(Art by Izzy)
Hello Risen Readers!
It
is officially December and soon January will be coming up, which means now is the
perfect time to snuggle up at home with some of your favorite movies and books.
Of
course, December is perfect for those holiday movies that put you into a jolly
mood, but what happens after the holidays? What are you supposed to watch then?
I
have compiled a list of my all time favorite winter movies and books that may
not be about Xmas spirit, but still provide that perfect, cold weather vibe.
Movies
1. The Grand Budapest Hotel
This movie is set in the perfectly snowy country of Germany. When watching, take note of the beautiful mountains and scenic buildings. Wes Anderson always seems
to model each movie as with own aesthetic, and this is one of my
favorites by far.
It is a story told within a story, within a story. As complicated as that may
seem, it excites the viewer. It tells the story of an older man who recalls his life changing bellboy
experience at a hotel.
Wes Anderson captures amazing colors schemes in this movie
and combines them with incredible acting. This story is dramatic and fulfilling, but like
his other movies, it has a lot of dark and satirical humor to make you laugh.
2. Love Actually
This is one of the best holiday films. Different stories and
situations are told by different people and they all have small relations with one
another. This film features love, humor, and adventure.
This holiday film is perfect for anyone, as it doesn’t push the
holiday spirit on you… well at least not too much.
3. Clueless
As one
of my classic go-to movies when I’m feeling bummed, this movie brightens my
spirit and channels my inner 90s girl.
Although
this movie doesn’t include much snow, considering it’s set in California, you can’t
forget its infamous scene of the holiday party and “Rollin with the homies”.
This movie is hilarious and adorable. It shows what the perfect 90s girl is,
including her amazing fashion sense and lingo. I think Alicia Silverstone and
Paul Rudd were my favorite fictional couple, to this day.
If
someone or something is bugging you and totally killing your mood, just shove
them off with an “As if!” and watch this movie. It’s a total mood lifter and
makes you want to wear yellow plaid blazers all the time. ;-)
4. Psycho
While this film doesn't exactly embrace the Christmas spirit, I love horror
movies in the winter. They add to that spooky vibe that I get from the cold
air.
If you’re not a gore fan, do not worry! This movie was created
in 1960; so on camera violence was not cool. This is the story of a woman
running away from a crime filled past to a certain motel where secrets are
hidden from the past. You meet Norman Bates, an iconic character in film history.
This movie is filled with twists and turns and if you love it, try watching the
prequel show, “Bates Motel”.
Not only is this movie thrilling, it also includes some pretty
politically correct terminology on that certain “Psycho” and what they’re going
through.
Books
1. Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger
This book probably sucked when you read it in school for
homework, but read it again! It tells the story of a troubled teen that spills
his thoughts onto these pages. He’s
troubled about growing up and what he’s going to have to face when he’s older.
It feautures drama, humor, and adventure. This book is considered a classic by nearly everyone, ask your parents. They probably read it and related to it as
well.
2. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was
Shot by the Taliban by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai
Yes! Malala has
released a book about her story on her fight for an education and her journey
after her traumatic encounter with the Taliban.
Malala is an
inspiration to many girls out there seeking education to further study the
world and its many wonders. Her strong will and confidence is amazing and
beautiful. I cannot express in words how amazed I am that her voice is so
strong, and how it helps so many other girls.
The winter is about
school and education, so educate your brain even more! This book tells her story and what she has gone through to accomplish gaining education for girls. It
will inspire you to take charge on your education and take pride of your power
you have as a young student.
3. The Illustrated Man
by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury is one of
my favorite authors. He’s known for his futuristic predictions and sci-fi style.
The Illustrated Man is a series of different tales or stories that
each are depicted on a full-body tattooed man. As creepy as it sounds, each
story is entirely fascinating and eerie.
The good thing about
this book is that each story is new and refreshing, so you won’t be super bored, wondering when the plot is finally going to change. Bradbury will keep you
wanting to read more with these interesting and riveting stories. Keep in mind
this book was published in 1951, so all of predictions about familiar
technology are just… mind=blown.
4. The Outsiders by
S.E Hinton
You knew this had to
be coming. The Outsiders is classic, and my favorite thing in the
entire world. I may or may not have even watched the movie over two hundred
times just to remember all the lines.
Enough with my extreme
fan-girling. This book is amazing. It’s a timeless novel, so you could read
it if you’re 13 or 18. It is an easy story to relate to. It was published in 1967, so
the plot takes place around the 50s or 60s. There are two sides of town, the
Socs (wealthy, snotty group) and the Greasers (lower-class, leather jackets,
greasy hair). It discusses the hardships and fights between the two groups all
surrounding a young boy who just wants to read and write.
The movie is a great
depiction of the novel and features some 80s babes. Yes Rob Lowe, I’m looking
at you.
So hopefully your holidays won’t be too boring after reading
this article. If it snows too much, this is your safety net. Happy Holidays
everyone!
-Caroline
-Caroline
(All photos from Google)
Great recommendations! I'll definitely watch The Grand Budapest Hotel, I love
ReplyDeleteWes Anderson.