Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Dark Fantasy Films

Dark Fantasy doesn’t have a strict definition, it’s one of those know it when you see it genres. But I think you’ll agree with me that these ten films qualify. And they are perfect for late-night viewing when you don’t want to go full horror.   Pan’s Labyrinth– a modern fairytale but not the polished Disney kind, the old school Brother’s Grimm kind. Absolutely mesmerizing. Coraline– Based on the Novella from Neil Gaiman. This story follows a girl who finds a doorway to a parallel world that is seemingly far better than her own. As is typically the case, this…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Martial Arts Films

If you’re like me during this lockdown, there are times when you think to yourself “Boy, I really wish I could stop thinking for a little while.” Martial Arts movies are perfect for those occasions; just simple, uncomplicated plots stuffed full of action and choreography. Here are some of my favorites. Drunken Master- Jackie Chan fights better when he’s plastered is the best story pitch in the history of cinema and you will never convince me otherwise. IP Man- A biographical film about the Wing Chun master who trained Bruce Lee. It’s awesome. Hero- The story is unnecessarily complicated but…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Spy Movies

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” And boy have I got some tangled webs for you. I love a good spy movie and I’ve rounded up some of my favorite double, triple, even quadruple agents for you to enjoy. After all its not paranoia if they’re really out to get you. No Way Out– Gene Hackman and Kevin Costner play an amazing game of cat-and-mouse in this oft-overlooked thriller involving an affair, a murder, the Pentagon, and a soviet spy. Anything else and I’ll be spoiling it for you. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy-…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Feel Good Films

It can be hard these days to keep your spirits up. But these “proven to make you believe in humanity again” films can help. Here’s a list of some of my favorite feel-good movies. My Big Fat Greek Wedding– This movie was all anyone could talk about when it came out, but over the years I think it’s faded from the zeitgeist a little which is a shame because it is a brilliantly crafted film. True love, crazy in-laws, learning how to love yourself. This will definitely take your mind off your troubles. Babe- The pig is freaking adorable. Just…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Film Musicals

Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all occasionally broke into a spontaneous but somehow choreographed song and dance routine every now and again? If you agree these next ten films are for you. Hello Dolly- This movie is most famous for Louis Armstrong’s rendition of the title song and rightfully so but don’t overlook the other fantastic things this film has going for it. Notably, Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau (still playing an old curmudgeon even in the sixties). Hairspray– I’m going two for one on this one as I’m a big fan of the original as…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Screwball Comedy Films

               While I have a great appreciation for all genres of film, the one that stands out for me as a personal favorite is the Screwball Comedy. Unfortunately, nowadays not enough people watch the classics to share my love of these films. But you can just watch the ten films below and you’ll have a new favorite genre guaranteed. Bringing Up Baby– Staring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and a tiger. That should be all the information you need. The Awful Truth- Divorce is a terrible thing especially when the couple in question are still in love. Although it can be…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Heist Films

Has being cooped up left you super bored? Why not plan an elaborate heist with your crew? It worked for these guys. To make this list a film must primarily be concerned with the planning, execution, and aftermath of a heist. And while plants and inside men are allowed no cons, that’s another list entirely. Baby Driver– They don’t come any more stylish and slick than this one. Featuring an all-star cast and a banging soundtrack, this Edgar Wright helmed heist film is all about the getaway. If you’re in it for the car chases this is the one you…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Dark Comedies

Sometimes its not enough to laugh at lighthearted nonsense. Sometimes we need a little gallows humor in our life. So, here’s to the twisted laughter that goes along with a high body count. Enjoy you sick bastards. In Bruges- This is one of those comedies where the plot doesn’t sound like a comedy at all. After all this film is about two hitmen lying low after one of them accidentally kills a child on a job. But the ever-increasing absurdity of it all makes it so you can’t help but laugh even as the circumstances become more and more bloody.…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Anime Films

Often times Anime movies can be overlooked by mainstream audiences who consider such films to be too niche or nerdy to be of interest to them. I’m here to tell you that’s a mistake. This list is full of excellent explanations as to why that is a mistake. Akira– One of the most influential films of all time, animated or otherwise. This is the movie that introduced western audiences to Anime for the first time. Not only that, but it stands as one of the films that popularized the cyberpunk subgenre of science fiction. A must watch for any cinephile.…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Period Films

Times are tough right now, so why not try out some different times? Here is a selection of period films that can take your mind off your current troubles and focus your attention on some grand sets and beautiful costumes. Sense and Sensibility: Ang Lee does Jane Austen. This is perhaps the most delightful of the plethora of Austen adaptations that have been produced over the years. The quartet of Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and Kate Winslet have more awkward charm than any four people have a right to possess. This is for when you desperately need to…

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