By Philip Berkwit

Movies are one of the longest running and most popular pieces of pop culture. Films like “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” and even “Star Wars” have all explored deep themes like politics, religion, culture, and family. Because of this, many people have found deep connections to films. One’s favorite film can be deeply related to one’s life and beliefs.

“My favorite movie is probably “Fast and Furious Two.” My dad always watched and worked with cars, even before I was born,” explained Derrick Vandlee, a Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) sophomore.

Due to the countless number of films that have been made, many students have found themselves represented in them. There are also films that appeal to specific groups of students.

“You know I’m definitely more street smart than book smart,” Stated Michelangelo Defeo, a PVHS sophomore on why his favorite film, “The Hangover” connected with him.

“I’m a dumbass,” explained an anonymous student comically on why he related to his favorite film; ‘Step Brothers.”

According to a study reported by Phycology Today, Researchers found that the brains of action and comedy fans responded more strongly to viewing faces that were angry and fearful while documentary and thriller fans had less of a response.

 The article also stated, “Although fear and stress are important in thrillers, too, those films tend to focus on intrigue, leading the viewer through a tangled plot to a surprising conclusion. The cognitive stimulation of the mystery is probably what interests less emotionally responsive viewers. Similarly, comedies emphasize feelings while documentaries appeal to our intellect.”

However, many students felt that a good story is what truly influenced their opinions on their favorite films.

“A good story can be enjoyed by multiple backgrounds,” claimed Cada Garcia, a PVHS sophomore. Characters, story, structure and the presentation of a story has also been a major factor in favorite films.

This view is also supported by the box office. The film, “Titanic” is the fourth highest grossing film of all time, yet it is a film about an event and society that occurred over 100 years ago. Similarly, films like “Oppenheimer and “Saving Private Ryan” are rated films and based in a vastly different time. Other films like “Up” and “No Country for Old Men” also explore rather unusual and unrelatable content yet all these films have still been unanimous successes.

“People can of course enjoy movies that they don’t relate to at all. I mean there are movies about aliens,” stated Bradley Pearce, a PVHS senior.

However, films can also explore complex themes through otherworldly settings. Director George Lucas claimed that the story of Star Wars was influenced by the Vietnam War. Similarly, history films like “Hacksaw Ridge,” and “Titanic” are not just about history. “Hacksaw Ridge” is about keeping and living out one’s faith while “Titanic” is at its core a romance story.

However, otherworldly films like “Mad Max” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” are purely just entertainment. In fact, according to the New York Post, actor Will Ferrel once stated of the films main character; “Ron convinces the pilot he knows how to fly the charter jet, and he immediately crash lands it in mountains.” Ferrel clearly saw his film as a comedy; with the sole intent to entertain.

“I think favorite films are based off what you are passionate about. Somebody might watch “F1” because they are passionate about cars or “Space Jam” because they are passionate about basketball. Other times it can just be good entertainment,” explained an anonymous student.

Favorite films have been shown to influence viewers in an extensive way. They have the possibility to showcase many aspects of one’s beliefs, personality, and aspirations. However, the universal appeal of stories and entertainment cannot be undermined.

Graphic by Philip Berkwit