Five Movies That Defined Me

We all have our favorite movies - and it's extremely hard to rank them. So, I'm simply just going to list five movies, in no particular order, that define me, inspired me, and shed light to my inner creativity and soul.

1. Halloween (1978)
It's not the dark itself that scares me, it's what's in the dark that terrifies me. Halloween is one of those movie that is iconic in it's own right but holds a special place in my heart. This movie made me love the adrenaline of being scared - horror movies really get you to react. You don't watch a comedy and yell at the screen "DO SOMETHING FUNNY!!"...you tell the stupid bitch lurking around in the dark to get the hell out of there! Michael Myers is a menacing villain who isn't funny like Freddy or gargantuan like Jason - he's a human being which is more terrifying than any Hollywood monster.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Every high school has their cliques. The jock, the princess, the basketcase, the geek, and the criminal. Which one did you fall into? John Hughes is the master of teen movies and without him, we wouldn't have the teen films we have today. This movie helped define me because I was just a wallflower in high school. I didn't really fit in anywhere, sure I had friends and all that, but in an ironic way - The Breakfast Club defined me to be undefined. Not having a clique to fall back on, to just be my own person, but have fun at the same time. In other words, I was the kid in the back row making fun of everyone while they were making fun of others. I was kind of a reverse bully, if you will.

3. Almost Famous (2000)
A lighthearted movie that changed my outlook on life. Without this movie, I wouldn't have the music taste I have today or the self-awareness I have today. The lesson learned from that movie is to not befriend people who are going to use you so that they can move forward. And while the movie is packed with awesome music, GREAT performances, and an epic plot - the lesson of that movie was far more stronger and that helped me know who I am and what kind of people I should avoid. And the rest is history :)

4. Walk the Line (2005)
Johnny Cash was a great man who made great music - and his story helped me define my life. I really wanted to change my life once high school let out and this movie made my path clear. His life was hard but he knew how to make his life worthwhile and go after the things you desire and love. It showed me what I really need to aim for and not dwell on the past or hold grudges - just move forward and you'll be okay :)

5. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Fast cars, a bad attitude, and breaking the rules aren't exactly the first things you think of when you think of me - but this movie is so much deeper than what it's initially known for. The movie has tremendous heart and a charm that has lasted more than fifty years. And while this is a new addition to my favorite movies, it helped me shed new light on my life. And while some people may think that my James Dean obsession will be short-lived, I beg to differ. Sure it's new, I will admit that, but I haven't felt more rejuvenated and refreshed in my life since reading about his life and discovering his movies. He was one of those people who lived life to the fullest and didn't let stupid things get to him. And I'm thinking, I let stupid things get to me and I really don't live my life to the fullest. So I thank you Mr. James Dean for being my inspiration on changing my life for the good. :)

Rebel Without a Cause

So, before I get started I wanted to apologize for being a LAME BLOGGER. I truly apologize to those who are out there reading this somewhere - but I promise, I will start getting back to movie reviews which I was I am writing about today :)

So lately, I have been getting tired of the modern media. Everyone is just copying each other and I feel that films today (not all, but some) are taking a step backward rather than forward. But in some cases you do have to take a step backward to reach something that is ahead of you - and that is what I did. Going back to a time where soda shops were the place to be and not wearing a leather jacket made you beyond uncool.

Rebel Without a Cause is not only a great film from the 50's, it's reached iconic status. Thanks to the late, but great James Dean. I am in absolute love with this guy and he's been dead for over fifty years. I thought this was just going to be a little kick I would be on but it's become somewhat of an obsession. Not a bad one though at that. He's one of those few actors that you can't pry your eyes from - male or female. And once you sit down to watch this movie, you're in for a good treat. However, modern audiences may find this movie a little odd (and I did, too at first) but you get sucked right in. They don't make movies like they used to. And this film is a good example on why you need to go back and rediscover the classics.

Before Juno, Mean Girls, and the John Hughes movies, RWaC was the definitive teen film. For the first time, teen elements were brought into cinema and left an indelible mark on society. The story is rather simple - Jim Stark (Dean) is new in town. He's rebellious, insecure, and adorable and just looking for the right group of friends. Sounds rather cliche and even boring - but this was groundbreaking in 1955. It even introduced one of the first sympathetic gay characters which was unheard of during this time.

Whether you like him or not (and I want to meet this person who doesn't) James Dean is an icon. He only made three movies before he died and he is still referenced to this day. I would say that's pretty remarkable. It makes me sad that he died so young, but he will always be 24 - forever young. If you come across one of those nights where you are in dire need of a classic movie to break away from the mainstream, I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed!