The leaves are changing, the weather is threatening to grow cold, and midterms are fast approaching. When all the warmth of summer eventually fades, there is warmth to be found when curling up to watch a good movie. While new films are great, sometimes the best medicine for the stress of university is an old favorite. Here are some classics to watch this early October.
“Twilight” (2008)
After her mother’s remarriage, Bella Swan moves back to the rainy city of Forks, Washington to live with her police chief father. However, all is not as quaint and charming as it seems in this gloomy little town. The local Cullen family are harboring secrets, and they’re not the only ones. The Quileute tribe on the nearby reservation have their own share of mysteries. Nor can Bella deny the rising attraction between her and the enigmatic Edward Cullen. Before she knows it, Bella is in over her head, myth and reality blurring the lines as vampires, werewolves and ancient treaties come to light.
“Penelope” (2006)
“Penelope” is the tale of a young woman cursed to have the nose of a pig until she can find her true love. Her mother, desperate to have a normal looking daughter, sifts through rich suitor after rich suitor in hopes of finding the man that will cure her daughter’s unfortunate affliction. Penelope’s heart is not shallow enough for money to fill however, and the mother’s attempts do not prove fruitful. The film is a romantic comedy showing that sometimes the right person is right under your own snout.
What earns this film a position among these fall favorites is that it features Christina Ricci in some pretty iconic 2006 autumn styles. Easily the most iconic outfit of the movie, Ricci at one point wears a flared indigo trench coat with red trim and mismatched buttons paired with her iconic purple and green beehive patterned scarf and green tights and heels. The outfit is eccentric and loud, but it looks so fun and cozy.
The main cast also features Catherine O’Hara, Reese Witherspoon and James McAvoy; all brilliant in their own right and shining lures to watch the film.
“Knives Out” (2019)
The perfect autumnal whodunit, “Knives Out” takes place on the east coast in the crisp days of fall. Best-selling author Harlan Thrombey’s family gathers to celebrate his 85th birthday, and the next morning he is found with a slit throat. While the police rule the death a suicide, private investigator Benoit Blanc suspects foul play. Harlan leaves behind immense wealth, and each of his family members have a reason for wanting the money. In the spirit of an Agatha Christie novel, Benoit Blanc sets out to discover the real cause of Harlon Thrombey’s death. With a star-studded cast, cozy cable-knit sweaters and a chilling mystery, this is perfect for those who love a mystery without ghosts and gore.
“The Addams Family” (1991)
Now those who do love ghosts and gore will find kindred spirits within “The Addams Family”, the second Christina Ricci film to grace this list. While not the first time the beloved family graced the screen, having a ‘60s television series, this film is the first feature length addition to the franchise.
The plot follows along as con artists, one of which poses as the long lost Fester Addams, try to swindle the Addams family wealth. In true Addams nature, the film is delightfully spooky and macabre. For those who need more, this adaption has a sequel that is equally enjoyed and features the same cast; “The Addams Family Values” (1993).
