Tag Archives: movie marathon

18 Movies to Watch When You’re Hibernating

It’s that time of year, folks! The holidays are all wrapped up and now we commence the slog to spring. It’s cold outside, you’re cooped up, you can’t shake that sore throat. Truthfully, all you want to do is hibernate. And why not! If you’re getting plummeted with snow and ice this weekend or you’re nursing a cold or you just need a bit of HYGGE–I say Hibernation Station, baby!! You’ve got nothing to do, nowhere to go, so cuddle up and throw on a film. Here’s a list of movies I recommend for your hibernation. Happy watching!

1. Groundhog Day, 1993

Why you should watch it: If you find yourself hunkering down to weather a blizzard you can count yourself lucky. You wouldn’t want to be out and about, like Phil, and get stuck in a time warp, now would you? Plus, nothing will perk up your hibernation quite like getting Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe” stuck in your head (the song Phil is doomed to hear every single morning as his alarm goes off).

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2. Drinking Buddies, 2013

Why you should watch it: This movie is quintessential mumblecore and, since it mainly takes place in a brewery and at bars, pairs rather nicely with that 6-pack of craft beer you have stowed away. All of the characters feel painfully relatable and the entire film was IMPROVISED…which still kinda blows my mind.

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3. The Proposal, 2009

Why you should watch it: If you’re more in the mood for a feel good, rom-com flick than you can’t go wrong with a little Ryan Reynolds. Is it just me or does he not just have a super comforting presence on screen? He just seems like one of the good ones. Like the marry your boss to keep her from getting deported to Canada kind of “good ones.”

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4. Mona Lisa Smile, 2003

Why you should watch it: I mean all the lady-greats from the early 2000’s at one all-girls college…what’s not to love? Very much a rom-com masquerading as a girl-power flick but I still think it’s a lovely watch. Plus, all the 1950’s costumes will brighten your day!

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5. Katy Perry: Part of Me, 2012

Why you should watch it: This documentary film offers a glimpse into what it’s like to be a hugely famous pop star. I’m not even really a Katy Perry fan and I still thought this movie was a delight. It’s basically like reading a really revealing People mag article but with more singing.

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6. The Breakfast Club, 1985

Why you should watch it: I’ve watched this movie approximately 1 billion times and it still never gets old. Like with all of these selections, if you’ve seen something enough times you can nap through parts and still have a wonderful viewing experience. You might also find entertainment in saying your favorite lines along with the actors. (Or right before they say it if you’re watching with someone else and want to be extra obnoxious/prove how many times you’ve seen it.)

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7. Kiss the Girls, 1997

Why you should watch it: If a thriller is more your speed for a night of cozying up under a pile of blankets, you need my girl Ashley Judd starring opposite Morgan Freeman in Kiss the Girls. A good enough plot to keep you on the edge of your seat but just enough 90’s flavor to keep you from getting TOO scared (just in case you’re home alone!).

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8. A League of Their Own, 1992

Why you should watch it: Nothing makes me feel better like a good ol’ fashioned sports movie (my 3rd favorite film genre if I’m being honest). I’ve watched this one on plenty of lazy afternoons and it really has something for everyone. Baseball, WWII, love stories, feuding sisters, Rosie O’Donnel, MADONNA. Plus, super under-rated Tom Hanks role if you ask me.

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9. Almost Famous, 2000

Why you should watch it: Set in 1973, it chronicles the coming of age of 15-year-old William, an unabashed music fan. When he lands an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to interview the up-and-coming band Stillwater he embarks on an eye-opening journey led by the one and only Penny Lane (Kate Hudson). You’ll feel like you’re on tour with the band and, just like William, you won’t want it to end…trust me. 

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10. Elizabeth, 1998

Why you should watch it: One time I was sick with strep AND recovering from a torn MCL and a friend of mine brought me a large fountain soda from Sonic and a copy of this movie from the Redbox. Both really hit the spot. (The copious amounts of prescription medication I was taking may have enhanced my viewing experience…so keep that in mind.)

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11. Closer, 2004

Why you should watch it: If you’ve never seen this movie, your hibernation is the perfect time to do so! You don’t need the drama of the outside world when you can spend the evening with Julia, Natalie, Clive, Jude and their various love triangles.

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 12. Pleasantville, 1998

Why you should watch it: Impressed by high school student David’s (Tobey Maguire) devotion to a 1950s family TV show, a mysterious television repairman provides him with a means to escape into the black-and-white program with his sister, Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon). The siblings take to the surreal landscape in very different ways. Even if you’re not that into fantastical movie plots, this one is too adorable to pass up.

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 13. Elizabethtown, 2005

Why you should watch it: Because it’s adorable and it was filmed in Kentucky. DUH! Oh and the soundtrack will make you happy.

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14. Pearl Harbor, 2001

Why you should watch it: My first college roommate and I had little to nothing in common. But when she found out I had the box-set VHS of Pearl Harbor (aging myself) she said, “Pop it in!” We laughed, we cried, we didn’t have to make small talk!!! Sweeping dramas based on real historical events have a way of bringing people together, I guess. So if you’re holed up with someone you don’t know too well…maybe this could be your jam. If nothing else, it’s 3 hours long so you won’t have to talk to each other for a long-ass time.

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15. Heathers, 1988

Why you should watch it: I LOVE Winona Ryder and her performance of an exasperated teen is just as pitch perfect as her performance of an exasperated mom in Stranger Things. But, spoiler alert, I also love Shannen Doherty (I’ve watched a LOT of Beverly Hills 90210 during various hibernations). She’s the OG mean girl. If you’ve never seen this movie do yourself a damn favor. It is hilarious.

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16. Boiler Room, 2000

Why you should watch it: Honestly, I don’t know. I just really like Giovanni Ribisi (although not in love with the idea that he’s a scientologist). Ben Affleck and Vin Diesel are added bonuses. If you liked The Wolf of Wall Street this fast-paced crime drama is for you.

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17. Pineapple Express, 2008

Why you should watch it: I can always count on Seth Rogen movies to pull me out of a funk and this one is especially hilarious. Is it ridiculous? Yes. But will you love it? Also yes.

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18. Little Women, 1994

Why you should watch it: There’s a lot of winter and illness in this one so it’s very on theme. (And scarlet fever will no doubt put your sniffles in perspective.) Watching this movie just gives me a cozy feeling and there’s nothing I want more from a hibernation viewing.

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What movies give YOU a cozy feeling? Do you have any favorite films you would add to this list? Share below! 

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5 Favorite Films to Watch in the Fall

You guys! We’re getting a cold front in Miami!!! It’s supposed to be dreary and rainy all day today, and tomorrow — the lows are in the 50’s. What?? Perfect weather to curl up on the couch for a movie marathon! If you’re expecting similar conditions, here are 5 films I highly recommend for watching in the Fall…

Beetlejuice 

What’s a Yuppie ghost couple to do when their quaint New England home is overrun by trendy New Yorkers? Hire a freelance “bio-exorcist” to spook the intruders, of course.  

The animated series was my all-time favorite Saturday morning cartoon, so Beetlejuice will always have a special place in my heart. With such an amazing cast and groovy Harry Belafonte soundtrack tunes, this flick isn’t just seasonally appropriate, it’s a really fun watch. A perfect addition to a more light-hearted spooky, movie marathon.

 

So I Married an Axe Murderer

Comedy sensation Mike Myers stars with Nancy Travis in this hatchet-driven romantic comedy about a wed-lock shy coffee house poet who finally meets the perfect woman. Maybe.

The perfect romantic-comedy for Halloween season because of the axe murderer twist, this movie is prime 90’s humor and prime Myers (like pre- a million Austin Powers sequels). If you’re not so into big scares, So I Married an Axe Murderer still stays on theme without being too frightening.

 

The Silence of the Lambs

When FBI Agent Clarice Starling is assigned a case involving a monstrous serial killer, she seeks counsel from an imprisoned cannibalistic psychiatrist, whose fascination with the woman is as great as his hunger for murder.

This film is truly terrifying and one of the best scary movies out there, in my opinion. I adore Jodie Foster and think her acting, along with Anthony Hopkins’ (of course!), is well-worth adding The Silence of the Lambs to the rewatch list every Autumn. Turn the lights out, pour yourself some Chianti, and enjoy!

 

Garden State

 Andrew Largeman returns home to New Jersey after nine long years. Now, as he tries to re-connect with his past, a series of chance encounters with Sam, sets the stage for what his  future might hold. 

If you, like me, were in highschool/college in the early 2000’s, you’ve probably seen this movie a thousand times. But I still think it holds up as a good Fall feature. I’m not sure why it screams Fall to me. Maybe the rainy, screaming into the quarry scene? Or the cozy vibe it (and it’s soundtrack) invokes.

 

The Breakfast Club

An iconic portrait of the 1980’s American high school life. When Saturday detention started, they were simply the Jock, the Princess, the Brain, the Criminal and the Basket Case, but by that afternoon they had become closer than any of them could have imagined. 

Honestly this is just one of my all-time favorite movies and I could watch it (and quote it) at any time of year. However, because Fall is back-to-school season, I think it works thematically as well. Plus, if you’re looking for a group Halloween costume? Hello!!! Perfect inspiration.

 

What are a few of YOUR favorite films to watch in the Fall? Leave your movie marathon recommendations below. 

P.S. 6 True-Crime Documentaries For Your Inner Detective

mid-week round-up

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Half-way there check-in, readers! How’s it going? What’s new? I started a new position on Monday, and last night I watched my weekly dose of The Wire with friends (and had some Country Boy Brewing Cougar Bait lol). Also, if you’re looking for something fun and free to do this weekend, head on out to the Clark Family Farms on Saturday for the Follow  the Food Farm Tour–featuring farm exploration, live Bluegrass music and local products available for purchase. Oh, and ME in the Good Foods tent. : ) Very in the spirit of this post. Hope you have a delightful week, and here are some mid-week internet gems…

Ever “discover” something that wasn’t really new?

What development can mean for our natural wonders.

For when you’re craving something sweet.

Excommunicating women.

Futuristic farming in Japan.

Well this certainly makes my blood boil.

I love a good themed activity.

Terrible. Super police work, LAPD.

Books can solve anything…even PMS!

Plans are in the works for a “pay-what-you-can” community restaurant in Danville, KY.

What your rental dollars can get ya.

Feels like an homage to this summer! (So long KY Summer. See ya next year!)

Winter Olympics Netflix Marathon

winter olympics netflix marathon

What’s that you say? You’re going through olympic withdrawals already? Well, now that you’re a winter sport enthusiast and aficionado, here are six films to get you through the last of these winter nights without Bob Costas and his crunk eye.

1. Lindsey Vonn: In the Moment

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This little piece about skier and Olympian Lindsey Vonn was a bit self aggrandizing. It spends a lot of time trying to convince the audience how humble and hard-working Lindsey is. We’re meant to be quite touched by how loyal Lindsey is to her fans and how she will spend hours signing autographs because she wants to be a hero to children just like Picabo Street was a hero to her. So that’s fine…but honestly kind of boring. Really the things I took away from this docu-special were: 1. Lindsey trains like a beast and sometimes eats nine hard-boiled eggs after going hard at the gym. Literally, there’s a scene where she just gets down on egg after egg after egg. That scene alone convinced me of skier’s athleticism. 2. Lindsey wears lots of eye makeup even on the slopes. I don’t really have an opinion on this cosmetic choice it just struck me as something I needed to mention. 3. If I had a husband who was also my ski coach I would murder him. Especially if this husband used to be a famous skier but now is a has-been and is living vicariously through me every damn day and video-taping all my runs and making me watch them with him while he comments and I’m just trying to catch my breath from performing crazy feats of strength and gravity-defiance…nope, I would have NO patience for that, none whatsoever.

2. The Price of Gold

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I can not recommend this documentary enough. If you were alive during the 1994 Olympics you will want to see this in depth account of the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story. Their drama occurred, for me, at the peak of my interest in figure skating, so every subsequent story about them ranked high on the list of news I cared about. Theirs is the classic “competitive women” story we will always be drawn in by; the Betty and Veronica, White Swan and Black Swan, Madonna and Whore. This saga is compelling, as one interviewee explains, because it is “so rich in it’s black and whites.” The documentary features some never before seen home footage of the Harding family. This fascinating reel shows Tonya’s mom in a disgustingly cluttered home clad in a fur coat with a bird on her shoulder. Read that sentence again and tell me you’re not interested?? So Grey Gardens!!! The film goes on to cover the fateful knee clubbing but it was the coverage of the weeks after that I found more interesting–the time between Nancy’s injury and the ‘94 Olympics. The Olympic committee allowed injured Nancy on to the team so both she and Tonya were in hardcore training. The difference in their training was striking. Tonya trained at a public rink in the middle of the mall and the press was EVERYWHERE, hounding her there and at home and on the street. There’s even a shot of Diane Sawyer just chillin’ rink-side, waiting to ask Tonya a thing or two as well as paparazzi setting off her truck’s security alarm so she would have to show her face. It looked like absolute mayhem. Meanwhile, Nancy is recovering and training totally shut off from the outside world. Most notable aspect of this part of the film, however, is that in one scene Tonya is wearing a big white sweatshirt that reads “No Comment”–perfection. God, I love the 90’s. And speaking of clothes, did you know Nancy skated at the public Olympics practice (the one EVERYONE was at because she was on the ice WITH Tonya) in the dress she was wearing when she was attacked? Who was her PR person? A genius, that’s who. In the end, we all know how the story went–Nancy skated a gold medal performance but ended up with the silver. The world had to keep America in check for being goddamn lunatics all the time. And that is why the Olympics is awesome and keeps bringin’ people back. But, keep watching! At about 7 minutes and 30 seconds left, Tonya Harding breaks down and delivers a monologue that is GOLD MEDAL material. It’s possible you will shed a tear for her, the villain of our childhoods. If you like this documentary, and I promise you will, keep your eye out for the theatrical adaptation of the Tonya and Nancy story coming to an off-broadway stage and duo final near you. Co-authored by yours truly and Katie Berger, it’s gonna be game-changing.

3. Ice Castles

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Mk, this is basically a Lifetime/Hallmark channel made for TV remake of an old movie about a figure skater who goes blind. It was fine noise to have in the background while I did some work. Occasionally I looked up for the actual skating scenes because the lead girl DOES land some pretty legit jumps. But in all honesty she doesn’t go blind until like over an hour in so *yawn*. I went into this with high hopes because, as I’ve said before, I love when blindness throws a wrench in a sports-movie plot. See also: Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken. There just wasn’t enough blindness in this movie for my taste.

4. The Other Side of the Mountain

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Dude, I don’t know what it is about movies from the 70’s but they never disappoint for me. Something about the scores and sound effects is so gripping, like they knew they were somewhat lacking in terms of visual artistry and so they make up for it through sound. Not to mention that I covet all the outfits in 70’s flicks. This film is based on the true story of skiing champion Jill Kinmont and the accident she had during an Olympic-qualifying tournament which left her paralyzed from the neck down. You go into the movie knowing she’s gonna take a tumble so I’m not giving any spoilers when I say, the moment of her career ending fall off the mountain caused me to audibly gasp. The score works perfectly in step with the dramatic arcs of the story and there’s even an awesome non-skiing side-plot about Jill teaching on an Indian reservation that I happened to really like. Beau Bridges is totally my new celebrity crush in this movie. He is so charming and funny and such a weirdo! Also of note, I’m currently very interested in the history of medicine so seeing rehabilitative practices from the 50’s for quadriplegia, even fictional cinematic renderings of these practices, was personally interesting to me. I would call  this movie a cross between Love Story, The Shining, and Heidi…just trust me, that’s a good thing.

5. Horgasm: A Love Story

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Short and sweet, this docu showcases some wicked snowboarding scenes while highlighting the day-to-day life and career of Norwegian snowboarder Torstein Horgmo. At times, it tries a little too hard for the look of an MTV special or Jackass movie. Probably one of the more random things I’ve ever watched on the ‘flix but I certainly didn’t hate it.

6. Chalet Girl

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British Rom-Com starring Felicity Jones, Ed Westwick and Bill Nighy. Face it, if this came on cable you would accidentally get sucked in and watch the whole damn thing, so you may as well tuck in and enjoy! (Notice I said “tuck in”…I pick up regionalisms very quickly.)

Enjoy! Sports movies are basically my third favorite genre. Do you have a favorite that I should put in my queue?