The Last Station (2009)

A superb period piece, easily the best in a decade or more, about the last few months of (Count) Leo Tolstoy's life. Touted by many as the greatest writer of all time, the Russian thinker/writer founded a movement that was part throwback romanticism and part communism. The acting and soundtrack are flawless and the clash between aging reality and youthful idealism are explored compellingly through the older and younger couples. On a more personal note, it follows the conflict Tolstoy had between his beliefs and his respectful yet capitalist wife of 40+ years. In the end, The Last Station claims that love is the great bridge between divided people whether its a chasm of politics or age. Easily rewatchable.

10/10

Sixteen Candles (1984)

A coming of age flick about a girl who uncharacteristically lets her hair down when her 16th birthday gets overlooked by seemingly everybody. Occasionally funny and packed with what would've been a great soundtrack – deep in the 80's – Sixteen Candles is, unfortunately, a little out-dated with its script and direction-less plot. Still, it’s worth watching once just to have a grasp on the many reference bombs that still get dropped today by former 80’s teenagers stuck in golden age mode (yes, I'm referring to the Community writers). Plus, it's a boon that the film was made in the year of my birth - but that's purely personal.


6/10