Sarie’s Picks:
“Fantastic Mr Fox”
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” follows the story of a family of four struggling foxes: Mr. and Mrs. Fox, their child Ash, and their nephew Kristofferson. Mr. Fox yearns for a more extravagant lifestyle, breaks his promise to his wife, and ravages his human neighbor’s farms, putting everyone around him in danger.
Every character in this film is incredibly well-written, with even the least significant characters feeling dynamic and complex. Though the characters are all animals, they feel very human and face adversities and emotions. Everyone can relate to this film, making this a perfect feel-good movie, while still dealing with more heavy topics.
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” is one of Wes Anderson’s most iconic films with its unique animation and eye-catching cinematography. I recommend watching this movie on a cozy fall evening. This film has many autumnal themes such as harvests and changing seasons accompanied by its earthy color palette and feel-good themes making it a perfect movie to watch this upcoming fall.
“The Craft”
“The Craft” is a grim movie that follows four girls and their journey with witchcraft and its consequences.
Sarah Bailey, a troubled girl who just transferred to a new high school, is drawn to a group of three mysterious girls looking for a fourth participant in their rituals. As the group grows closer, the spells they cast and the situations they put themselves in escalate to dangerous territory.
The girls’ witchcraft connects them and brings them closer, but as the movie continues, the magic the girls perform becomes dark and dangerous, pitting them against each other. One of the most brilliant parts of this movie is how it uses magic to explore hardships teens face, such as bullying, body issues, and revenge.
This film is perfect to watch as Halloween approaches, with its strong themes of the supernatural and spooky vibe.
“Coraline”
Coraline recently moved to a new macabre town. As she was exploring her new home, she came across a hidden door in the wall. Unhappy with her current situation, she decided to venture into the new world that lay beyond the door, unaware of the danger that lay beyond.
The beautiful animation makes “Coraline” a fan favorite. The attention to detail paid to the animation and the easter eggs laid throughout make this film a joy to watch. Watching Coraline multiple times can reveal even more than the watch before. The discovery of new moments and details grows through each rewind.
The aesthetic of the film is one of my favorite aspects of “Coraline”. The film has a gloomy fall atmosphere. Its eerie imagery at times is bone chilling, even though the film is commonly considered as a children’s movie, at times I found it could be quite disturbing.
“Coraline” is an excellent movie to watch this Halloween. While still being unsettling and spooky, it remains a family friendly film –– as well as atmospheric–– making it a perfect movie for this autumn.
Luca’s Picks:
“Knives Out”
“Knives Out” by Rian Johnson takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, in the Thrombey family’s mansion. When Harlan Thrombey, an infamous crime author, unexpectedly passes the night of his 85th birthday, acclaimed detective Benoit Blanc is anonymously hired to find out if foul play took place.
The death of Thrombey leads Blanc into questioning many of his relatives and acquaintances, creating tension around the family and staff. Blanc then has to navigate the web of lies and put together each part of the whodunit mystery. He teams up with Thrombey’s nurse Marta Cabrera, played by Ana de Armas, to hopefully get pointed in the right direction. Blanc, a seasoned professional with a daring approach to work, and Cabrera, a kind and resourceful nurse new to this profession, form an unlikely alliance. Their relationship gives the mystery heart and humor –– however, Cabrera is more involved in Thrombey’s death than many may think.
The film’s cinematography captures a stunning autumnal palette, perfectly complementing the tension-filled atmosphere with its warm, rich tones of amber, burnt orange and deep red. The visuals evoke a sense of cozy elegance, contrasting sharply with the dark secrets being uncovered. Whether it’s the subtle functionality of Marta’s clothing or the preppy sophistication of Ransom’s famous cable-knit sweater, the wardrobe, which includes warm knit sweaters, scarves, and classic fall fashion, not only enhances the seasonal aesthetic but also reflects the personalities of the characters.
“Knives Out” is an outstanding movie in every aspect, a delightful puzzle that enchants audiences with its intricate details and irresistible charm.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” directed by Chris Columbus and released in 2001, is the cinematic adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s first novel in the Harry Potter series. It introduces the audience to the magical world of Harry Potter, Hogwarts and how Ron, Hermoine and Harry will uncover the mysteries of the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Columbus’ film explores themes of friendship, bravery and adolescent self-discovery. Its magical visuals, iconic score by John Williams and faithful representation of Rowling’s world make it an instant classic.
The plot reflects the essence of fall as a time of transition. Fall can signal the beginning of new journeys, such as Harry begins a new chapter in his life at Hogwarts. Spells and a sense of warmth, which are often associated with fall, help conjure up the magic of fall. It seems like the ideal film to watch with a hot beverage and a blanket on a cool evening. For a lot of fans, the movie brings back fond memories of cozy fall evenings and the excitement of back-to-school. Overall, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is a cozy, family-friendly movie and a great way to kick off your fall festivities.
“Rushmore”
“Rushmore” by Wes Anderson is an adorable movie through and through. Anderson always uses a distinct style of cinematography and unique color palettes to establish each of his films. For “Rushmore,” blues, greens and reds are primarily used to establish Max Fischer’s world.
Max Fischer, played by Jason Schwartzman, is an overly-involved teenage boy attending Rushmore Academy, a private school where he meets Miss Cross, an elementary teacher, portrayed by Olivia Williams. Fischer becomes madly in love with Cross, yet Cross doesn’t reciprocate the same affection, as she is dating Dr. Peter Flynn, played by Luke Wilson. Fischer begins to resent Dr. Peter Flynn since he wants to be Cross’s lover. Along the way, Fischer becomes friends with a pipe company owner named Herman Blume, played by Bill Murray, who is equally strange.
“Rushmore” begins during the fall of Fischer’s last semester at Rushmore Academy. The film is separated into months, which is shown via title cards stylized as curtains with the months projected on them. Each curtain with each month is a section of Fischer’s sophomore year of high school. He and his companions he meets along the way each grow in their own way, for better or for worse, while Fischer stays authentically himself. With its hilarious, witty writing and comedic performances, “Rushmore” is sure to become a feel-good movie for you.
