Freeman writing about pop culture? This could be very interesting. My relationship with the movies has been interesting to say the least. Growing up in a Uber-conservative home, I stepped foot in a movie theater for the first time as an 18-year-old in a small Malibu theater. What did I see? Darkman. Never heard of it? Yeah, it was a pretty horrible film that was definitely not memorable. But the experience was truly wonderful and I was forever hooked on the magic of movies.
So what are my 5 favorite movies? Because I fell in love with movies as an adult, my taste in movies is normally very different from other people’s. Some of my favorites are associated with memories instead of the film itself. Some I first saw on VHS in the quiet of the Geriatric Ward. All of them have made a lasting impression on me.
1. Dead Poet’s Society. I was introduced to this film during freshman orientation at Pepperdine. It was combined with a reading of To Kill a Mockingbird and together served as our introduction to the discussion of ethics. I loved Robin Williams in this role and was mesmerized by the fact that the classroom could be a transformative place.
2. Top Gun. What can I say? Combine airplanes with a rebellious streak and I am hooked. Great music, great cast, great story. I could watch this one over and over without tiring of it.
3. MCU Universe. Okay, okay, I know this is not a movie, but the franchise as a whole has been amazing. I was first pulled into the films by seeing Black Panther and not really knowing what I was getting into. I was immediately hooked by the incredible visuals, the special effects, and the score. So I went back to Arkansas over the summer and binged through the entire series so I would be ready for the next theatrical release. Some of my favorite films from the franchise were definitely Doctor Strange and Thor: Ragnarok.
4. Beverly Hills Cop. It’s funny. It’s Eddie Murphy at his finest. Nothing more needs to be said.
5. The Sound of Music. I really cannot leave this film off the list (no matter how badly I want to!) There’s just something magical about the Austrian countryside, the humor of the children in their curtain-turned-into-clothes, Julie Andrews, and the familiar, iconic songs. It’s actually a love/hate relationship that I have with this film. I don’t want to like it — I feel as though I need to return my man-card — but I can’t skip over it when the holiday season arrives and sing along with every single song. I may need therapy for this condition.
Livin' Life 