Good Movies to Watch
Good Movies to Watch
Whether you’re looking for an activity to enjoy with your family or a way to kill a few hours while staying home sick from work, these good movies to watch will make the time fly by. All of the titles listed below can either be purchased from Amazon or rented from Netflix, and they’re virtually guaranteed to demonstrate all that’s good about the art of cinema.
- Unforgiven (1992) – If you’re looking for good movies to watch in the Western genre, be sure to put this Oscar-winning Clint Eastwood film at the top of the list. Eastwood stars as William Munny, a former outlaw who’s settled down to the life of a father and farmer. But when a group of angry prostitutes in Big Whiskey, Wyoming offer a $1,000 reward for the killing of two cowboys, Munny is drawn back into a world of violence in an effort to support his family. Eastwood the director deconstructs all his previous efforts in the genre, and he’s assisted by an excellent supporting cast that includes Gene Hackman (Best Supporting Actor), Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris. Winner of the Best Picture Oscar.
- Black Swan (2010) – Natalie Portman won a Best Actress Oscar for her role in this mind-bending Darren Aronofsky film about suffering for one’s art. She stars as Nina, a dedicated NYC ballerina who’s chosen as the lead in a production of Swan Lake. But as she throws herself into the role, her understanding of fantasy and reality begin to blur into a dangerous blend thanks to a controlling mother (Barbara Hershey), a rival dancer (Mila Kunis), and an amorous director (Vincent Cassel). Filled with symbolism and subtext, Black Swan is the rare film that will have you talking about it long after the credits roll.
- Winter’s Bone (2010) – Jennifer Lawrence gained attention for her role in this indie drama about a teen in the Ozarks who’s forced to find her meth-cooking, bail-jumping daddy before her family loses their home. Nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress (Lawrence), and Best Supporting Actor (John Hawkes as the protagonist’s dangerous uncle, Teardrop). A harsh look at the dangers of the meth trade, Winter’s Bone offers up a feminist heroine rarely seen in cinema.
- Bring It On (2000) – A lively comedy filled with future stars and energetic cheerleading choreography. Kirsten Dunst stars as Torrance Shipman, a high school senior who’s taken over leadership of her cheerleading squad known as The Toros. Expected to help them win their sixth straight national title in cheering, Torrance must deal with issues ranging from replacing graduating members to coping with allegations that the Toro’s moves have been stolen from an inner-city squad. Co-starring Eliza Dushku, Gabrielle Union, and Jesse Bradford. Four direct-to-video sequels would follow.
- Up (2009) – A fun computer-animated movie for the entire family, this Pixar film centers around the elderly Carl Frederickson (Ed Asner) and his efforts to tie thousands of balloons to his house and float to South America. He does reach his destination, but he’s surprised to see that a young Wilderness Explorer has hitched a ride. After landing in Paradise Falls, the mismatched duo encounters all manner of wonders and dangers, including a cute dog that’s able to talk via an electronic collar. Another instant classic from Pixar, and winner of the Best Animated Feature Oscar.
If you need more good movies to watch, be sure to check out Amazon or Netflix. The latter has over 100,000 movies available to rent, and you can choose between having them delivered to your home or streaming them online. It’s a great time to be a movie lover.