The Observer, November 16, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 11
Top 10: Movies for college students
The greatest films of our time are often limited to the overly sophisticated palette. The college student is indeed a unique audience, desiring a smattering of genres and variation in their movie watching to be satisfied. Here are the top 10 movies (with the college student in mind).
10. Old School. After seeing this movie in theaters four years ago, I discovered the comical genius who is Will Ferrell. Not surprisingly, my 30-something cousins also found this movie hilarious. A beginner's guide to Will Ferrell movies, Old School is a comedy guaranteed to relate to the college student.
9. The Royal Tenenbaums. My personal favorite of director Wes Anderson's films, and inspired by J.D. Salinger's Glass family, this film encourages us to figure out who we are and how to grow up during young adulthood.
8. The Graduate. This tale of crisis after graduating is familiar for so many college students. The soundtrack built entirely of Simon and Garfunkel tunes makes the movie.
7. Pulp Fiction. This cult classic is a favorite with those interested in film noir and its all-star cast. Multiple storylines converge to form a heart-thumping collection of one-liners and suspense.
6. Breakfast at Tiffany's. Besides the incredible beauty that embodies Audrey Hepburn on screen, her character, Holly Golightly, is a tragic example of being young and careless while living alone in the big city. All young people should watch this movie, not for the love story, but for the relatable Holly, who believes in dreams and falls hard from her mistakes.
5. The Godfather. The aftermath felt after watching The Godfather is indescribable. This action-packed drama about one of the most complicated and crazy families in film history will leave you feeling like you really do live in Brooklyn.
4. Casablanca. Quite possibly one of the greatest love stories of all time, Casablanca is a still-relevant classic. With some of the most well-known lines in movie history and its controversial ending, it is a must-see for any romantic.
3. Dr. No. In the first of the James Bond movies, Sean Connery delivers a performance other Bonds fail to live up to. While all Bond movies are classics and fantastic in their own right, the first has a special allure hardly ever recreated.
2. Gone With the Wind. Over 200 minutes long, this film is worth the length. I loved it as a child for the incredible costumes, but watching it again recently solidified my admiration. Sometimes a tearjerker, and mostly inappropriately outdated, Gone With the Wind is a must-see.
1. Citizen Kane. Not to be predictable, but after seeing this classic for the first time a few weeks ago, I couldn't believe I hadn't seen it earlier. This film is not only beautifully made, but will change your life. Rosebud!
