Olivia Barone
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Looking for a new favorite for movie night? The Anchor staff is here to provide you with an onslaught of unique film recommendations, so grab your popcorn and unwind for a night of cinema.
The Anchor’s Editor-in-Chief, Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro, recommends “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (LXG). A steampunk superhero film based on Alan Moore’s comic series of the same name, LXG is a fantastical iteration of several classic books. Drawing inspiration from famous authors such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Herman Melville, Oscar Wilde and company, viewers are in for a wild ride. The film dives into the action when a terrorist group led by the film’s antagonist, Fantom, robs Leonardo da Vinci’s blueprints of Venice’s foundations from the Bank of England. It is then up to retired adventurer Allan Quatermain (Sean Connery) and his team of misfits to crack the case and defeat the nefarious Fantom. Mel gushed about the film’s fantastical themes and her love for its heroine, Mina Harker.
Tyler Jackman, our team’s Managing Editor, has horror fans covered this spooky season. Tyler professed his adoration for “Mandy,” a horror and action film starring Nicolas Cage. Set in the Pacific Northwest during 1983, the film follows Red and his wife Mandy, a solitary couple whose lives are altered by The Children of the New Dawn, a cult led by the messianic failed folk singer Jeremiah Sand. When Mandy is abducted by the cult, Red embarks on a nightmarish and psychedelic-tinged quest of vengeance. Tyler expressed his love for the ambient and doom metal influenced soundtrack and excessive characterization of the lead villain. He claims Sand’s villainous monologue is one of his favorite scenes in all of cinema for its over-the-top flair.
For the hopeless romantics on campus, The Anchor’s Art Director Sierra Tanzi suggests “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” Based on the book by Stephen Chbosky, the film is an emotional trip through the throes of high school. Introverted teen Charlie (Logan Lerman), meets Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother, Patrick (Ezra Miller) and they quickly become an inseparable trio. When Sam and Patrick begin the journey to college, Charlie realizes how much he values his newfound friends and struggles to maintain his confidence when he feels that his whole world is changing. Sierra spoke passionately about the film’s romantics and her love for Emma Watson’s acting.
Sports Editor Isaac Bean is raving about the 1980 release, “Caddyshack.” A comedy set on a golf course with an outstanding cast of timeless actors like Bill Murray, Michael O’Keefe, Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield, it is certain to have viewers laughing. The starring role, young Danny Noonan (Michael O’Keefe), is working at a snobbish country club to fund his college education. Noonan volunteers to caddy for influential golfer and president of the caddy scholarship, Judge Elihu Smails, and pressure builds, leading to the chaos that runs rampant through the course. Isaac remarks on how hilarious the film is and suggests it to anyone looking for a laugh.
Malcolm Streitfeld, our resident bookworm and staff writer, spoke about his love for “Secret of Kells.” Made by award-winning Irish animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, many consider its detailed narrative and beautiful stylistic choices to be on par with Studio Ghibli. The studio’s filmography includes a roster of movies with roots in Celtic mythology, creating a series of fantastical worlds to explore. “Secret of Kells” features Cellach, voiced by Brendan Gleeson, and his nephew Brendan (Evan McGuire). An impending Viking attack threatens the pair’s relationship, as Brendan has no taste for battle. But when push comes to shove, Brendan is recruited to complete a number of magical tasks that threaten his life but may very well save his loved ones. Malcolm guarantees that viewers will fall in love with the film’s unique art style and endearing characters.
To complete our movie-night guide, I have to recommend Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth.” This 1986 release is a fantasy-adventure complete with a unique story, detailed set design, puppetry and an intriguing performance by popular glam-rock artist, David Bowie, as the Goblin King. Teenager Sarah Williams’s (Jennifer Connely) wish to be an only child is granted by the Goblin King when he kidnaps her baby brother. In regret, Sarah ventures into the King’s Labyrinth to save her brother, only to be met by a zany cast of ghouls that help her on her way. Jim Henson’s whimsical character and set design is certain to have any audience engrossed.