I love watching movies. Nothing melts away the stress of school, makes you forget that argument with your parents or is a better way to procrastinate than getting lost in a movie. 

Throughout quarantine, my dad and I watched a TON of films ranging from the sublime (Momentum Generation – 2018) to the interminable (Groundhog Day – 1993). My holiday gift to you is wading through all the crappy movies I have seen over the last nine months and presenting a list of five movies you must see. 

So without further ado, these are five perfect movies to watch when…

Your younger sibling pissed you off and you want to give them nightmares (but if your brother or sister is under 12, maybe try some other way to get back at them):

Get Out 

Released in 2017, this movie absolutely terrified me, and I not only felt pure fear after watching it but also a luring sense of paranoia. For those who like suspense or scary movies without too much gore, Get Out is perfect. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams, what begins as a sweet love story becomes a roller coaster with unexpected twists. This movie is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and will change the way you react to teacups and bloody noses for the rest of your life.

It’s family movie night and you can’t sit through another animated singing movie:

Just Mercy 

Released in January 2020, Just Mercy is a perfect movie to watch during our current circumstances. Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan), a Harvard graduate, goes down south to defend those wrongly condemned or those who cannot financially afford proper representation. He defends Walter Mcmillian (Jamie Foxx), a black man put on death row despite all the evidence proving his innocence. As we think about the Black Lives Matter movement, this movie goes deep into the idea of systemic racism. 

You want your friends and family to think you are an intellectual by watching a documentary:

Momentum Generation 

Utilizing amazing interviews, epic old school video footage and the beauty of Hawaii, Momentum Generation details the lives of a group of teenagers who become life-long friends and surfing legends. Even if you are not a “documentary person” (trust me I am not) this film has a perfect mix of intensity, storytelling and comedy that will have you thinking about your best friends and hoping one day you’ll find your passion in life.

You want to get your heart rate up without working out:

Whiplash 

Have you ever been told you have an unhealthy obsession? Well, you’ll feel a lot better about yourself, and your obsession, after watching Whiplash. Released in 2014, Whiplash follows Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a young aspiring musician who’s talent gets noticed by the infamous music director Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Andrew and Fletcher go to unimaginable lengths as they strive for perfection.

You want to impress your friend or relative from Massachusetts (or if your dad is from Massachusetts, like mine, bring up Good Will Hunting before asking for money):

Good Will Hunting 

Written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting is kind of a Cinderella story with testosterone. Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a genius that has been trapped in foster homes and derailed by his short-temper all his life. A professor at MIT gives him the opportunity of a lifetime, but will Will be able to overcome his anger and guilt to seize it. 

Before watching these movies, here are three easy tips:

1. Watch 30 minutes of the movie, just 30, and then if you really don’t like it, stop watching. My family always implements this 30-minute rule whenever we all watch movies together and you would be surprised at just how captivating a movie can get in this short amount of time.
2. Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn, 44-count from Costco is THE BOMB! My personal favorite is adding M&Ms to it.
3. Put your phone away to truly experience the cinematic masterpiece.

I absolutely love movies and am always looking for more recommendations so feel free to reach out to me and give me some of your all-time favorites! (236271@glenbrook225.org) I hope you enjoy the movies and have a wonderful holiday break!