Written by Okechukwu Apakama
Compiled by Okechukwu Apakama, Kyley Warren, and Jose Castaneda
Hello again and welcome to another edition of the Phoenix Film Festival’s daily “The Five”. Today’s list takes us straight to campus with the top five college movies. For this list we focused on college oriented movies that took place mostly on a college campus. There were many movies up for consideration but only five can make our list so here are a few honorable mentions: Drumline (2002), The House Bunny (2008), Pitch Perfect (2012), Neighbors (2014).
5. 22 Jump Street (2014)
Starting of the list is the fan favorite, 22 Jump Street. This movie is the only sequel on the list but it’s spot is justified. This movie is just loads of fun with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill killing it once aging in roles as undercover cops. They did a great job of creating fresh original comedy, and Ice Cube helped take this movie to the next level. The movie had one of the funniest laugh out loud moments that I can remember in a long time, when Tatum’s character finally figured out that Schmidt (Hill’s Character) had slept with the Captain’s (Ice Cube) daughter. This movie is a rocking good time, and it’s one of the best sequels to a comedy ever.
4. Legally Blonde (2001)
Legally Blonde was an immediate cultural phenomenon after it’s debut on the big screen in the early 2000s. It was a movie that doesn’t look good at first, but Resse Witherspoon’s performance as Elle Woods is exceptional. She has a eloquent and endearing charm to her character. The movie has a good message in terms of being confident in the fact that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. There are some questionable goals for Elle in the movie, but overall it’s a fun film and well deserving in making our list.
3. Whiplash (2014)
This movie might be one of the lesser known films on the list, but it’s definitely a must see on our list. The acting in this movie is spectacular from J.K Simmons Oscar winning performance as Terence Fletcher, and Myles Teller as Andrew Neiman. It’s a very intense movie with electrifying scenes and moments that take your breath away!
2. The Social Network (2010)
This movie is an exaggerated retelling of the creation of the most dominate social media outlet. In this movie there is much to admire from the dialogue, acting, and the cinematography. Jesse Eisenberg does a fabulous job portraying the computer genius Mark Zuckerberg. The Social Network is a very captivating tale of Zuckerberg’s college life and his founding of Facebook. The fact that it’s not a true story does not take away from the greatness of this movie, which is why it’s #2 on our Top Five.
1. Good Will Hunting (1997)
There was really no debate when it came to our #1 spot on the list as we top list with this heartwarming movie. Good Will Hunting is one of those once in a generation features that moves anyone who watches it. Robin Willams and Matt Damon shine as the leading characters and there really is no question as to why it came away with nine Oscar nominations and two winners. I would advise anyone who hasn’t seen this movie to check it out.
