While this winter break may be used for making up the money we've lost over the semester, or making up for sleep... sometimes catching a movie is just what we need. Working hard and partying harder makes for hangovers. What's better than a good movie to guide you through your painful day? Whether you're watching a movie on your laptop bundled away in bed, or gathering in the theater with a jumbo popcorn and slurppee, here's a list of movies you should check out over these long few weeks.
1) Star Wars: The Force Awakens
"Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a rag-tag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance". What we're looking forward to most are all the theories that will look to interconnect the rest of this new Star Wars trilogy as well as the standalone movies. May the force be with you.
2) Sisters
They're back together again. It's hard to imagine Amy Poehler and Tina Fey surpassing the level of humor they achieved with their three stints as Golden Globes co-hosts; fortunately, with the movie Sisters, looks lower brow in the best way. What we hope for here is total re-watchability and an unrated cut. A comedy expected to be better than Baby Mama is a must see this winter.
3) The Good Dinosaur
Because there's nothing like bringing out the kid in yourself once in a while. This film leads you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. Rawr.
4) Creed
If you aren't into sports, there's plenty of many candy in this one anyways. This is the compelling true story of the former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serving as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.
5) Concussion
Any Will Smith movie is a favorite of mine. This inspiring film comes out to theaters on February 12th, 2016. In Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in football specifically. Players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play. Omalu discovered the detrimental disease that takes too many lives today, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy).
6) Joy
This dark-humored film comes out on Christmas Day. Joy is the story of a family across four generations and the woman who rises to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty. Plus, J-Law rocks... so it's a must see.
7) Spotlight
The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core is a film every New Englander should see. I mean the movie takes place in Boston, so that should sell you anyways!
8) Point Break
If you're a fan of great looking guys and action films, this one's for you. A young FBI agent infiltrates an extraordinary team of extreme sports athletes he suspects of masterminding a string of unprecedented, sophisticated corporate heists. Point is inspired by the classic 1991 hit.
9) Daddy's Home
A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepdad to his wife's two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids. Plus... Marky Mark is a hunk and Will Ferrell will make you die laughing.
10) In the Heart of the Sea
Chris Hemsworth... need I say more? A recounting of a whaling ship's sinking by a giant whale in 1820 that would inspire the great novel, Moby Dick. Sounds pretty boring, I know, but it's graphics and anticipation makes it worth your while!
Now hopefully you have your heart set on a few of these awesome flicks. Hopefully you're not working too hard or too hungover to catch them. Happy Holidays from my movie theatre to yours!
