Staff Picks Movies/TV
December 2019
Bridesmaids
Women have always been funny, but the notion actually gained traction among men with Paul Feig’s release of “Bridesmaids.” I’m tough on comedies and rarely laugh out loud at things, but this is a flawless comedic masterpiece.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
November 2019
Meet Me in St. Louis
Not strictly a Christmas movie, this film opens in the sweltering summer of 1903 and follows the Smith family’s last few months in their beloved St. Louis before they move to New York City. Funny and heartwarming, this musical marks the screen debut of the classic song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” sung by the incomparable Judy Garland.
Recommended by: Katie Allen, Reference Librarian
Posted in: Movies/TV
They Shall Not Grow Old
They Shall Not Grow Old is a fascinating look at World War One through the eyes of ordinary British soldiers. Composed almost entirely of footage made at the time, and with narration supplied by the veterans themselves, it provides an on-the-ground look at what it was like to fight in, and live through, the First World War. From the outbreak of war to training, shipping out, and daily life at the front, through battles and finally peace, They Shall Not Grow Old takes you through the Western Front, with the ordinary British soldiers as your guide.
Recommended by: Peter Tew, Reference Librarian
Posted in: Movies/TV
October 2019
The Biggest Little Farm
This uplifting documentary warmed my heart to its core. The narrator’s soothing voice paired with shots at an equal caliber to “Planet Earth” made the entire viewing experience a wholesome one. Sure, it is mindless idealism at its finest, but I didn’t care and neither should you! This lovely couple followed their dream, built a farm and created an entire community dedicated to getting in touch with Mother Earth, and what’s to dislike about that?
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Documentary
Booksmart
Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut has all the makings of an outstanding coming of age film: whip-smart dialogue, captivating teenage performances and a killer soundtrack. The unrealistic elements and some downright absurd dramatics may make some roll their eyes at first, but when you view it as a metaphor for the craziness of growing up it is fitting. Plus, it makes the more authentic scenes that hone in on the nitty gritty realities of high school senior woes that much more enjoyable.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
August 2019
Long Shot
The pairing of Rogen and Theron may seem odd on paper, but they have a natural chemistry on-screen where you can tell they enjoyed making this film just as much as you enjoyed watching it. The parallels to our current political climate are done in a playful way and it’s never too blatantly in your face. “Long Shot” finds this sort of balance throughout and that’s why it is a step above what you would expect from a typical rom-com.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
Far From The Tree
A documentary featuring the stories of those deemed “abnormal” by society is at once heart wrenching and deeply extraordinary. Rather than 93 minutes of spoon-feeding us sadness about the black sheep of the family, “Far From The Tree” manages to provide a poignant look with a tinge of humor at what it means to be human. You will cry, you will be reminded of your privilege and then you will rejoice and revel at the depths of familial love.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Documentary
Greta
In a nutshell, it’s a thriller about a good deed gone wrong due to the crossings of a naive young adult and unstable elderly woman. “Greta” features a lot of standout sequences full of suspense and empathetic elements, as well as vibrant performances from Chloe Grace Moretz and Isabelle Huppert. If you were hooked on the Lifetime to Netflix series “You,” this film is very reminiscent of that.
Recommended by: Lisa Stemmons, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Movies/TV
Titans: Season 1
This is a live-action DC Universe show that follows a group of young soon-to-be Super Heroes finding their way. Dick Grayson (Robin), Kory Anders (Starfire), Rachel Roth (Raven), Gar Logan (Beast Boy) and many other well-loved characters show up in this version. It’s much darker and grittier than the CW shows and recent DC movies. It’s definitely worth binge watching if you’re a Superhero fan. The final episode will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for Season 2.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Teen Librarian
Posted in: Movies/TV