The transition from summer into fall is one that often inspires nostalgia and reflection. As the leaves begin to fall and the weather chills, sometimes it’s nice to cozy up with a good movie. Here’s a list of films that encapsulate the feelings of summer turning to fall.
1. Fantastic Mr. Fox
This film follows the story of Mr. Fox and the other wildlife living around him. Mr. Fox decides to do “one last job” – stealing from the 3 wicked farmers nearby. Despite his good intentions, an all out battle is waged between the forest creatures and the farmers. Fantastic Mr. Fox not only has a charming artistic style, but it also illustrates the mortifying ordeal of being known and making mistakes.
2. Good Will Hunting
Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is discovered to have a genius-level IQ by a professor at MIT. Despite his intelligence, Will gets into some trouble, and begins being treated by therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). The two challenge but embrace each other, eventually developing a tight bond. The ending of the movie leaves viewers with a sense of hope and relief.
3. October Sky
Homer Hickam is the son of a coal miner in a mining town in the 1950s. After the Sputnik launch, Homer is inspired to pursue rocketry, ignoring the protests of his father. Partnering with another high school student, the two face trial and error, as well as mockery from their peers. With the help of one of their teachers, they enter a science fair – with the prize of a college scholarship.
4. Matilda
Once Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood brought home their second child, Matilda, it became clear that she was not a priority to them. They leave her home alone at a young age, where she discovers a passion for reading and books. Once she convinces her parents to allow her to go to school, it is not what she’d hoped – the principal, Trunchbull, is a ruthless bully. Matilda learns she has the power of telekinesis, which she uses to stand up to Trunchbull and help her friends.
5. Moonstruck
After Loretta Castorini, an Italian-American widow in Brooklyn, agrees to marry her boyfriend Johnny, she realizes that she has been falling for his younger brother, Ronny. While she knows it’s wrong and tries to resist, Ronny’s resentment for his brother encourages him to pursue Loretta. This film is star-studded, starring Cher and Nicholas Cage.
6. A Knight’s Tale
Heath Ledger plays a peasant squire named William, who, after the death of his master, sets off on a journey with friends. He convinces a local writer to forge documents claiming William to be a knight. Posing as a knight, he travels to prove himself in a jousting competition, finding glory and love along the way.
These six films are all top contenders to watch while comfortable on the couch with a mug of apple cider. Whether you’re looking to laugh, cry, or simply enjoy a movie, this list is a great place to start.
Corinne Regan is in her fourth year at Indiana University, studying Political Science and Communications. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new recipes and finding trinkets at thrift stores. Some of Corinne’s favorite movies are The Princess Bride and Isle of Dogs.
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