Do you remember where you were and who you were with when you first watched a good movie? I always do, so pick your company and location wisely because I’ve got a great lineup. This week’s movies feature a psychological thriller, an action, and a comedy. Here they are: Black Swan, Nonstop, and Hot Tub Time Machine.
Psychological Thriller: Black Swan (2010)
Rated: R
Length: 108 minutes
By the end of Black Swan, you’ll be speechless. It’s an hour and 48 minute balancing act of beauty and horror that will have you holding your hand over your open mouth while staring wide-eyed at the rolling credits. I wouldn’t consider this a particularly “scary” movie in the traditional sense, but rather conceptually terrifying. The movie follows a career ballerina, Nina (Natalie Portman), who is starting to feel the enormous pressures put on her, both by herself and those around her, to perform perfectly. She’s always felt pressure, but now it’s starting to take a serious toll on her mental state. The acting is incredible, the filming is incredible, and Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis are both amazing in general. Natalie Portman also won the Oscar for “Best Actress” for this film. I highly recommend watching this. If you need more persuasion, here’s the trailer.
Action: Non-Stop (2014)
Rated: PG-13
Length: 106 minutes
Playing a serious and hardcore badass always works for Liam Neeson. I love it. In Non-Stop, Neeson plays an alcoholic U.S. Air Marshal. While aboard an international flight, he receives a text letting him know that if he doesn’t transfer some (a lot of) money to this anonymous texter’s bank account, someone on the plane will die. This will continue every 20 minutes until the money is received. He must figure out who presents this threat before people start to die while still attempting to keep mass hysteria from occurring. Non-Stop’s blend of action and mystery keeps you guessing and on your toes throughout. There’s never a dull moment when Liam Neeson is the star. Here’s the trailer.
Comedy: Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
Rated: R
Length: 101 minutes
I’ll preface this one by saying that this is probably not a movie I’d be excited to watch with my parents. My roommates and I, however, thought it was hilarious. In 2010, four pals go on a weekend outing to a ski resort and realize that they just aren’t as wild nor are they having as much fun as they were in their teenage years. This all changes upon the accidental discovery of, you guessed it, a hot tub time machine. They’re transported back to their prime in 1986. The characters would probably define their “prime” as the time when they had the most sex and did the most drugs. Despite the fun they’re having, they need to figure out a way to get back to the present and possibly change the paths for their future selves. Click here for the trailer.
If there are any movies you love and want to see featured or any movies that you’re not sure if you should take the time to watch, suggest a movie!
I’d like to end today’s blog by saying a big thank you to everyone who has supported me and Dinner and a Movie. It was difficult and vulnerable for me to start putting my writing and opinions out into the world, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of positive feedback I’ve received. Thank you all for following along, and I hope your weekend plan with one of these films and Tuesday’s pasta recipe make for a fantastic night.
-Caitlin