Showing posts with label Brave. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brave. Show all posts

Friday, May 9, 2014

MOTHER'S DAY MOVIE GUIDE

Top 10 Mother Inspired Movies


After compiling the list I realized the majority of the movies are based off of mother-daughter relationships. Either way, the embodiment of a mother's relationship with her children can be found in each movie. I also tried to cover a majority of genres, from dramatic to comedy, there is sure to be a pick that both you and your mother could watch together. Enjoy!

Mother's Day (2010)

Beware this is a horror flick and as fans of the genre my boyfriend and I rented this movie. It's one insane example of how a crazy mother's influences affect her supposed children. Their demented delusions break up a party among friends as they fight for their survival against the insanity of the Koffin family.


I picked this movie because of two women's journey through their life and as mothers. The main protagonist is Natalie Portman's character, but her friend portrayed by Ashely Judd is a dynamic character as well. They both face so many challenges and through it all they remain the strong spirited mother's dedicated to providing for their children.

Brave (2012) 

There are so many memorable Disney/Pixar movies that have great mother relationships in them, some great, when not-so-great. I picked Brave because I feel that the relationship between Merida and her mother Elinor is the most realistic. The daughter that can't understand her mother and what she expects from her, her stubbornness, and their bond that saves them both.


This is a hilarious romp that pits Danny DeVito with Billy Crystal. They both have a problem, one with their wife and the other with their mother and they both want a resolution... ending in death. Can they pull off their master plans?


This movie might not be centered around the mom (played by Diane Keaton), but the impact of the mother within the family is the most powerful. It begins with the introduction of Sara Jessica Parker's character and how her personality clashes with the laid-back but tethered family. Why are they tethered? You'll have to watch to find out, but it is a moving and memorable experience.

Stepmom (1998)

I absolutely hated this movie when I first watched it and had no desire to ever watch it again. Why? Because of the fabulous portrayal of Susan Sarandon as a mother dealing with her mortality. I originally thought that she was a roaring bitch, when I watched it again years later I could better understand her role having been through a divorce and having to deal with another woman caring for your child.


Take the journey through a troubled mother-daughter relationship, visiting past memories, and dealing both the present and past. Again, this is an all-star cast that brings the love and charm of the family into our hearts. What I love about this movie is the demonstration within the psyche of a mother and that they're not all perfect, but they try the best that they can. 


With this critically acclaimed assemble, get your tissues ready. I also just recently found a rendition on Netflix that is worth the look-see too Steel Magnolias (2012). Either version you can experience the journey for one mother as she helps her daughter through her wedding day, through her diabetes, a through other life challenges as well. Through everything the movies demonstrate the intricate relationships. It's an absolute must see and a personal favorite of mine.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

I love this movie for a number of reasons, but it made this list because of the portrayal of Donna (Meryl Streep). She's a devoted mother to her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), but her past is about to bite her back. When her daughter takes action to find her father for her wedding, the chaos ensues! Add in great music and it's a win-win experience.


Sally Field portrays Karen McCann, a mother who has just lost her daughter through tragic and horrific circumstances. This all-star cast also includes Ed Harris as Mack McCann and Kiefer Sutherland as the evil perpetrator Robert Dobb. I remember watching this when I was younger, it terrified me! However, if I remember correctly, it has an amazing ending. I'm sure if I watched it again today, that I would still have to remind myself "it's just a movie - it's just a movie".



WHAT TO WATCH

In Theaters


On the Tube

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

April A to Z Challenge - B

Top 10 "B" Movies

Picking a Top 10 is difficult, then you take into consideration all the movies you've watched and cherished over the years; it proves to be a very difficult task. It's been harder than I thought. I'm sure everyone has their own top picks. After reading lists of movies, these are my picks.
What do you think?

Adult Section


This timeless classic depicts the average American high school. "The Jock", "The Popular Girl", "The Geek", etc. Put them in a room together and watch what happens. While this was made in the 80's, I think that it still resonates to this day.

Benny & Joon (1993)

This is a fun romantic comedy. One of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp, gives life to the unique character "Sam" who enters the life of brother and sister duo. Aiden Quinn play's "Benny", a brother struggling to take care of his mentally challenged sister, Joon (Mary Stuart-Masterson). The challenge is further threatened when Sam and Joon become romantically involved.

Big Daddy (1999)

Adam Sandler is a comedic genius in this movie about a bachelor taking on a father role for the first time; even though he's not the biological father, he's helping is friend out, while helping himself out. This movie introduces Dylan and Cole Sprouse. Also stars Jon Stewart and Leslie Mann.

Beetlejuice (1988)

After watching the movie, can you repeat the title three times?
Beetljuice is a dark comedy that pushes the envelope about the afterlife. It stars Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin as the Maitlands, who have suffered an untimely death. When they are threatened by the living they seek help in the unlikely Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton).


I remember watching this as a child and laughing. When I watched this again as an adult I gained an entirely new adoration for the legendary comedian. To this day, Bill Cosby: Himself has me in stitches. It's a classic for all ages!


Recently, thanks to Netflix, I watched this movie. While it is dark and bloody, I really enjoyed the movie. Especially since I am a huge The Walking Dead fan, so watching Norman Reedus was a pleasure. It was great to see him take on a different role then Daryl Dixon. I love the concept of this movie: two brothers on a divine mission.

Braveheart (1995)

Braveheart brings to life the cruelty within the Celtic realm during a cruel and unjust time. The iconic William Wallace (Mel Gibson) decides to take on the tyrants of those claiming to rule and enslave their people after the heinous crimes against his wife, he leads the mission to make the change the people need so desperately.

Beaches (1988)

Follow two unlikely friends as they share in each other's lives. Until one friend goes to the other for help and makes a hard request. This movie will pluck out your heart, so get those tissues ready. This is the movie that Bette Midler sings "The Wind Beneath My Wings".


I didn't want to list all of the Bourne Saga here - so I just put the first in the series. Everyone, I think, has their favorite. I think my favorite is the Supremacy, but for the sake of the Top 10, I put the original that started it all. Matt Damon portrays Jason Bourne, a well trained spy that has to fight for his survival.


I love both Bridget Jones's movies, I like the characters - "just as they are." Renee Zellweger is Bridget Jones, a singleton in the UK. When I first watched the movie, I was single and could relate to much of her dilemmas. It also gave me hope of finding that "Mr. Darcy" that the romantic in us all hope and pray to come our way. 


Kid's Section

Babe (1995)

Balto (1995)

Bug's Life, A (1998)

Brother Bear (2003)

Bambi (1942)

Brave (2012)

(all images captured via Google search)