Editor’s list of films to watch

Chloe Hawkins,  Spectrum Editor 

Goonies (1985)

This movie is set in a typical neighborhood in Oregon where seven “mis-fit” kids live: Mikey, Brand, Andy, Mouth, Data, Stef and Chunk. Due to financial troubles, they go on a quest to find a hidden treasure. This adventure comes with many trials and tribulations, including secret caves. I don’t want to spoil too much, but this film was a staple in my childhood. 

Available on Peacock | 76% Rotten Tomatoes 

The Martian (2015)

This movie was based on the 2011 novel “The Martian” by Andy Weir. This film is not like other space-themed movies, because it’s meant to portray real life. Astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, leads this movie after being presumed dead during a failed mission to Mars. With little to no supplies, food or way to communicate to anyone, Watney fights to survive. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire two hours and 45 minutes of this movie. 

Available on Netflix | 91% Rotten Tomatoes 

Life of Pi (2012)

This film is based on the 2001 Canadian novel by Yann Martel. It follows protagonist Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, played by Suraj Sharma, and his tiger. This wild animal and 16-year-old boy are the only survivors of a shipwreck. This movie takes you through their journey as they’re completely stranded in the Pacific ocean. You will leave this movie questioning reality, but in a good way.

Available on Amazon Prime | 86% Rotten Tomatoes

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

This classic 90’s romantic comedy is a must-watch. Personally, I “must-watch” it a little too much, but it’s such a nice comfort movie. Legendary celebrities such as Julia Stiles, Larry Miller and Heath Ledger appear in this film. It follows the romantic interests of Kat Stratford, played by Stiles, and Patrick Verona, played by Ledger, but what one of them doesn’t know is that there are stipulations that come with this relationship. 

Available on Disney+ | 70% Rotten Tomatoes

Beast (2022)

I went to see this movie last week, since it’s currently in theaters. It starts out slowly introducing a family of three: the father Nate Samuels, played by Idris Elba, and two daughters Meredith, played by Iyana Halley and Nora, played by Leah Jeffries. They are adventuring to a South African reserve. While it starts off as a cute family film, it quickly turns into a bloody thriller that exposes trauma in the household. The acting is impressive, and oddly relatable for the setting.

Available in Select Theaters | 69% Rotten Tomatoes

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

This comedy-drama film is based on the 2012 novel “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving” by Jonathan Evison. Benjamin, played by Paul Rudd, is Trevor’s, played by Craig Roberts, caretaker. In the movie Trevor is disabled due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The two characters embark on a road trip around the United States to see all the famous landmarks, but what they also find is life-long friendship. Along the way they meet Dot, played by Selena Gomez. At the time I clicked play just because I saw her name, but the other two characters really make this one of the most heart-felt films on Netflix.

Available on Netflix | 77% Rotten Tomatoes