Films

The Collectress Picks 5: Films to Watch With Your BFFs

I hate the term “BFF” but how the fuck else do you describe the pals that stick around you, even when you have a nervous breakdown over something as stupid as not being able to find your favorite pair of shoes (I’m not speaking from experience or anything). The past few weeks have shown me that I have exactly the right friends in my life, and I’d be lost (like, literally, wandering around some borough of London) without them.

My friends and I are serious cinephiles, and here are my five favorite films to watch with my BFFs about BFFs.

To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything Julie Newmar

This film is quintessential for me and my closest friends from high school. Even though we’ve spread to various parts of the globe, whenever I pop in the DVD I send a text to them all saying “I’ve got more legs than a bucket of chicken.”

You either get that reference or you need to watch the film.

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Ten Patriotic(ish) Movies To Watch on the 4th of July

Happy 4th of July to our American readers and sorry about the mess, to our Brits! Today, the States celebrates our Independence from England by drinking lots of beer, barbecuing and lighting things on fire. Here are some of my favorite films that make me proud to be an American.

“Murrica!!

The Collectiva Diva

1) Captain America: The First Avenger

I basically started this list so I could share this clip. Fourth of July is Steve Rogers’ birthday and ABSOLUTELY NOTHING says America more than a good looking man in red, white and blue tights with his best friend by his side.

I’m not obsessed, you’re obsessed. 

2) Full Metal Jacket

One of Stanley Kubrick’s finest, this film is a poignant and raw look at the Vietnam War with a stellar cast and some very memorable moments. If you’ve never seen this movie, watch it so you can finally get some of those FMJ references.

3) Forrest Gump

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a great soundtrack and 90s CGI. Forrest meets so many amazing people and experiences so much of Americana, this movie has to be on the list.

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The Oscars 2014: 12 Years a Slave

12 years a slave

Summary

Based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life. – Written by Fox Searchlight

The Nominations

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o

Best Motion Picture of the Year 

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role–Chiwetel Ejiofor

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role–Michael Fassbender

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role–Lu

12-years-a-slave

pita Nyong’o

Achievement in Costume Design

Achievement in Directing–Steve McQueen 

Achievement in Film Editing

Achievement in Production Design

Adapted Screenplay

Why It Should Win

This is my pick for Best Motion Picture of the Year because this film restored my faith in quality film making. But, personal opinion aside, the odds are ever in 12 Years a Slave‘s favor. Statistics have proven over the years that if a film picks up certain other prestigious awards in the circuit–the Golden Globes, the Producers Guild of America, the SAG, etc– that it is far more likely to pick up the golden statue at the Academy Awards. So far Steve McQueen’s drama powerhouse has snagged the Toronto IFF People’s Choice Award, the Golden Globe for Best Drama, the Producers Guild of America Award (although it tied with Gravity for that one), and the Critics’ Choice Award.

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