Join me in this conversation on my top picks for must-see breakup movies!

I made this video to give fun movie recommendations that are entertaining and interesting of films that resonate with us no matter who or what we may be breaking up with or letting go of.

So many interesting and important life lessons are reflected in these films.

Regardless of one's relationship status, these films show how important the process is of breaking up with someone or something that is causing you harm and knowing when to let go of whatever or whomever is not serving you.

If you want the in depth explanation of how these films are related, why they are this list, how they embody the classic classifications of a breakup film, and how they can relate to us on a deeper level, check out the video below!

 

Let me know your thoughts and feedback in the comments! 

What are your favorite breakup movies and what do you think of this list?

From one film enthusiast to you! 

Angelina Jolie transforms into the mysterious Evelyn Salt in this original, action-packed spy thriller. This is one of the very few action films, if not just the one, where the female is not dehumanized as an object, reduced down to a sex-symbol that does a few action scenes but instead is just a woman who is an intelligent protagonist that vengefully fights strong, hard, frightening, and mean without doing pretty. 

As far as films/television/media go, this is something we definitely need to see more of- female characters that are strong and intelligent, rather than only objectified.

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

The action film that was originally written for a male lead, Salt (2010), stars Angelina Jolie as a CIA operative who appears to be an undercover Russian spy. It might sound like just another spy-thriller but Salt proves to be far from it. Jolie's portrayal of this enigmatic character, with so many different faces and sides, is just as strong and forceful as the punches she throws. As director Phillip Noyce explains [when discussing the film and Angelina's adroit acting capabilities], Jolie smoothly combines drama with action and brilliantly knows how and when to switch between the two.

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

With some seriously brutal fight scenes and very dangerous stunts (most of which Jolie did herself), Angelina proves she can and will do it all, even when she's disguised as one.   SALT is my favorite action film. It is also one of my highly recommended and definitely favored Angelina Jolie films. 

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

Tomb Raider was the first film I ever saw of Angelina Jolie, and I have always admired her since seeing that film (despite the sexualization of Lara Croft, she still is a strong, female character that with a sensual edge which is admirable). Over the years, my admiration and respect for Angelina Jolie has only grown as I look up to her for her extensive and remarkable humanitarian efforts, and her work behind the camera as a film writer, director, etc., but also because she really cares about the work she does. Jolie puts a lot of effort and hard work into the film projects and continuous humanitarian efforts for which she is actively involved. She is empathetic and makes sure to have as many different perspectives considered while aiming and stressing for accuracy, both in her films as a writer/director and as a humanitarian. 

I think Jolie and this character, Salt, both make for great female role models in our mainstream media.

Photo Source:
Salt. Dir. Noyce, Philip. Perf. Jolie, Angelina. Exec. Prod. Kavanaugh, Ryan. Kidney, Ric. Vahradian, Mark. Colombia Pictures. Sony Pictures. 2010. Film.

Taxi (2004) is one of my favorite comedy movies, a remake, that focuses on the friendship between two unlikely characters portrayed by Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon.

Queen Latifah. Jimmy Fallon. Taxi. 20th Century Fox. 2004.

Queen Latifah is a taxi cab driver stationed in New York City with an interest in racing that generated an adroit knowledge and utilization of cars. Fallon, on the other hand, plays a dopey NYPD cop with a history of crashing police cars. The two characters, Belle and Washburn, paths soon cross as Washburn's last car wreck left him without a car and with a suspended licence. As a result, he decides to take a taxi to a bank robbery, headed by the bad guys of whom turn out to be Brazilian supermodels like Gisele Bundchen who leads the criminal crew. The most interesting aspect of this  film is the fact the women are the bad-ass drivers who know what they are doing and are either committing crimes (the model crew) and/or solving those crimes (Latifah).

Jennifer Esposito. Jimmy Fallon. Taxi. 20th Century Fox. 2004.

In years well before his late night talk show, this was actually the first film/show I saw featuring Jimmy Fallon. Sure it's not a five-star movie with great critic reviews, but it is a move that I love and have seen several times. It's a movie wherein the jokes, silly moments, and humorous dialogue still make me laugh. So if you're silly and enjoy a little bit of silly, or just need a feel-good movie, this one isn't bad. Car chases, comedy from start to finish, and an interesting cast converging entertainment professions. I almost forget to mention, it has a pretty jamming soundtrack too.


trailer:




Lieutenant: "Drop to the ground!"
Her response: "In this skirt? I don't think so."

Bridesmaids and Miss Congeniality are both funny female-dominated films but even more hilarious and insanely funny is The Heat. This brilliantly hilarious and completely outrageous buddy-cop comedy has Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy breaking female stereotypes, which is still scarce to the film industry.

Sandra Bullock. Melissa McCarthy. The Heat. Dir. Paul Feig. 20th Century Fox. 2013.

Melissa McCarthy. Sandra Bullock. The Heat. Dir. Paul Feig. 20th Century Fox. 2013.

Melissa McCarthy is the tough and outrageous local Boston city cop while Bullock portrays the uptight, always correct and labeled "arrogant" FBI agent who have to learn how to work together in order to solve an important case. Bullock and McCarthy are absolutely hilarious leads in this action-comedy as they bring something new to the film industry one joke at a time. This something that audiences don't really get to see enough is women at the focus of the film, not as mere accessories in the background told to do "pretty", but as talented and hilarious women in the forefront who work hard and are the best at their jobs.

Despite the fact that there are many, usually dramatic, films with leading actresses depicting strong and powerful women, the majority of people these days seem to go more for light comedies and action as opposed to intense, powerful dramas (depending on the names of the leading actresses/actors). And this film is exactly that; it is both an action and comedy genre. The only difference between this and the majority of action-comedy films is that the main characters are female.

Sandra Bullock said, "I’ve always wanted to do a female buddy film, the kind the guys get to do. This didn’t have anything to do with getting a guy, and it didn’t involve shoe shopping. It was about two human beings who are great at what they do..." Director of The Heat, Paul Feig has said, ''I would love to erase the term 'chick flick." While on late-show Jimmy Kimmel Live, Feig exclaimed that The Heat is a "female buddy-cop comedy with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, which you can't go wrong with!" 

This film is honestly the funniest movie or show I have seen in a long time and really does give headway to doing away with the overused and sexist term "chick flick." It has the action, comedy, a great leading cast of two hilarious women, and cannot be underestimated as that terrible sexist term "chick flick." There really should be, just as there is a need, for more films like this.


REDBAND TRAILER



I don't think the those super-short trailers on television give the film real kudos and show how funny it really is. The Heat was so good and entertaining, I can't wait to see it again.

Almost anyone who watches television either knows, or should know, the power behind it. As television viewers and movie-watchers, it is always important to remember that there may be good aspects to media just as there are detriments.

Kilbourne, Jean. Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising's Image of Women. Cambridge Documentary Films, Inc. 2010.

In my recent Sociology course which is both my most favored, yet most infuriating [towards society, inequality], course of this past semester, a documentary was played and viewed by the class. Classmates and I watched Killing Us Softly 4, the latest and most recent installment to the series of documentaries, all titled Killing Us Softly.


The documentary analyzes the severely dysfunctional correlation between media and women. Most importantly, the abysmal way in which media depicts women, detailing the harshly unfair treatment, silencing, violence, subordination, and complete dehumanization of women.  This is never acceptable and should never be tolerated or even considered to be widely displayed and advertized, or universally exemplified but unfortunately, it is. And it has apparently only become worse, increasing in subtle negativity and severity over time.



For decades, women have be told and continue to be told- both directly and indirectly- to be a certain way and fit into these narrow, unattainable standards. Which is the reason for why women will spend outrageous amounts of money, or feel they need to do so, on products that do not and will not work. Not to forget the dangerous and deadly lengths women put themselves through just in attempting to get somewhere they will never be. This often leads to women feeling insecure with a severely lowered self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. Surprise.

This does not only affect women but men as well, only to circle back and negatively affect women once again.  In other words, these unattainable and drastically unrealistic images and ideals of women play into the minds of men, making them judge women even more harshly they initially would. In addition to this, the usual depictions of men in advertisements are displayed to appear as having these strong, masculine qualities- again, nothing embarrassing, dehumanizing, or subordinating. Instead, much like the major socialization process regarding males, the value of anything feminine or any quality associated with the concept of femininity such as compassion, caring, or the ability to communicate is either ignored or unwanted; thus, devalued. Which leads us to this society where the masculine male dominates and the submissive or passive female does not (in most cases). Nothing good or beneficial can result from ideas like this and it benefits no one. All it does is make the inequality gap wider.


There are several examples of media, not all, that basically tell women to be, look, and act a certain way, that fits into this narrow and unattainable mold. I do not agree with this and do not accept it, yet alone any other severely negative subliminal messages targeted towards hurting, dehumanizing, and killing women slowly.

This documentary is a good starting point for discussing the issues of media and women, but it manages to leave a lot out intersectionally. Intersectionally, women of color in these magazines and advertisements are altered to fit this same mold and absolute impossiblity to look like white women. Ridiculous. Fortunately, a bit more publicity and awareness has been put on the issue of white-washing/skin-lightening to many women of color in advertisements like Beyonce, Rhianna, and Kerry Washington.  You should really read this piece from Beauty Redefined, that provides a more thorough discussion of "Beauty Whitewashed: How White Ideals Exclude Women of Color."
Another piece at Adios Barbie asks, "Why Are We Still Whitewashing?"

 There are so many issues in the world and our own society where media has some type of influence, sometimes negative through fueling the issue [e.g. discussion of this post] or positive through informing, educating, and bringing awareness to audiences.

 Looking back on the first year:

From film reviews to (vegan) product reviews, the discussion of past and present television series as well as music-related posts, and a few vegan recipes, Films and Veganism presents a compiled overview of a few of those favorites.

• Thoughts on LANA DEL REY and her influence on modern culture.

"Del Rey, with her unique music style, and overall vintage style, infused with her jazzy-reminiscent voice, is one that sonically carries through airways loud, almost erotically intoxicating, and evocative."

• BRINDO - a sweet song embedded within a sunglasses advertizement that appears as an intimate music video

film/television photos: Google Images

In a world of pretentious yuppies and superficial social-climbing aristocrats, it just wouldn't make sense for all of them to keep their heads on straight and remain, if ever were, sane.  American Psycho is the satirical film depicting this concept through Christian Bale's performance of a character whose mind slowly but forcefully shatters while his psychological reality goes with it. It is also the perfect depiction of white male privilege and entitlement at its worst.

Christain Bale. American Psycho. Harron, Mary. Lions Gate Films. 2000.

Bale depicts a notoriously narcissistic character who not only strives to be the best, but is convinced that he certainly must be because in his mind that is how he sees himself. This character resorts to the extremes of killing the person who upstages him as though they are nothing.. but ordinary. Bale brings a somewhat shocking, yet accurate look at what a privileged, violent egomaniac looks like in this early 2000 movie. It would be an understatement to say that his character cares too much about himself and how he is perceived, because it has become embedded in his mind and evident in his persona to think that everyone has to know and see him as a "big shot", a somebody of importance when he clearly isn't. The character moves along the two extremes, accentuating the psychopathic and egotistic. The female-directed (Dir. Mary Harron) film does not forget to show the misogyny extricated by this character. Myriad scenes exemplify the character's misogynistic, psychopathic tendencies from preying on, objectifying, and murdering women. But it doesn't stop there he further traverses the streets to kill other innocent people, a homeless person, then slashing co-workers and, by the end, killing anyone who cross his ridiculous inhumane path.

Christain Bale. American Psycho. Harron, Mary. Lions Gate Films. 2000.

By the end of it, through the bloodshed, we see a character psychologically breaking down, struggling to cope with who they really are after realizing what they have become and what they have always been.

One that expresses in extreme measure, the ridiculous and the absurd to the point where the audience questions whether the scene was one that actually happened or if it was just imagined by the character. Through all the absurdity of this killing satire, the point comes across in shocking ways. The biggest problem and most important point of this is that he still gets away with it because he is the result of as well as the embodiment of a misogynistic, white Capitalist male privilege and entitlement.

The 1994 New Jersey located film that seems a little over-the-top "90s" but in the way to remind and evoke a feeling of the 90's-era nostalgia in its viewers - mostly those of us who, of course, were existing at some point in time during the 1990's. Clerks.

Kevin Smith. Clerks. Miramax Films. 1994. Hypbeast.com.

About a month ago I sort of had a Kevin Smith movie phase, watching most the films I haven't already seen including Chasing Amy and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, which all started with two movies: Mallrats and Clerks (both shown to me by a roommate). All humorous and/or dramatic in different ways and among different subject matters but still related through the actors and references to previous films within the Kevin Smith film series. Smith's reference-related films usually showcase similar actors, some of whom have become very well-known like Ben Affleck and Jason Lee. Even a young Matt Damon can be seen making short cameos in some of these films. But when most audiences think of Kevin Smith films, they're reminded of the one that started it all, Clerks (1994).

Photo: Clerks. Kevin Smith. Miramax Films. 1994. Gothamist.com

The famous Kevin Smith film follows a loosely-related series of off-beat, yet still very on-beat characters in and around the location of a New Jersey gas station (where the whole independent production took place). Between the quick, smart, and seemingly philosophical conversations that bounce back and forth off the characters to the odd sense and feeling that comes from watching a work-of-art film, Clerks is "where it's at."  Shown and filmed entirely in black and white, only manages to add to the distinction and, possibly, nostalgia that eludes from screen.


The background behind this film, and films after, is very interesting. In other words, a lot more could be said and added to topic, but I think I'm just going to try to leave it short.

Even though this is a very strange and unusual film that wasn't taken so well by critics and audiences, I actually like it and find it to be beautiful. And am probably drawn to it because of how different and lovely it really is.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still. Lorey Sebastian/Passion Play Productions.

 Passion Play is very much a fictional fantasy film which takes place in an almost dream-like and enigmatic setting with two main actors audiences wouldn't expect to see together, Megan Fox and Mickey Rourke.  Megan Fox plays the sheltered, naive, and unfortunately extremely objectified Lily who, somehow born with wings, just wants to be "like all the other girls." Rourke takes on the role as the fallen musician who takes Lily away from the dehumanizing circus-life, saving her from the oppressing sheltered box that confines her.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still.

Passion Play is what I consider a mixed-genre film with a strange storyline that has an almost definite embodiment of cult-classic film status, in that it is very much an acquired taste in regard to movies, especially looking at the obviously harsh reviews and opinions expressed, most were not in favor of the movie. Despite the fact that it may not be the best film according to a majority opinion, it is still a pretty nice film that isn't too easy to forget.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still.

One scene, my favored scene is where the romance aspect between the two characters begins as a very delightful moment of slow-dance takes place with jazz playing in the background. Not only is this a significant scene for the two protagonists, but it is also a scene that reminds viewers of a classic 1940s romance.  Passion Play is a strange and unusual film that remains romantic and beautiful with a strong message about loving and accepting yourself and others regardless of difference.

Photo: erandiadame at tumblr

I recently came across a "preview" story from the modern and innovative site by the name of Nowness- also the place where you can read all about the video itself. But this little video is one of which I have come to favor. With quite an artful cinematography and its leading beautiful song, Brindo, created by artist Devendra Banhart, depicts a very intimate portrait that when I first saw, before the ending and without reading anything about, wondered "what's up with the sunglasses?"




Despite the fact that it is an advertisement for Oliver Peoples Eyewear, it's still a pretty nice video with an aesthetic that embraces a relaxed feel.

First off: I love this movie and the love that is in this movie...

I ended up liking this nicely done, low-budget film a lot more than I initially thought. I see it as a film that reminds us it's not always just about the destination itself but also the crazy situations we may run into on our travels throughout life - from wherever we are (or were), to wherever we're going.

Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Open Road Films. 2012. Movie Poster.

When girlfriend, Annie B. (Kristen Bell), receives an advancing career opportunity, the call for a road-trip comes into play, unexpectedly revealing hidden details of her boyfriend's unknown past along the way. And the result is a very sweet, fun-filled romance comedy-adventure with some very hilarious moments, created by partners Kirsten Bell and Dax Shepard. Originally, I didn't know what to expect from this movie nor how I would respond to it. But after the first ten minutes, I could tell I was going to love it.

It's not often you see Bradley Cooper with dreads. Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Open Road Films. 2012.

Kristen Bell. Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Jeffery Reed, Open Road Films. 2012. Film Still.

Despite the many outlandish occurrences throughout the film, audiences are is still able to connect (similar to Robert Downey Jr.'s description of "theater 101" in Tropic Thunder) and relate. Of course there are a few.. well, many chaotic "weird sh*t" events that occur with some really kooky characters; some who are mean and vengeful, some lovable, but mostly, those who are just plain weird. 

The basis of the film is actually built on the establishment of a relationship, the trust of that relationship, and the outside interference and past that affects the relationship. That alone is something I'm sure everyone can relate to in some way or another. Sometimes when watching a film, audiences want to feel as if they can relate, or be nicely surprised that they actually did relate, to something that may seem beyond themselves.



This is one of what I would call, a feel-good, fun movie. Not only do you find yourself laughing when you least expect it, but there is also a really incredibly chill soundtrack music scheme filled with awesome lively beats. In my opinion, it's another aspect of the film, aside from the humor, that gives it a positive endorphin-heightening effect. It's also a good film for people who really like cars, fast cars, and chase scenes!

This is a movie I could watch, and have watched, over-and-over again.

2025 Update: I recently re-watched this movie and I still love it. It is one of my favorites. It's hilarious, has good lessons in it, and is so much fun to watch!

If there's one thing I have always said ever since hearing Matt Damon wouldn't be apart of any new Bourne film, it's that there cannot be a Bourne film without Bourne. It just doesn't make sense. A Jason Bourne film without Matt Damon just doesn't work. Legacy managed to turn out okay as an action-packed movie that only emulates the real Bourne films. Also, if Jason Bourne is not included, why still call it 'Bourne'?

Photo: Rachel Weisz. Bourne Legacy. Universal Studios. 2012

In my opinion, the Bourne trilogy is best left alone after Ultimatum, and I'm sure many would agree. The acting and action-filled scenes between Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Renner (who I highly dislike) made the film almost worth watching. Had this not tried to be another Bourne installment, but a completely different action film that just so happened to be linked to the whole Treadstone/Blackbriar corrupt conspiracy, then it might have been better received. Overall, it just definitely does not work as another addition to the already completed and brilliant trilogy.

Photo: Renner. USA Today. Bourne Legacy. Universal Studios. 2012.

The action sequences may have been nicely executed, but were still too predictable. And the constant mention of Jason Bourne throughout the movie didn't assist in making the film any better either. If anything, it just makes audience members miss seeing Matt Damon as Jason Bourne. There is still a sense of intrigue, excitement, and action-tipped suspense until the end, where all has stopped and the mood chills out.

Photo: Rachel Weisz. Renner. Bourne Legacy. Universal Studios. 2012. I do not recommend this movie. I don't know why they made a Bourne film without Bourne, or why I even went to see it. But I won't be seeing it again.

In the event of my last day of high school, I thought I should do something special: I'm going to countdown some of the best high school films or just a few favorites according to year. Specifically, I'm talking about youth-related movies that address serious issues and convey important messages that pertain to youth culture.

1.  Breakfast Club (1985)
Comedy-Drama

The Breakfast Club (1985). Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film poster.

The Breakfast Club is a youth-centric 80s film that is still quite relevant to high school students today. It's a captivating film that both closely examines and shatters trite high-school stereotypes and stereotypical personalities which form as a result of selectively esoteric cliques and labels that are difficult to eradicate. Although times have changed in terms of the confining high-school labels and hierarchies (as audiences may see in 21 Jump Street), students still face various issues regarding harmful methods of exclusion and harsh judgmental criticism. However, all schools are different and the issues that students may encounter vary as well. I didn't really have any of these issues in high school, more in middle school, but that could be because I made sure to find other intelligent, determined, and very sensible students to be around and didn't waste time with other students outside of school (in other words, I just stayed home studying all the time like I do now in college so there isn't any drama to deal with there).

Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, etc. The Breakfast Club (1985). Dir/Writ. Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film Still.

 
One of the most important scenes, and most memorable scene for me, in The Breakfast Club is Emilio Estevez's character speech about how "we're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it." This quote really had me thinking. I've often used it to get people to understand another person's perspective and bring attention to the fact that this is a fact. We all are different and strange in our own ways, some people are just more open and honest about it. Another major part of this quote relates to our insecurities with the actions, thoughts, and behaviours that are considered normal by society, and our stringent conditioning which feeds into our insecurities and forces us to follow those (usually unnecessary and discriminatory) social norms. Near the end of the film, specifically in the scene with that quote, we see these characters really want to be able to be friends and continue a relationship, but are so concerned with what everyone else thinks and too insecure to fully counter and resist the social norms and confinements of the groups/cliques of which they belong.

Ally Sheedy. The Breakfast Club (1985). Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film Still and Quote. The issue/double standard described in this quote is discussed in the 'Easy A' segment of the post, below.

I could go on discussing and analyzing this film but I really just wanted to focus on a few of the high school aspects of it all. I really recommend this film, it's a pretty great 80s classic. Viewers can easily find understanding in what they see. One might realize the way they perceive others and how that way might not necessarily be fair and that others' feelings and perspectives should often be considered too.


2.  Easy A (2010)
Comedy-Drama

Emma Stone. Easy A (2010).  Sony Pictures. Film Poster/Film Still.

Easy A proves itself as another teen-centric film that is not to be confused with all of the other crappy "teen" films. It is a comedy that acknowledges a myriad of serious issues harming American youth, female youth in particular. The film takes place in a conservative "bible-belt" community where the subjective idea of purity and religious righteousness are heavily imposed upon the highly impressionable and credulous insecure youth. Rachel Rabbit White describes it best in an amazing and accurate piece that relates to the central issue of this entire film, in her article she writes, "I grew up in a small, conservative town. Needless to say, people did not have the healthiest attitudes about sex. . . In this view of sexuality, where there was no more than 'don't do it,' consent and it’s many layers wasn't an issue. As a woman in this culture, there was no learning what you like and asking for it. There was no sex beyond this one act."

In the instance of this film, major issues relating to sexuality are examined and comedically emulated in this setting. One of the most important cultural issues addressed in the film are the extremely patriarchal and inexcusable double-standards that young women too often have to endure. For instance, Olive's character is perceived as a number of insulting slurs (words more severe than "harlot") by both female and made classmates. If the Olive character was a male, this would be completely different- and such a character would be widely accepted and congratulated as fitting the "masculine" ideal (which is no doubt toxic), not dehumanized and vindicated as nothing but a sex-object (as we see with the female character). These type of double standards are especially worse in an immature environment (e.g. high-school setting like the film) and unfortunately anywhere, really.

Another important component of the film is its depiction of the kudzu-like spread of rumors and how the majority of such rumors are untrue and worsened over time, and female students are usually the targets of slanderous rumors and insults. Then others who believe or continue to spread defamatory remarks only further exacerbate the already severe problem, which shows just how quick people are to judge one another over a falsity, and how it leads to an even greater, though no-less negative, reputation for the victim (who, if a woman, will be unfairly blamed regardless).

All of these complex issues which negatively affect young women are depicted and emphasized in this film, which is good for the fact that it creates awareness for those/girls who may be in similar situations as the Olive character, and hopefully somehow helps to mitigate some of the problems they may encounter. There's also hope that movies like this might help young people realize how unfair and cruel young people are towards one another. And maybe help to minimize the amount of odious victimizers/bullies and lazy/scared bystanders to realize how ridiculous and lowdown they really are, because hopefully they will wise-up and realize that they can be better. In other words, bystanders need to stop doing nothing, and start standing up for or protecting and helping those in trouble situations/those being bullied- we see the adult-version of this (meaning adults who should already know better, not immature high-schoolers) in the really great ABC show "What Would You Do?" In this case, the issues are reflected through the way students cruelly react, mistreat, and harass the main character, Olive (Emma Stone), for actions she didn't even take part in. And even if she did, she or any other girl, should not be and does not deserve to be treated or harassed for it. Not just a woman, but any human has the right to do whatever they chose with their own body, and should not be penalized for being comfortable with themselves, their choices, and/or their sexuality as most young women often are.

Throughout the film the protagonist, Olive (Emma Stone), is shown having to experience and tolerate all of these issues and more, until she finds her way to overcome it. As a film, Easy A exemplifies a really important factor as a comedy-drama with its balance between serious and funny. This is a film that can address and portray these serious societal issues, while remaining refreshingly light and comedic.


3.  21 Jump Street (2012)
Comedy-Action

Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill. 21 Jump Street (2012). Columbia Pictures. Film Poster.

I know I've talked about this movie before but this post will be centering on a different subject-matter.
When I saw this movie, I thought it was completely on-point with it's depiction of how high school has changed in the past few years. Not all high schools are like the one in '21 Jump', but my high school was for the fact that most of the students were really chill and there wasn't really a popular group (there were people that could be considered popular, but they were only popular for being really nice all the time really), everyone just hung out with people they liked, even if that meant going outside the group of which one usually eats lunch. This was cool. And as Channing's character, Jenko, describes these "crunchy granola dudes" who are on the more "popular" side of the school seem to be the students becoming more aware of the issues in the world- inequalities, oppression, environmental issues, politics, conflicts, etc. which all affect every aspect of our lives in some way- environmental and political/legal issues especially (I ought to know, I have become that type of student). The point of emphasizing this change was to show that the overrated social hierarchy has dispersed, so much so that's nearly almost nonexistent. Or at least, overall or on average, the hierarchy isn't as bad as Breakfast Club. However, myriad issues still exist for girls, which we see exemplified in Easy A.

Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill. 21 Jump Street (2012). Film Still.

Also, it wasn't until I saw this film that realized how adorable a subtle bromance can be, which there are a lot of in high school and perhaps even after high school, I'm sure. I don't know if it's become a growing trend or what, but even before the term was coined, these close-guy relationships have always been around. I think  the best way to look at it, is in a positive light because it's clearly not going anywhere any time soon and that's not a bad thing. It's actually really sad, unfortunate, and harmful that guys can't express how they honestly feel or what they really think without trying to display the false bravado of the misogynistic masculinity. There are several articles that address such issues on The Good Men Project, and writers of the website show that it's advantageous when guys do not to sucumb to or try to attain the hyper-masculine ideal, but become more caring, compassionate, selfless, honest, etc. It's better to see guys asserting more of the female-gendered characteristics, like compassion, than having them think that they need to prove a toxic masculinity that only results in violence, pain, and harm to others (most importantly women) and themselves.


On a different note and speaking of breakfast (Breakfast Club), my last day of high school breakfast was a recipe you can find here, but something I decided to make while watching the DVR recorded Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson was a really nice episode with Mila Kunis. Even though I wasn't able to watch the whole show at the time, what I was able to see that it was funny as usual. I love it when Mila Kunis is on the show, but also Craig's Michael Caine impressions are hilarious.



What are some of your favorite high school/"teen" movies and the messages or meanings you interpreted behind them? Feel free to share your thoughts on any of the many different topics in this post, and perhaps join the discussion.

Title: Nirvana

Photo: Allied Artist Pictures Corporation. Juran. (1958). Found on Art.com

 Attack of the 50ft Woman

This is may not be one of the best movies you will ever see, but it is definitely a film you won't forget.  This 1958 cult classic is a must-see for anyone, like myself, who loves certain classic films. It's only about 65 minutes long, but really, quite interesting as the story follows female protagonist who discovers her sleezy, conning husband has been cheating on her AND plotting to kill her for her money. But she surely gets her fifty-foot, much deserved revenge on him. It is a fun woman-versus-man, and woman wins sort of film, however, that doesn't mean that it completely ends well.

Now for the vegan snacks..

Photo: Probar.com

Quick Snack Mash!
Whenever I'm out, and looking for a snack, I'm always looking for bars! Some of my favorites include Larabars, Probars, and Raw Revolution. They're a nice, somewhat healthier option and delightfully portable vegan snack.

I really enjoy the Halo selection of Probar bars, which feature S'mores, Nutty Marshmallow and, Rocky Road flavors that are all so good and taste so much like the candy they attempt to resemble. If looking for a nutritional, vegan snack-bar, that tastes like candy OR a complete substitute for severely unhealthy candies and candy bars, I recommend to give these Probar Halos a try instead. The bars are relative low in fat, while high in nutrients and carbohydrate calories, which is what you want in a vegan snack. 
#801010-ish = low fat, low sodium, high carb, high nutrient.

These snacks may not make you grow to be 50 feet tall, but they're still like a nicely portable, tasty vegan sugar-rush candy!


Update: Probar very much unfortuantely no longer carries the Halo bar line, which sucks because the Halos tasted like really delicious candy bars. They were actually also considerably low in fat and sodium in comparison to other bars.