Cinema

I love movies. I always have. When I was a kid/teenager, my family used to go to movies like crazy. Almost every Saturday afternoon we'd fill ourselves with tubs of popcorn and Diet Coke while enjoying the latest action, science fiction or comedy film. I particularly remember the comic book and Lord of the Rings movies. My dad would buy a chunk of tickets and we'd go with all our friends, passing the time with card games and making fun of people. I miss that.

Now, it's Netflix, 24/7. I made the decision to get Netflix this summer because I wasn't taking classes. I thought, "Hey, I'll probably get rid of it in the fall when school starts up again." No. I won't give it up. I'm never letting it go. I am almost CONSTANTLY watching a movie or TV show. Right now it's an episode of Reno 911! Hulu is also a companion of mine. YouTube is particularly awesome. I watched all of the original series after the new movie kicked my, well... it was awesome.

Ok, so let's just say I had to rank my top 5 movies. This would be it. But it is subject to change.

1. The Phantom of the Opera (2004). Anyone who knows me at all knows this. In 9th grade I was unhealthy about this. This movie simply astounds me. The music needs no explanation. I fell in love with the costumes, the scenery, the actors and actresses. I became completely enamored with the romance, action, and suspense. I will watch this movie at any moment of any day.

2. The Little Mermaid (1989). Cheesy. I know. But I watched this every day, sometimes multiple times a day, for a significant portion of my youth. It reminds me of who I am. I sing "Part of Your World" in the shower regularly. Oddly, I hate the ocean.

3. Anchorman (2004). This is the most hilarious, quotable movie ever. I think Will Ferrell is the best. Last week my dad bought me a "Stay Classy, San Diego" T-shirt. It's fantastic. Did anyone NOT like this movie?

4. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980). If I could list the Trilogy as one movie, I would. They are incredible. I've loved them for as long as I can remember. Han Solo is THE MAN. I have always identified with Leia. Naturally, I love the romance there. Sometimes Darth Vader is in my dreams.

5. Star Trek (2009). JJ Abrams has the Midas touch. I thought this movie would be entertaining but largely cult-classic material. It swept my Memorial Day weekend in '09. I was BLOWN AWAY. I loved it. I found myself incredibly attracted to Spock. This took my nerd-dom to a whole new level. I immediately began watching TOS and loved that even more. You can appreciate the movie better after watching the originals. Leonard Nimoy is phenomenal, and all of the new young actors absolutely NAILED their parts. Great movie.