Last week I wrote about five movies that disappointed me beyond all my expectations, whether they be positive or negative. I talked about how I went into the theater excited or interested, and came out feeling appalled, angered, aggravated, or just downright upset. This week I thought it would be appropriate to talk about five films that took any and all expectations I had and kissed them, dated them, married them, and died happily with them. I would have never imagined these films to be as good as they are and was happily impressed. Some of these have unintentionally become some of my favorite films I have ever seen that all deserve an article devoted to them (hint hint).
Without further adieu, here are five films that blew my expectations away.
1. Fight Club
As the most recent movie I have seen, I am still in awe of this punk masterpiece. I remember seeing posters at a surf shop where we usually go on our beach trips and wondering what this film was all about with Brad Pitt angrily holding a bar of soap. Well, now I know. It is a poetic and creative piece that demands you think through the entire runtime with the lead character narrating almost the entire film. Brad Pitt is perfect for his role as an unusual, confident, and existential leader, and Helena Bonham Carter is flawless as a crazy, low-life yet feeling love interest (that’s saying nothing towards Carter’s personality). The whole movie has the making of a classic that has held up through the years. I started watching it just to see what the hype was about and finished it feeling so philosophical and deep that I started thinking about the beginnings of the universe.
2. Mass Effect: Paragon Lost
As a fan of the massively popular and critically acclaimed gaming trilogy of the same name (minus the "Paragon Lost" part), I was ecstatic to find a copy of this film at a thrift store for only two dollars, having never known of its existence. When I initially picked it up, I did not know what to feel other than excitement. After purchasing the DVD, I looked closely at the description on the back of the case and discovered that it was a side story about Carlos Vega. This actually bummed me out because he was my least favorite character in the entire series. However, once the credits started rolling, I respected his character so much more and wanted to go back and play the games again to see if I could learn more about him. While the animation was a bit underwhelming, the story--taking place before "Mass Effect 3"--was dazzling and filled with emotion and action. This is definitely a movie for all "Mass Effect" fans or just moviegoers in general. Surprisingly well done!
3. Captain America: Winter Soldier
In my last article, I harped on two DC films, but you have to read it to find out which! Now I get the chance to give Marvel the praise it deserves. It is difficult to continue a story line so intertwined as the Marvel Universe yet still keep the story interesting. Somehow, Marvel makes it look easy. This film was the one that started to pique my interest in the Marvel franchise, because it took me by surprise. The first "Captain America" film was slightly below "good enough," so I wasn't expecting the second one to be my favorite in the franchise. Taking a darker tone than the other Marvel films, the movie twists the whole universe upside down and makes Captain America earn his badge as a leader. Congrats Marvel--you added me to your fan base! Do not fail me with the plethora of films to come.
4. Prisoners
Wow--that's all I can say for this masterpiece of cinema. Some critics gave it a hard time because they said it ran too long, but I disagree. For tense films like this, it needs to run as long as possible. Brilliant performances by the entire talented cast, a gripping story following a delusional as well as professional perspective, and the just all-around ugly beauty this film possesses made me leave the theater dazzled and mesmerized. A cliché thing to say about a movie is that it "leaves you on the edge of your seat," but I can honestly say that I almost fell off my seat watching this film. I can't wait to re-watch it now that I know the secrets.
5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
My other movie buff friends and I went to see the very first
showing of this film--which was at 8 p.m. rather than midnight for some reason--and
our minds not only blew up, but they were just downright gone. I went in expecting
to be disappointed. Yes, the trailer was incredible, but don't forget
the prequels! My friends and I went out to a diner afterwards and discussed the
possibilities of the franchise, and we scoured our brains for any flaws in the movie, finding few. There was a
fantastic blend of references to the original trilogy and introduction to new material. I was satisfied and flabbergasted at the quality this film had to
offer. It made some dangerous moves, but they were all worth it in the end.
What films blew you away? Did they defy everything that you believed including the origins of our universe? Comment below!
Also, here is last week's article for reference!
