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! 

Quality Vegan Pizza






One of the more challenging aspects of veganism, excluding the arguments against the vegan lifestyle, is going out to eat. Finding a vegan restaurant that is nearby can be really difficult and inconvenient unless you live in a city. Driving all the way to the city to dine at one or a few vegan restaurants is a bit ridiculous to do on a regular basis or anything more than once in a while. So it's really nice to find regular, non-vegan restaurants that can work with the vegan diet/lifestyle.. there is even a vegan menu for Mellow Mushroom.





There are a few pizza places I really enjoy that offer both quality food and vegan options. In the past few years, I have found that Mellow Mushroom and Maddio's Pizza Joint are nearby pizza places that make for great alternatives to vegan restaurants. Both restaurants offer vegan options and their regular crusts are vegan (you can still ask to make sure). Mellow Mushroom also offers a gluten-free, vegan crust that is much lower in sodium than the regular crust and is made of ancient grains- I didn't take a picture of that one though.

Mellow Mushroom is my very favorite non-vegan restaurant and in the past couple months, I have probably ordered and eaten there so many times I don't even know the number. But if you're looking for or longing for a vegan pizza that is baked fresh, with really fresh ingredients, and not some prepackaged, frozen, vegan pizza, I highly recommend visiting a Mellow Mushroom restaurant.






One of the great things about Mellow Mushroom is that if you order Daiya vegan cheese and/or make it known that you're vegan, they already know not to add butter, parmesan, or any other non-vegan items to your pizza. And this is awesome because I too often forget to (verbally) provide the common vegan list of what-not to add to my meal- "no butter, no eggs, no meat, no dairy, no milk, no etc." I often forget to include all of these no's when placing my order at a regular/non-vegan restaurants because I usually eat out at vegan restaurants and going out to a non-veg restaurant is not something I usually do unless I'm familiar with the place (and I am very familiar with Mellow).

The same thing also goes for Maddio's Pizza, only you can see how the person prepares your pizza, and you will also notice that they usually change their gloves after making every pizza (if not, just ask for them to do so).  I'm pretty sure that the Mellow Mushroom and Maddio's chains are nationwide in the U.S., and they should provide vegan opinions such as Daiya vegan cheese, tofu/tempeh, and of course a variety of fresh vegetables.

Last time I went to Maddio's, I didn't take a picture of the pizza itself, but here's one of the take-out pizza boxes with a vegan dessert I made later on (will share the recipe of the photos below in a later post).



Fast forward to 2020, Atlanta has an awesome small business chain of ALL VEGAN pizza restaurants called Plant Based Pizzeria! So if you're in ATL and would like a place where you don't have to triple check for non-vegan contamination

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On another note regarding representation in media, I came across a number of articles that not only mention Olivia Wilde's part in the UCLA "State of Female Justice" panel, but also also examine the usual sexism within the film/television industry and media in general. This article led me to a great discussion panel from Laura Flander's GRIT TV. 






This State of Female Justice panel features some really great and inspiring women Eve Ensler, Ashley Franklin, Susan Burton, Olivia Wilde, and Kimberle Crenshaw. I'm actually familiar with Crenshaw's works since I have read a few of her essays on intersectional feminism and how women of color are greatly disadvantaged/marginalized in the legal system in my feminist theory course.

I highly suggest that this video be watched in its entirety because it is brilliance. These women accurately articulate only a few of the major and severe, complex systemic issues women still face in our society, showing that there is so much more that needs to be done to create positive change for women.

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.

Welcome to the Rileys (2010) is an independent drama with a deep, captivating cast and a storyline that uncomfortably unravels its characters in an intricate and obvious manner. It has a way of reflecting the reality that everyone has their own personal problems and own way of trying to cope with whatever those problems may be.

Kristen Stewart. Welcome to the Rileys. 2010. Film Still.

I have to say out of any of the Kristen Stewart films I have seen, this is the one that [in my opinion] proves Stewart's ability to conquer roles outside of those seemingly typecast to her personality and vary beyond a "comfort zone." Stewart embodies a character that is completely different from what most audiences might expect. Through observing the way this character was portrayed, the almost over-played, typecast-awkward persona dissolves. In this independent drama, Stewart portrays a misunderstood,too-often mistreated, rebellious, and quite vulgar runaway teenager of who dances to make ends meet.


Stewart is not the only actor seen in a different light, James Gandolfini also portrays a character that audiences would not expect. A character dealing with a severe loss, but of course does not openly express it. The wife, more dramatic on the other hand, subtly displayed by Melissa Leo, depicts a mother who becomes agoraphobic as a result of this loss. Leo and Gandolfini later begin to play the role of almost substitutional parental figures for Stewart but whether things remain that way, are a question.

Kristen Stewart. Welcome to the Riley. 2010. Film Still.

The story in and of itself helps to reveal the way in which people's problems or issues can quickly become noticed. When the collision of these three main characters comes into effect, the truth emerges along with it. Once emerged, the process of actually being able to solve and move on with life can begin, as opposed to denying and avoiding the problems and personal struggles that often occur in life. 

Another underlining theme in the film is the complex intersection of relationships and how new relationships can easily be affected by one's own personal and private past. This is something I'm sure audiences can relate to, which allows for it to be a leading factor that makes this film feel both slightly real and somehow familiar.


Photos/Images: Welcome to the Rileys. Samuel Goldwyn Films/Destination Films. 2010. Film.

Moonrise Kingdom, a film gazing upon the young, insightful perspectives on life and adventure. Set in 1960's New England, this is a film you won't often see.

Moonrise Kingdom. Dir. Wes Anderson. Focus Features. 2012. Film Still/Poster.

"This is our land!" yell the two adventurous escapees as they proceed to dive into the waters from off a low cliff. One escapes ostracizing foster homes and scouts as the other rebels against seemingly absurd parental authority. It's any romantic's dream to run away from the places of distress with the one you love. Something of which these two adolescents put into action. Properly planned and scheduled, of course.

Moonrise Kingdom. Dir. Wes Anderson. Focus Features. 2012. Film Still.

This Wes Anderson creation is one that evokes a sixties feel and purge of interest through the music selection/score, dialogue, and overall cinematography. It's slightly comedic, a little dramatic, romantic and all- but mostly, it's a strange film (in the good way of course) in that these very articulate 12-year old characters act a lot like young adults. This is a cute, light, funny, little love story. It is a film I could, and have, watched over and over 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: Comingsoon.net Paramount, Bird. (2011).

The latest installment of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise is Ghost Protocol. This film had me completely amazed by how exciting, funny, and action-packed awesome it turned out to be.

Never have I been in movie theater making the most extreme/surprised facial expressions (viewer reaction) from seeing a movie filled with action and brilliance of such a high degree, unless it was a Bourne film with Matt Damon of course.  Anyway, while watching the film, there was a moment in which the whole audience, myself included, gasped during this one super suspenseful action sequence. I'm not going to say which one but if you've seen it, you probably already know which scene I'm talking about.

Photo: EW.com, Paramount, Bird. (2011).

This action packed awesome adaption is clever, suspenseful, and a bit funnier than the previous films. Much kudos to Simon Pegg for being the hilarious comic relief!


If there's another thing I admire about these films, setting aside the action, it's the great character development. In every film, each character brings something special and distinctive to the movie or scene. I'm not going to flashback to the first and proceeding movies, (the post would be too long) but in this latter installment, the newest members bring something new and fresh, which keeps each sequel different from one another. Simon Pegg contributes a nice comedic relief, Paula Patten (on the right photo) brings the intelligent, strong woman into the mix and Jeremy Renner is the really serious, private/secretive characters of the crew.


Overall, Ghost Protocol is most definitely one of the best of the Mission: Impossible films.

Photo: Paramount Pictures, Bird. (2011).

Also- it's pretty ironic how in every one of the films, the characters are always out on these seemingly, and disbelievingly, impossible situations and assignments (the basis of which the films are built, I know) but with a great team they always make it possible. Which is most likely the meaning and point behind the irony that is. . . Mission: Impossible [cue the music].





Update: As I watch this now, I've noticed I left out a really important part of discussing an action film: the fight sequences. 

From the start of the film (second scene), with a Dean Martin song playing in the background, we see Ethan (Cruise) is the first character to start throwing the punches - not starting the fights, but ending them (awesomely).  And throughout the rest of the film, the fight sequences continue to show the nicely choreographed sequences. I mean, the fights are portrayed with such intensity, it's what makes them freaking awesome.


Media/Photos: Paramount Pictures, 2011.