Movies 101

   Whether you're browsing through Netflix or scanning the seemingly endless shelves at your local video store in hopes of spotting a movie that catches your eye, trying to pick a movie to watch can be a very daunting task. Time consuming, flustering, and usually disappointing, the search for the perfect movie to suit your mood is no easy feat. In order to help all you moviegoers out there, I've created a quick reference guide to movies that'll be sure to leave you happy at your next movie night!

Do you believe in love?

Real love is undoubtedly the most lucrative thing in the world, although the easiest place to find it is on the silver screen. Whether it's date night with your significant other, a movie night with the girls, or a lazy day alone, a romantic film is perfect for almost all occasions. Personally, I find The Notebook (and most Nicholas Sparks adaptations for that matter) slightly overrated...oh and be sure to stay away from ANY Jennifer Lopez and Katherine Heigl romantic comedies.
Movies you can't go wrong with: A Walk to Remember, Moonrise Kingdom, You've Got Mail

Looking for a thrill?

The second most lucrative thing on this planet is a decent horror film; as I've mentioned countless times on my blog, I am VERY displeased with horror films lately. Despite promising plot lines, horror films fail due to their lack of actual horror. The horror franchise now relies solely on gore, blood, and demons possessing young girls, opposed to what they should be doing: actually evoking fear in the audience. Here's a couple movies that'll have you hiding underneath the blankets in no time.
Movies you can't go wrong with: The Cabin in the Woods (Horror/Comedy), The Shining, The Sixth Sense, Trick R Treat

Feel Good Movies?

The BEST kind of movies are the ones that leave you feeling good about yourself by the time the credits roll. If you're feeling a little down on your luck, a 'feel good' movie is sure you turn that frown upside down! Tackiness of my previous sentence aside, the best pick-me-up can sometimes be immersing yourself completely in the, sometimes perfect, world of film.
Movies you can't go wrong with: Happy Feet, Kung Fu Panda, Real Steel, Safety Not Guaranteed

Do you feel like crying?

As weird as it is, we all have those moments where we just feel like crying for no apparent reason. It's an unexplained phenomenon, but we've all been there at one point or another. Although there's nothing sadder than a sad movie that's not sad, here are a few of my top tear jerkers, that are sure to have you reaching for the tissue box.
Movies you can't go wrong with: The Lovely Bones, Marley and Me, Changeling

Did you just get broken up with?

We've all had our fair share of heartaches and heartbreaks, it's one of the most sensitive (and unpleasant) times in our lives. Considering you probably watched some films with your significant other, it's probably for the best that you steer clear of any that remind you of them, and watch ones that are sure to make you feel a lot better! (Even if it's only for a little while, I'm sure your friends can take care of the rest).
Movies you can't go wrong with: 500 Days of Summer, He's Just Not That Into You, Forgetting Sarah Marshall

In the mood for crime?

A perfect mix of unexpected plot twists, great acting, and an even greater story line, can create one of the most entertaining film genres in the industry: Crime. Personally, the unparallelled thrills you get while watching crime films top that of any other genre. Whether you're trying to figure out the mystery before your friends or watching The Mafia do their dirty work, crime films are one of the best film types around.
Movies you can't go wrong with: The Departed, Pulp Fiction, The Godfather, The Usual Suspects, Reservoir Dogs, Savages

Want to Laugh?

Put away the lackluster Adam Sandler 'comedies' for good, and choose a movie that relies a little less on gross out gags and a little more on the art of comedy. The perfect comedy (to me) has two main attributes: 1. Keeps me smiling, and frequently laughing throughout the film. 2. Is sometimes, but not always, crude.
Movies you can't go wrong with: Little Miss Sunshine, 21 Jump Street, Raising Arizona

Just looking for a good movie?

If you're looking to experiment with different genres, but don't know where to start, here's a little list of movie suggestions which I'm sure would please any audience:
Movies you can't go wrong with:  Moonrise Kingdom, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, A Clockwork Orange, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Dead Poets Society, Scent of a Woman, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus