actually a complicated computer simulation known as The Matrix. The Matrix was created by a hostile Artificial Intelligence, that conceals the reality from mankind, allowing them to enjoy a plausible, virtual existence in 1999 while robots develop and harvest individuals for use as a continuous energy supply. Morpheus, the freedom fighters’ commander, believes Neo is “The One” who will rescue mankind and overthrow the machines. Neo and Morpheus struggle against the machine’s enslavement of mankind with Trinity, as Neo comes to believe and accept his duty as “The One.” 

If you’re not interested in the whole sci-fi thing, this may not sound very appealing. But trust me when I say that any summary you find does no justice to the film itself. In all honesty, it’s the kind of movie that will instantly put whoever watches it through an existential crisis, but it is so worth it.  

2.ALICE IN WONDERLAND 2010, directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, and Alan Rickman. Rated PG. 

Synopsis: 

Alice Kingsleigh was a young girl when she first visited the mystical Wonderland, but she is now a teenager with no recollection of Wonderland- except in her dreams. When she discovers a white rabbit and tumbles down a hole after and her life takes an unexpected turn. Reunited with her old friends, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and many others, Alice discovers that it is her destiny to put an end to the horror of the Red Queen’s rule. 

First of all, this is one of the best casts ever (in my opinion), and anything Tim Burton makes is guaranteed to be incredible. This film is absolutely beautiful. The set, the costumes, the makeup, everything, is amazing. Everyone knows the story of Alice in Wonderland, so, on top of the aesthetic appeal, it’s like returning back to a world we all grew up in. 

3.THE BLIND SIDE 2009, directed by John Lee Hancock, starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Lily Collins, and Jae Head. Rated PG. 

Synopsis:  

Michael Oher, a homeless teenager, was failed by the welfare system and has spent years in and out of schools. Then he’s taken in by Leigh Anne Tuohy and her husband, Sean. The Tuohy family eventually becomes Michael’s legal guardians, which has a profound impact on both his and their lives. Michael’s immense height and protective instincts make him a dangerous force on the football field, and he fulfills his full potential as a student and football player with the support of his new family and devoted tutor. 

Before I say anything else, this movie was based on a real family’s story, which just makes it a million times better. It’s such a heart-wrenching story with a beautiful ending. Creating a movie alongside the family whose story, they are telling, allows so much emotion and authenticity to show though.  

4.JOKER 2019, directed by Todd Phillips, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Frances Conroy. Rated MA. 

Synopsis:  

Arthur Fleck, a failed comic who is always alone in a crowd, seeks connection as he explores the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks: one that he paints for his day job as a clown, and another that he wears in a desperate attempt to blend in with the rest of the world. Fleck begins a steady spiral into madness as he evolves into the criminal mastermind known as The Joker while being isolated, bullied, and ignored by society. 

Movies like this aren’t for everyone, but it is one of my favourites. Phoenix portrays the Joker in a whole new light, and the emotional depth of his performance is unfathomable. This is another example of a movie where the plot is only half of its value; the acting, the set and the costuming allow you to be completely immersed in the world of this film.    

5.FOREST GUMP 1994, directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, and Sally Field. Rated M. 

Synopsis:  

Slow-witted Forrest Gump has never considered himself to be disadvantaged, and thanks to his devoted mother, he lives a life that is anything but restricted. Forrest inspires people with his childish optimism, whether he’s dominating the gridiron as a college football player, fighting in Vietnam, or captaining a shrimp boat. But the one person Forrest loves the most may be the most difficult to save: Jenny, his childhood sweetheart. 

Out of all the movies I’ve mentioned, I really hope you’ve seen this one. It is the definition of a cult classic.  

We all know the line “Life was like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get”, and that is the main value of the movie; life is unpredictable, and it’s the unpredictability of life that Forest is experiencing. Overall, it is such a sweet movie that you will remember for the rest of your life.  

Well done if you made it this far! Now, I’m sure my list will change as I get older, but for now this makes up my five all-time favourite films from my teenage years. Happy procrastinating!