Coming-of-Age Films
Its a genre. These are my favorites.
Mud
Such a great film that I heard almost nothing about when it was released. The kids in this movie, one of whom is named Neckbone, equal or best Matthew McConaughey’s performance. If you haven’t seen this start here. It also feels like a real ‘American’ movie if that makes sense.
Rotten Tomatoes (97%) | Pirate Bay
Pairs well with Lone Star or a Black-eye Rye
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Sort of a less well known quirky adolescent love story (like Juno without the pregnancy) with a dark twist. I think introverts will like this film and the acting by the main character is stellar for his first main role. Also, Emma Watson. Its way better than its RT score.
Rotten Tomatoes (86%) | Pirate Bay
Pairs well with you favorite drink from high school
Bonus: Moonlight - Dramatic, sensitive, and large in scope and message. Must see. Rotten Tomatoes (98%)
Okja
Somehow manages to explore and make fun of militant animal rights groups, phony TV hosts, large livestock and ag corporations, propaganda and more throughout a world-wide odyssey following a kid and her pet. This is one of my favorites that has come out recently and everyone should see it! Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton and Paul Dano and more.
Rotten Tomatoes (86%) | Netflix
Pairs well with Porkbellyback Wheatgrass shot
Spirited Away
Don’t be turned off by the fact that this is anime. this is one of the best movies out there and won an academy award. “Spirited Away is a dazzling, enchanting, and gorgeously drawn fairy tale that will leave viewers a little more curious and fascinated by the world around them.” -RT
Rotten Tomatoes (97%) | Pirate Bay
Bonus: Princess Mononoke - Super violent and stylized movie by the same director. Rotten Tomatoes (92%)
Bonus 2: Ponyo - More of the same if you like the first two by Director Hayao Miyazaki. Rotten Tomatoes (92%)
Little Miss Sunshine
Quirky lovable but totally fucked up family goes across the country to fulfill their youngest daughters dream of being a beauty pageant contestant in a VW bus. My dad actually had a VW bus with a broken clutch that you could start and slam into 2nd gear if you got it going fast enough. They always parked on a hill. I have so much love for this movie. Few films have this much heart.
Rotten Tomatoes (91%) | Pirate Bay
Pairs well with Vodka and Prozac
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Most people have seen this too but I have to include it. Another example of Chicago-porn for those lucky enough to live there. Watching this movie just makes me so happy. Fun Fact: Apparently the redwings jersey cameron wears represented a subtle rebellion against his father… I also had a huge crush on Mia Sara as a kid.
Rotten Tomatoes (79%) | Pirate Bay
Pairs well with Hot Toddy
Bonus: The Graduate - This is for you young’ns who have never seen Dusty Hoffman’s best movie. If Ferris Bueller gets you ready for college this movie is the perfect pairing for disillusioned graduates. Rotten Tomatoes (89%)