Fanboys

Fanboys is one of my all time favorites.  Four friends (one with a terminal illness) travel to Skywalker Ranch to steal Star Wars: Episode I before it is released in theaters.  The real beauty of this movie (Besides my favorite actor, Jay Baruchel) is the all star cast, combined with a really impressive list of cameos.  Whether or not the story sounds interesting to you, you must see this movie.  Seth Rogen, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Kristen Bell, and more.  Totally hilarious, nerdy fun.

Directed By: Kyle Newman
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Sam Huntington, Dan Fogler, Chris marquette, Kristen Bell
Year: 2008

The Bucket List

Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson have both been diagnosed with terminal diseases.  One night in a moment of excited inspiration, they decide to break out of the hospital and take the adventure of a lifetime.  While completing items on their “bucket list”, big and small, they learn about the true meaning of life.  This film is marvelous, touching, inspiring, silly.  It will leave you contemplating your own life.

Directed By: Rob Reiner
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson
Year: 2007

Toy Story 3

In this fabulous follow up to Toy Story 2, Andy is about to leave for college, and the toys aren’t sure what place they will hold in his life anymore.  Woody, the loyal friend he is, follows the toys to a day care center, where the friends have to stick together and figure out how to get back to Andy.  The ending is surprising and heartwarming, this might be the best of all three of the films.  Pixar’s ability to take you back to your childhood is mindblowing.  Good for adults, children, any anyone who was a fan of the movie as a child.

Directed By: Lee Unkrich
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Year: 2010

The Chronicles of Narnia

C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe comes to life in this breathtaking children’s epic fantasy.  Four brothers and sisters are sent off amidst a war to a seemingly boring, desolate house with a distant relative.  When a friendly game of hide and seek leads the children into a magical world threatened by an evil queen, it’s up to the four of them to fulfill the prophecy and save Narnia.  The journey is more than just an adventure, it is a quest to find strength and adulthood.  If you like Harry Potter, you will love this.

Directed By: Andrew Adamson
Starring: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell
Length: 143 Minutes

Martian Child

David (John Cusack) makes a rash decision to adopt a quirky young boy named Dennis, who doesn’t seem to fit in. David struggles to relate to Dennis (who claims to be a martian child) as the two adjust to making room for love and family.  This movie sounds a little cheesy, but it is absolutely heartwarming and sincere.  Any parent will be touched. Also:  I cried… so yeah.

Directed By: Menno Meyies
Starring: John Cusack, Bobby Coleman
Length: 106 Minutes

Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia is a musical about one girl’s search for her real father.  Meryl Streep comes face to face with three old lovers as arranged by her daughter (the bride-to-be), and the wedding weekend becomes filled with family, friends, and of course, ABBA.  Just a warning, this movie is for women.  If you are a man, stop reading.

Directed By: Phyllida Lloyd
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Strep
Length: 108 Minutes

Grown Ups

The death of a friend brings a group of childhood friends together after years apart.  The grown ups try to teach the simplicity childhood to their own children, which proves less successful than they would have hoped.  A fantastic cast reminisces about the “good old days” as they get back in touch with what’s really important.  Although the story line wanders a bit, it’s a good, entertaining movie.

Directed By: Dennis Dugan
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, David Spade
Length: 102 Minutes

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass takes place in a world apart from our own, where evil is taking over, and children are being kidnapped.  Lyra and her “demon” (an animal manifestation of her soul) journey north along with some good friends to help her friends and find bravery.  Although this fantasy is a children’s story, it is an absolutely heartwarming film that is perfect for a lazy Sunday at home.

Directed By: Chris Weitz
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Dakota Richards
Length: 113 Minutes

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Nicholas Cage gives a great performance as Balthazaar, a sorcerer looking for someone to help him battle a series of evil, century old sorcerers looking to take over the world.  Jay Baruchel is an awesomely nerdy sidekick, apprehensive to get too deep into magic while he’s trying to pass physics class.

Directed By: John Turteltaub
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Jay Baruchel

Matchstick Men

Roy (Nicholas Cage) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) are the matchstick men– con men out to get whatever they can get their hands on.  When Roy’s daughter comes to find him one weekend, things get more complicated for the schemers, as he struggles to keep business and family separate.  It’s a fantastic film that will leave you shocked.

Directed By: Ridley Scott
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman
Length: 116 Minutes