My Guilty Movie Pleasures

Written by Shae Rufe

Every once in a while a movie comes along that captures your heart and attention. One that you can watch, over and over, and that you can just pop in and enjoy. Well, here, I'm going to share with you some of the movies that have come my way and really captured me!

How to Train Your Dragon is one of the best animated films I have ever seen. The story of a Viking boy trying to prove to his father that he can be a fierce Dragon slayer? Only to befriend and fly on a Dragon? Classically awesome. I saw this movie 9 times in theaters (and no that is not an exaggeration). There was just something so magical about the movie. It had childhood innocences fighting against adult ideals, all wrapped in with a family friendly message, and of course, a fantastic comedic overlay. It was perfectly done. While the movie itself was meant for kids, it certainly captured this adult heart. I watch this movie when it's cold out and I can just sit back and enjoy it, and I'm sure you're wondering as to whether or not I love the sequel too, and I do, but this one...was just so incredibly special.

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The next movie that I am utterly in love with (because having one favorite movie is overrated), is one my friend Nic introduced me to. Goon is the amazing story of a man finding his calling in life, love, and of course the awesome violence that happens in Hockey! How, utterly, amazing is the violence in Hockey? Once those gloves hit the ice, it is on! At first, I didn't want to like this movie. I figured 'blah, another boring sports movie.' Never have I been so wrong (totally a Hobbit reference right there). I can watch this movie all the time. Whenever, wherever, and always. Goon not only brings a smile to my face, but also gives me great quotes to share with friends! Quotes that should not be said around children, the elderly, or anyone who is easily offended.

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This one is a three-fer. Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek Beyond took a part of my childhood and crammed it into trilogy of awesome movie reboots. I know a lot of people are not fans of these movies, but I am. I think they honor the old series while taking a new and interesting approach. Copout or not, these movies, to me, are utterly awesome. I adore the casting. Karl Urban is the perfect Bones. These movies have so many references to the old show, and of course, their own flair (see what I did there?). I can watch any of these over and over again. Which is something I have done, over and over again. I mean, I saw Into Darkness 4 times in the theater. I just want there to be more Tribbles. Because Tribbles are awesome.

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And lastly, on my top movie list, I have to cover, Wall-E. Pixar and Disney did something utterly unique with this film when they decided to cut out most of the dialogue. If you watch, not much is said, and anything that is said, is limited. I love that. I saw this movie 4 times in theaters and loved every minute of it. Yes, it is a total social commentary, but it's also got robots falling in love and people learning the value of taking care of things. What more could you ask for? Plus, Wall-E's best friend happens to be a cockroach. Which is both disgusting and strangely endearing. This movie captured my heart with its personification of artificial intelligence. Plus, it's the first movie with A.I.'s that didn't give me nightmares! Sure, the one computer/ship/wheel/thing ended up being kind of a bad guy, but he wasn't such a terrible dude. And Wall-E got to robot kiss Eve, and so, there was that! Happy ending for everyone.

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