Movies have always been a big part of my life. Whether it's a thought-provoking drama, a lighthearted comedy, or an intense thriller, there's something magical about getting lost in a great film. I love how movies can transport you to different worlds, introduce you to fascinating characters, and evoke emotions you didn't even know you had. There's nothing quite like the experience of watching a story unfold on the big screen—or even at home—and feeling completely immersed in it. I can't imagine life without movies; they're not just entertainment to me but a passion that I never tire of exploring. Here are a few that are on my “favorites” list.
Godzilla Minus One: Set in post-war Japan, this film brings Godzilla back to a country already devastated by nuclear conflict. The nation must confront its past traumas as it faces the terror of the colossal monster once again, with society teetering on the brink of total annihilation. This was perhaps one of the best and most realistic Godzilla movies I’ve ever watched - and I’ve seen a few of the 70-year-old franchise options. It’s not your typical lizard traipsing through Tokyo film. While there are some special effects, the movie spends more time on the story, and when you see Godzilla, it’s important and devasting. We made the colossal mistake of following it up with Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire and were sorely disappointed. If anything, the over-the-top action and special effects of GxK made Godzilla Minus One stand out even more as the superior movie. It’s no wonder it won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, considering it had a team of only 35 people working on it. Here’s a great behind-the-scenes look into it.
Nope: Directed by Jordan Peele, "Nope" follows siblings who run a California horse ranch and discover something sinister lurking in the skies. The film blends elements of horror, science fiction, and social commentary as they attempt to capture proof of this ominous force. Peele is truly a master at horror stories, and this latest movie might be one of his best. When we saw it in the theater opening weekend, I walked outside and couldn't help being suspicious of the clouds in the sky (if you know, you know). When I watched it again a few weeks ago, I found myself still on the edge of my seat and freaked out even though I knew what to expect. Also, there’s an incredible song by the Lost Generation.
Don’t Look Up: A dark comedy and satire, this movie centers on two low-level astronomers discovering a comet on a collision course with Earth. As they embark on a media tour to warn humanity, they face widespread disbelief and apathy, mirroring real-world climate change issues and misinformation. This movie has a dozen well-known actors, each playing unique and, in some cases, frustrating characters. It focuses on the stupidity of humans who refuse to accept the truth of the reality that is upon them. I’ve watched it twice, and both times, I found myself weeping at the end during Bon Iver’s song “Second Nature,” distraught by the consequences of what the director calls “truly possible events.”
Army of the Dead: Directed by Zack Snyder, this film is a zombie-heist thriller where a group of mercenaries is hired to break into a Las Vegas casino's vault, now overrun by zombies, and retrieve $200 million before the government nukes the city. As the team faces increasingly dangerous obstacles, tensions rise, and survival becomes uncertain. This movie had me at zombies, but even more so at Las Vegas. It’s one of my favorite places on earth, and to watch the strip become post-apocalyptic made me a little more giddy than I should probably admit. We had the chance to lay the VR game in Vegas in 2021 at Area 15 (a truly magical place everyone should visit if they have the chance, even though the game is no longer there). The action and violence in this movie are over the top, and the zombies are just terrific.
Extraction: This action-packed thriller stars Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, a black-market mercenary tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. Set in the chaotic underworld of Bangladesh, the mission turns into a desperate fight for survival as Tyler confronts his own troubled past while protecting the boy from ruthless enemies. This movie was unexpectedly fun, especially the 12-minute action scene where the long shot camera angles are just impressive. I’ll admit, I was hesitant to watch it because, well, Thor. Don’t get me wrong, I love Thor, and Chris Hemsworth is great as Thor. I didn’t know what to expect with this movie and thought it would be terrible. But, I was so wrong. It was outstanding. It’s my understanding there’s a sequel, and I’m anxious to watch it, but I might need to rewatch this first one again as a refresher.