Films Perfect for Back to School

It is almost time to hear the bells ring, pack up backpacks and hit the books. School will be starting up again soon for many students: elementary, high school and even college. Many films have been made depicting school life: students, teachers, and even parents, as either paradise or an absolute nightmare depending on the parties involved. Here are some films, which can be explored more on their IMDB pages, involving school in a way: student life, extracurricular activities, gifted students, caring teachers and even parents getting involved in their kid’s lives that are fantastic to watch; some films might not be appropriate for all ages. The picture is courtesy of Pixabay

Dead Poets Society. This 1989 film is perfect for those who love English and reading. Robin Williams (in one of his most memorable roles) stars as Mr. Keating an English teacher at an all-boys prep school.  He teaches his students about living their lives to the fullest; telling them to carpe diem Latin for “seize the day.” Some of the boys even restart the unauthorized Dead Poets Society: reading poems and verses. However the new rebellious natures of the boys might cost them everything. The film also stars Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and Josh Charles as some of the students influenced by Keating.

Regarded as one of the best school movies or all time, Dead Poets Society shows how one teacher can change a school and open some student’s eyes to not obey rules but to enjoy their life. On a side note if one of the required readings for English is J.D Sallinger’s Catcher in the Rye this is a good match to understand what the students are going through.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Not encouraging students to do exactly what this classic film character did, but sometimes we all need a day off. Starring Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey and Jeffrey Jones, this 1986 John Hughes film has a high school student faking being sick to spend the day in the city with his friends. Meanwhile his high school principal and sister don’t buy it and try and expose Ferris for the fraud he is. It might not be the most in school nor the most modern film on here, but it is still a classic high school film no matter how old it gets.

Mean Girls. High school can be scary for many entering for the first time; some may even worry about fitting in with the many cliques there. This 2004 cult classic comedy shows that despite the facade of being perfect most cliques are not what they appear to be. Lindsay Lohan is Cady a former home school student entering high school for the first time and gets caught up in the top group of the school: The Plastics. Cady soon clashes with queen bee Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and decides the best way to fight is to become friends. While high school can be described in so many horrible ways just remember this: it will soon be a distant memory.

Old School. Definitely more for college rather than high school students. Released in 2003, Will Ferrell, Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn star as 30 something men that create a fraternity just so they can continue their partying ways. However when it looks like they may lose the house unless they pass several academic and athletic tests the guys are gonna have to grow up fast. Many critics and viewers have said this film has never done the college party scene better, but through the comedy, alcohol and so much profanity there is heart.

Lean On Me. The first film to be based on a true story on this list. Released in 1989 Lean On Me stars Morgan Freeman as Joe Clark, aka “Crazy Joe” who takes over a New Jersey high school raided with drugs and gangs. Joe makes it his mission to turn the school around for the students, but the teachers and parents have trouble with Joe’s radical measures. Morgan Freeman as always delivers a spectacular performance as “Crazy” Joe; he may not be the most conventional person to run a school, but the students grow to love their principal.

Bad Moms. While this 2015 movie doesn’t take place in school many parents (not just moms) with kids can completely relate to Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn’s characters. The trio are portrayed overworked moms finally fed up with trying to lead perfect lives for their kids. Deciding to be “bad” the ladies let loose and have fun with their kids; at the same time they must handle the wrath of the school PTA president Gwendolyn (Christina Applegate). The reason why the film was a success is not just because the women are hysterical but every single person with school age children have felt exactly like the main characters did at least once. While parents probably shouldn’t go as extreme as the moms in here, it does show how much work happens before and after school for everyone involved.

The Perks of Being A Wallflower. One of the most recent coming of age movies. This 2012 film stars Logan Lerman as Charlie a young man recently released from a mental hospital after suffering from depression. Enrolled into a new school Charlie has trouble making friends until he meets Sam (Emma Watson) and her step brother Patrick (Ezra Miler) who invite him into their own little circle. Charlie soon struggles with his growing feelings for Sam as well as coming into the young man he is meant to be. Two of the three leads were well known for other films prior to this one (Lerman as Percy Jackson and Watson as Hermione Granger) but this film helped launch them in addition to Miler into more adult roles in their career. It also shows that while there may be darkness in the past and school may stink, with the right people there will always be a bright future.

Stand and Deliver. Math; you are either good at it or you are not, but in this 1988 film it isn’t just calculus the students are struggling with. Based on a true story Edward James Olmos stars as Jamie Escalante, a new math teacher at an East Los Angeles high school begins teaching students from working class Hispanic families with multiple problems (academic and social). Realizing the school has given up on them Escalante sets out to prove his students are not only smart but can pass the toughest AP Calculus tests. It is rare on film to see a teacher that cares so much for their students; seeing the dedication Olmos’s character has towards his job and his fight for the kids is something to admire.

Easy A. In what has been called Emma Stone’s breakout role, this 2010 movie shows how a little white lie in high school can go a very long way. Told over a webcam Stone’s character Olive Penderghast helps out a gay friend by claiming she slept with him. When word spreads out about it other guys who could never get a girlfriend ask for Olive’s help in increasing their reputation. Olive becomes labeled as the school tramp and several students, led by the queen Christian bee Marianne (Amanda Bynes), want Olive gone. It will probably be remembered as one of the best high school comedies of the 2010’s and the beginning of Emma Stone’s young successful career

Animal House. Be honest when someone says college movies this is the first one to pop into mind. Starring the hilarious John Belushi, Kevin Bacon, Tim Matheson and John Vernon among so many other funny stars this 1978 movie is all about a fraternity all about partying must go up against the school dean who wants them all gone. While most college parties at fraternities are probably not as insane it is still an absolutely side splitting hysterical movie.

Sixteen Candles. John Hughes sure knows how to write and direct movies about high school. In this 1984 coming of age tale staring the likes of Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, Anthony Michael Hall and Paul Dooley the film follows newly sixteen Sam Baker as she gets through her birthday which her family has forgotten due to her sister’s wedding the next day. To make matters worse her crush Jake Ryan finds out about her feelings for him and school geek Ted will not leave her alone. While other films had come out about teens acting out, nothing like Sixteen Candles had teens portrayed as those who love to party and drink (among other things).

Pitch Perfect. Not many modern musicals really captured high school and college students quite like this 2012 musical comedy, and its two sequels. With an all-star young cast including Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Britney Snow, Anna Camp, Adam DeVine, Skylar Astin, Ben Platt and Elizabeth Banks, Pitch Perfect made being involved in a capella cool once again. It may not have focused on actual classes, but it doesn’t mean the girls didn’t learn a lesson or two about life.

The Breakfast Club. This is the last John Hughes movie on here I promise. Taking place on a Saturday detention this 1985 comedy/drama focuses on five high school students: bad boy John Bender (Judd Nelson), princess like Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald), jock Andrew Clarke (Emilio Estevez), nerd Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall) and oddball Allison Reynolds (Ally Sheedy). On the outside they have nothing in common, but as the film progresses the teens soon begin discussing their lives at home; growing closer along the way. This is one of the few films showing how students of different lifestyles and high school cliques are not as different as they originally thought. This is a must watch for students in high school.

21 Jump Street. There have been many adaptations about adults being undercover in high school, including the television series this 2012 film is based on, and its sequel involving college. No one quite expected Channing Tatum or Jonah Hill to be mistaken as high school students; yet that is what happened as the two bumbling police officers are on the hunt for a drug dealer selling to kids at a local high school. There are many who do not even want to think about going back to high school, nor could probably get away with it, but it will always play a major part of our lives. Just don’t let be the only good thing looking back.

Clueless. Sometimes being pretty and popular can get you far in high school, but it won’t always work. This 1999 high school comedy focuses on Cher (Alicia Silverstone) who is the queen bee of her school. Discovering how much she likes helping people she takes new girl Tai Fraiser (Britney Murphy) to be groomed to be just as popular as her. However when her project works too well Cher realizes being popular doesn’t mean much if there aren’t people who you love standing beside you. It does poke fun at the supposed lifestyle of Beverly Hills, but it also shows behind all the money and glamour they are people too.

The Edge of Seventeen. In the most recent coming of age film on this list this 2016 film takes a real good look at growing up in high school. Staring Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick and Blake Jenner we take a look at the life of Steinfeld’s character Nadine as her life begins to change: from her best friend dating her brother, her feelings towards an older student, the friend completely in love with her and overall struggling to open herself back up to friends and family after the death of her father. Hailee gives one of the best performances of her young career and shows that high school as insane as it is can be the place to find who you are meant to be.

Legally Blonde. If you looked up “never judge a book by its cover” in films you might see a picture of Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods. In this 2001 comedy Elle decides to follow her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School despite being seen as a ditsy blonde. Determined to prove him and others wrong about how serious she is Elle works hard to earn her place as a lawyer. Audiences adored the film with many praising Witherspoon’s performance as the perky Woods; they also loved the message about how not to let people’ opinions about how one looks stop you from reaching your goals.

Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion. The story may have not taken place in school, but it doesn’t mean it’s not relevant. Released in 1997 the film stars Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow as Romy and Michele traveling to their high school reunion. Wanting to stand out for their former classmates, including their enemy Christie Masters, the women claim they are successful business women; in fact they are anything but. The overall lesson for the film: while high school will be an important part of our lives, don’t live life like you’re still in it. Just because someone was a queen bee or nerd in school doesn’t mean they stayed that way for the rest of their lives.

Is there a school movie missing from this list? Please comment below your favorite high school or college movie. Do it before the bell rings!

Movie Review: The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride

Haven’t heard of this film, don’t worry most of the direct to video or DVD Disney sequels do not really get talked about a lot and half the time they are not too well received. However that is not the case for one of the sequels to one of the greatest Disney movies of all time. Released in 1998, Lion King 2 much like its predecessor somewhat takes a Shakespeare play and adds lions to it. Much like The Lion King is based off of Hamlet, this one is based on Romeo and Juliet and it does a pretty good job following the first movie. Because it is unavoidable, spoiler alert. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

King Simba (Matthew Broderick with Cam Clark providing the singing voice) and Queen Nala (Moira Kelly) have a young daughter, Kiara (Neve Campbell as an adult, Michelle Horn as a child with Liz Callaway and Charity Sanoy providing the singing voices) who is much like her father; constantly getting into trouble by slipping away from Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumba (Ernie Sabella) who try to keep an eye on her for her overprotective father. One day Kiara crosses into the Outlands and meets Kovu (Jason Marsden as an adult, Ryan O’Donohue as a child and Gene Miller providing the singing voice). After surviving an encounter with crocodiles the two become friends; however they have been forbidden to see each other again by Simba after it is reveals Kovu’s mother is Zira (Suzanne Pleshette). Zira was Scar’s most loyal follower when he was king and when Simba took over he cast out those who were loyal to his evil uncle despite Zira saying Kovu was handpicked to be the next king by Scar. Seeing an opportunity, Zira trains Kovu as he gets older to get close to Kiara and kill Simba to take over the pride lands, along with her other children Vitani (Jennifer Lien as an adult, Lacey Chabert as a child and Crysta Macalush providing the singing) and Nuka (Andy Dick). Kiara and Kovu grow up each with love or hate in their heart and thanks to some planning by Zira they meet again when Kovu saves Kiara. Simba begrudgingly thanks Kovu and brings him in to the pride, not without a few comments from Zazu (Edward Hibbert). However what was not planned was for Kovu and Kiara to fall in love, or as Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) calls it “Upendi” which is an erroneous form of upendo (Swahili for love). However when Zira moves forward with her plan both Kovu and Kiara must find a way to stop their families from fighting and tearing themselves apart.
I really love this movie and thought it was a really good follow up to The Lion King, just to be clear it does not even come close to surpassing how awesome the first film is. The story is fantastic, writing is great, musical numbers are really good and the characters are just perfect. You can see how the characters have grown since the first film and the new characters really add something to the franchise. Kovu and Kiara’s love story is adorable to watch and how they make many of the lions see what they are doing is wrong is one of my favorite moments of the film. I cannot forget the villain of the film, Zira. While she is not as huge as Scar I actually think she can give him a run for his money, PLEASE CONTINUE READING BEFORE YOU CHEW ME OUT! While Scar’s plan is to take over the pride lands just by killing Mufasa and Simba, Zira’s plan is to avenge Scar by killing Simba and if she takes over the Pride lands so be it.

Now while the songs in this movie are not as famous as the ones from The Lion King they are pretty good. While they were not written by Elton John and Tim Rice, the songs are a decent follow up to the original. There are six songs for the movie and each stick out in its own way or another. The opening song is “He Lives In You” which brings the animals together for the presentation of Kiara; this is also the only song from this movie to appear in the Broadway version of the The Lion King. “We Are One” sung by Simba and Kiara has Simba telling Kiara just how important she is to pride, but all Kiara feels is pressure to be perfect. “My Lullaby” is Zira’s song which has her planning to use Kovu to get closer to Simba through Kiara. “Upendi” is Rafiki’s number where he has Kiara and Kovu realize their deep feelings for each other. “Not One Of Us” is the animals expressing their disdain for Kovu when he begs to come back to the Pride Lands but Simba exiles him. Finally, and my favorite song in the movie, “Love Will Find A Way” as Kiara and Kovu search for each other and reunite confessing their love for one another. All in all The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride is a good movie and a great follow-up to The Lion King.

Movie Review: Disney’s The Lion King

If you have not seen this Disney movie and absolutely love it then we’ve got a problem. Released in 1994 The Lion King is without question one of, if not the, best Disney movies of all time (and I’d love for anyone to argue otherwise). I have seen this movie consistently listed as people’s top 10 Disney movies of all time; most of the time in the top 5 at least. This was one of the first Disney movies I watched as a kid, and much to my parent’s annoyance one of the ones I watched frequently. If for some reason you have not watched the movie, SPOILER alert because it is impossible to avoid. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

King Mufasa (James Earl Jones), a lion, rules over the Pride Lands of Africa, living on Pride Rock with his Queen Sarabi (Madge Sinclair) and the other lionesses. His son Simba (Matthew Broderick as an adult with Jonathon Taylor Thomas as a child, Joseph Williams and Jason Weaver provide the singing voices) is presented to the animal kingdom as their future king by Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) a mandrill who is somewhat of an adviser and shaman. Mufasa tries to teach Simba how the animal kingdom is connected in the circle of life and how he will always be there for him, but Simba, along with his best friend Nala (Moira Kelly as an adult with Niketa Calame as a child and Sally Dworsky and Laura Williams provide the singing voices) constantly get in trouble and by extension Zazu (Rowan Atkinson) a hornbill who is the majordomo to the king. Unbeknownst to all Mufasa’s brother Scar (Jeremy Irons) plots to take over the throne by killing off Mufasa and Simba, along with the help of three hyenas Shenzi, Banzi and Ed (Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin and Jim Cummings). The four of them start a wildebeest stampede with Simba in a gorge. Mufasa rescues Simba, but when trying to get out Scar lets him go and Mufasa is killed. Scar convinces Simba that it was his fault and tells him to run away. The hyenas go after Simba, but he outruns them; the hyenas do not tell Scar Simba is alive as he takes over the Pride Lands much to the horror of the lionesses. Meanwhile Simba is found by a meerkat and warthog named Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumba (Ernie Sabella) who take him into their carefree life of “Hakuna Matata” (Swahili for no worries). Simba grows up into an adult, but when Nala comes back into his life (and falls in love with her) Simba must remember who he was and confront his past, including his uncle who has drained the Pride Lands of everything. After discovering the truth a huge fight breaks out between Simba, Scar and the other characters with Scar receiving one of the most gruesome death scenes in animated movies. Simba takes his rightful place and the pride lands are restored to its natural balance.

To call this one of the best not just Disney but animated movies of all time would be a gross understatement. The opening scene alone with the animals coming together and the song “Circle Of Life” is one of the greatest opening scenes of all time. The wildebeest scene, while it is very sad later on, is one of the most beautifully animated scenes I’ve ever seen as is at the end when Simba accepts his place as king. The story, characters and writing are so well done; I cannot stress that enough. I have also seen many videos online of kids watching this movie for the first time and how enthralled they are (don’t even get me started on their reactions to Mufasa dying). Every character is so perfect in one way or another; Scar as the villain, Timon and Pumba as comic relief, Rafiki as the weird guy who is funny (I crack up every time he gets in the fight scene) you get the point.
Of course I cannot forget the absolutely amazing soundtrack written by the incredible team of Tim Rice (one half of the team who wrote so many incredible Disney songs) and the legendary Elton John (so even if for some reason you haven’t heard of the songs you have to know how incredible they are with this team). There are five songs they wrote that I know every single Disney fan considers to be five of the best songs to ever come out of Disney. “Circle of Life” is the first song heard in the opening scene and sets a high standard. “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” is a fun number with Simba, Nala and Zazu as Simba expresses his desire to do what he wants as a king (as a kid he doesn’t know any better). “Be Prepared” is Scar’s song as he tells his evil plan, on a side note it is one of the best villain songs ever. “Hakuna Matata” brings the mood back up after the sad scenes. Last but not least “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” is not only an award winning song (out of all the songs this one has the Oscar and Grammy) and one of the most romantic numbers in all of love songs, not just in movies.

If you think The Lion King stops here, oh boy are you wrong. There is a Broadway musical (one of the longest reigning shows on Broadway) a spin off TV series starring Timon & Pumba, a sequel and prequel direct to DVD films (both I plan to review later) and most recently a show on Disney Junior staring Simba and Nala’s son (which if you have younger kids I’ve heard is good). In 2019 a CGI adaption of The Lion King will be released in theaters. Not gonna lie and say I was a little concerned about how Disney was gonna do it, but after seeing the cast I am hopeful, the other live action adaptions have been great but those are for another day. I encourage you, no I IMPLORE you, to watch this movie if for whatever reason you have not. The Lion King is one of the best animated movies ever done and should be watched over and over again.

Classic Movie Review: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Why did I put classic up there; the answer is simple. I don’t care what year it is, 1986 when the film came out, 2018, or even 2121; Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, along with many other films directed by the late John Hughes, will forever be listed as one of the best films for teens, students, young adults, whatever you want to list it as. An absolute classic, if you haven’t seen it what are you waiting for? As always spoilers will be ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), a high school student in Chicago fakes being sick to stay home, and breaks the fourth wall talking to the audience. His parents Tom and Katie (Lyman Ward and Cindy Pickett) completely buy it, but two people do not; Ferris’ sister Jeannie (Jennifer Grey) and his Dean of Students Edward R. Rooney (Jeffrey Jones); both are determined to prove Ferris is faking. Meanwhile Ferris convinces his best friend Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara) to join him on his day off, and also persuades Cameron to “borrow” his father’s most prized possession, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder (which a couple of attendants take for a joy ride.) Ferris, Cameron and Sloane enjoy their day off in downtown Chicago, somehow avoiding Ferris’ dad in the process. Meanwhile Jeannie and Rooney go through their own antics to prove Ferris is lying, some more hilarious than the others. Keep an eye out for Charlie Sheen in this film as well.

This film is a classic as I stated multiple times before because it is. Broderick gives the best performance in his career as Ferris. I really enjoy how he talks to the audience throughout the film; it makes you feel like you are a part of the film, something not seen too much in films then or now. Alan Ruck is so fantastic as Cameron; he almost steals the film from Ferris. Mia Sara is great as Sloane. Jennifer Grey is awesome as Jeannie and finally Jeffrey Jones is without question one of the best parts in this film. The story is so well written; you actually do not want Ferris to get caught. I cannot forget the amazing job John Hughes does directing, a true visionary in his time. If you have not seen it, put this at the very top of the recommendation list.