Movies are one of the longest running and most popular pieces of pop culture. Films like \u201cBarbie,\u201d \u201cOppenheimer,\u201d \u201cHacksaw Ridge,\u201d and even \u201cStar Wars\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy favorite movie is probably \u201cFast and Furious Two.\u201d My dad always watched and worked with cars, even before I was born,\u201d explained Derrick Vandlee, a Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) sophomore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know I’m definitely more street smart than book smart,\u201d Stated Michelangelo Defeo, a PVHS sophomore on why his favorite film, \u201cThe Hangover\u201d connected with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m a dumbass,\u201d explained an anonymous student comically on why he related to his favorite film; \u2018Step Brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople can of course enjoy movies that they don\u2019t relate to at all. I mean there are movies about aliens.\u201d<\/p>Bradley Pearce (12)<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The article also stated, \u201cAlthough 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, many students felt that a good story is what truly influenced their opinions on their favorite films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA good story can be enjoyed by multiple backgrounds,\u201d claimed Cada Garcia, a PVHS sophomore. Characters, story, structure and the presentation of a story has also been a major factor in favorite films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This view is also supported by the box office. The film, \u201cTitanic\u201d 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 \u201cOppenheimer and \u201cSaving Private Ryan\u201d are rated films and based in a vastly different time. Other films like \u201cUp\u201d and \u201cNo Country for Old Men\u201d also explore rather unusual and unrelatable content yet all these films have still been unanimous successes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople can of course enjoy movies that they don\u2019t relate to at all. I mean there are movies about aliens,\u201d stated Bradley Pearce, a PVHS senior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u201cHacksaw Ridge,\u201d and \u201cTitanic\u201d are not just about history. \u201cHacksaw Ridge\u201d is about keeping and living out one’s faith while \u201cTitanic\u201d is at its core a romance story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, otherworldly films like \u201cMad Max\u201d and \u201cAnchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy\u201d are purely just entertainment. In fact, according to the New York Post, actor Will Ferrel once stated of the films main character; \u201cRon convinces the pilot he knows how to fly the charter jet, and he immediately crash lands it in mountains.\u201d Ferrel clearly saw his film as a comedy; with the sole intent to entertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI think favorite films are based off what you are passionate about. Somebody might watch \u201cF1\u201d because they are passionate about cars or \u201cSpace Jam\u201d because they are passionate about basketball. Other times it can just be good entertainment,\u201d explained an anonymous student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Favorite films have been shown to influence viewers in an extensive way. They have the possibility to showcase many aspects of one\u2019s beliefs, personality, and aspirations. However, the universal appeal of stories and entertainment cannot be undermined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Graphic by Philip Berkwit<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Philip Berkwit Movies are one of the longest running and most popular pieces of pop culture. Films like \u201cBarbie,\u201d \u201cOppenheimer,\u201d \u201cHacksaw Ridge,\u201d and even \u201cStar Wars\u201d have all explored deep themes like politics, religion, culture, and family. 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