If you're like me, animated movies are your jam. Your top favorites come from either Disney or Dreamworks, and it's easy to watch those on repeat. However, I have seen a great deal of live-action movies, and these ones are, without a doubt, on-par with some of my animated classics. So, if you're looking for a good movie to check out this weekend, look no further.
Inception
If you love Leonardo DiCaprio, then that should be enough to sell you on this one. One of Christopher Nolan's masterpieces, Inception is crazy in all the right ways. It has an all-star cast, amazing visuals, and a twisty story that will leave you wondering what's real and what's not. It's a little on the longer side at 2 hours 42 minutes, but it's all worth it. Action, espionage, love. It's all there.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Another Tom Hardy classic, Mad Max: Fury Road is very entertaining. It has a classic narrative of good guy against bad guy, but it's so exciting and fun. It may not test your perception of reality as deeply as Inception, but it's a great action flick with cool set and costume designs, fantastic acting, and an interesting storyline. It's the perfect weekend blockbuster.
Inglorious Basterds
I've seen a few of Quentin Tarantino's films, but Inglorious Basterds is without a doubt my favorite. Brad Pitt is fantastic in it, and Tarantino's nonlinear narrative structure works really well here. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed it when I first saw it. Tarantino has a particular style of directing, and if you're not into Kill Bill or Pulp Fiction, you may be inclined to pass on this one. But before you write him off, give Inglorious Basterds a shot. It's tense and funny, and even a little heart-warming.
Princess Bride
This one is a true classic. It is definitely a fairytale, but it's so iconic. I'd argue that the book is better, but the movie is one of the most faithful movie adaptations I have ever seen. Cary Elwes is suave and perfect, and him and Robin Wright were perfect for Westley and Buttercup. This is a super easy movie to watch on a cozy Friday night. A fantastic rom-com that you can't help but feel warm and fuzzy over. It might be a little cheesy, but it's a good cheesy.
Unbroken
Directed by Angelina Jolie, Unbroken tells the true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic Athlete captured by the Japanese during World War II. It is done very well by Jolie, and the story is so compelling and intense. For a war movie, it isn't bloody and gory, and it isn't filled with on-screen death. It's the story of a physically and emotionally strong individual who overcame a very difficult hardship. This movie is truly not about the destination, it's about the journey.
