Tusk Walrus Suit

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash is a 2014 drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. The film follows Andrew Neiman (Teller), a promising young jazz drummer who enrolls at a prestigious music academy. He is quickly noticed by the school's best teacher and conductor, Terence Fletcher (Simmons). Fletcher is a demanding teacher who pushes Neiman to the brink of his potential, while also putting him through a series of cruel mental and physical tests. As Neiman's talent and ambition grows, so does the tension between himself and Fletcher. Ultimately, the film is a thrilling story of ambition, passion, and the cost of greatness.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Takashi Shimura, Nobuo Kaneko, Shin'ichi Himori, Haruo Tanaka
Rated Not Rated

"Ikiru" follows the story of a middle-aged Japanese bureaucrat named Watanabe (Takashi Shimura), who discovers he has terminal stomach cancer. After being diagnosed, Watanabe realizes he has been living a meaningless life and sets out to find a purpose for his remaining days. He attempts to fulfill his dream of building a playground in his local community, despite strong opposition from his colleagues and bureaucracy. Along the way, he meets a variety of people who help him find hope and meaning in the face of death. Through his journey, Watanabe discovers the importance of living life to its fullest, no matter how little time one has left.

From Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
Rated PG-13

The Imitation Game is a 2014 film directed by Morten Tyldum that tells the story of Alan Turing, a British mathematician, cryptanalyst, and computer scientist who helped break the Enigma code during World War II. After the war, Turing is prosecuted for his homosexuality and is forced to undergo chemical castration. Throughout the film, we follow Turing’s struggles as he attempts to prove his innocence and the importance of his work during the war. Ultimately, he is posthumously pardoned and his story is given the recognition it deserves. The Imitation Game is a story of perseverance, courage, and triumph in the face of adversity.

From Isao Takahata, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, James Marsden
Rated PG

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is a 2013 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Isao Takahata. Adapted from the Japanese folktale, "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," the movie follows the story of a tiny girl found inside a bamboo stalk by an old bamboo cutter and his wife. The cutter decides to raise the girl as their own daughter and names her Kaguya. Kaguya soon reveals her magical powers and grows into an exquisite young lady of incredible beauty. Her new family decides to make Kaguya a princess and moves the family to the capital city. Despite the lavish lifestyle, Kaguya remains homesick and longs to return home. When five elite suitors arrive to seek Kaguya’s hand in marriage, she decides that she must go back to her true home and bids farewell to her adoptive family. The movie follows Kaguya’s journey to find her true home and her ultimate destiny. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is a visually stunning film with a gentle and poetic story. Through beautiful hand-drawn animation, the movie conveys the bittersweet emotions of growing up and the longing for home.

From George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross, Strother Martin
Rated PG

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a 1969 American Western film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford as the titular characters. It follows the exploits of two outlaws, Butch Cassidy (Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Redford), as they flee from a string of failed robberies in the American Old West. Along their journey, they meet Etta Place (Katharine Ross), a schoolteacher they both fall in love with, and must confront their pursuers, a group of professional lawmen led by a determined Sheriff (Jeff Corey). With their luck quickly running out, the two men must use their wits, charm, and courage to stay one step ahead of the law.

From Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Rated PG-13

The Artist is a 2011 French-American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Michel Hazanavicius. The film stars Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. The story takes place in Hollywood between 1927 and 1932, during the transition from silent films to talkies. It follows the career of George Valentin, a handsome, matinee idol silent film star, and his relationship with the rising Hollywood starlet Peppy Miller. As Peppy's star rises and Valentin's career begins to fade, Valentin struggles to adapt to the new Hollywood and his place in it. The Artist received accolades for its storytelling, direction, cinematography, and its celebration of the medium of silent film. It won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Costume Design and Best Original Score.

From W.S. Van Dyke, starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan, Nat Pendleton
Rated TV-PG

The Thin Man is a classic mystery-comedy film directed by W.S. Van Dyke and released in 1934. Based on a novel by Dashiell Hammett, the movie follows the comedic adventures of a former detective, Nick Charles (William Powell), and his wife Nora (Myrna Loy). After leaving his job as a detective, Nick is hired to investigate the mysterious disappearance of an inventor, Clyde Wynant. With Nora's assistance, Nick embarks on a wild and humorous search for clues, enlisting the help of Wynant's family, who may have something to hide. Along the way, the couple experiences many humorous moments, with plenty of witty banter between Nick and Nora. With a great cast of characters and a clever script, The Thin Man is an enduring classic and a great example of 1930s screwball comedy.

From Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams, starring Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, T.J. Miller
Rated PG

Big Hero 6 is a Disney animated comedy-adventure movie released in 2014, directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams. The movie follows the story of Hiro Hamada, a 14-year-old robotics prodigy, and his team of friends—the "Big Hero 6"—who set out to save the city of San Fransokyo from a criminal plot. With the help of his robot companion Baymax, Hiro and his team use their intelligence, creativity and technical skills to overcome obstacles and save their city. Along the way, they learn how to work together and uncover the truth behind the mysterious plot. The film features spectacular animation, exciting action sequences, and a heartwarming story that celebrates the power of friendship.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough
Rated R

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is an Academy Award-winning black comedy-drama film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The film follows Riggan Thomson, a washed-up Hollywood actor famous for his role as the superhero Birdman in the early 1990s, as he attempts to reclaim his past glory by producing, directing, and starring in a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver short story. Unbeknownst to the world, Riggan has the power to levitate and telekinetically manipulate objects with his mind. Throughout the film, Riggan battles his inner demons, fighting to reconcile his ego with his diminishing fame and relevancy as he approaches opening night. As the film progresses, Riggan's former Birdman persona takes on a life of its own, embodying Riggan's insecurities and doubts. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a unique and fantastical exploration of fame, art, and the human condition.

From John Ford, starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond
Rated Passed

The Quiet Man is an iconic romantic comedy-drama directed by John Ford. Set in the Irish countryside, the film tells the story of Sean Thornton (John Wayne), a retired American boxer who returns to his hometown of Inisfree, Ireland to reclaim his family's farm. Upon his arrival, Sean falls in love with the fiery Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara), but is met with resistance from her brother, Will (Victor McLaglen). Sean is determined to marry Mary Kate and regain his family's farm, and in doing so must overcome the obstacles of Will's stubbornness and the gossip of the small townspeople. Through a series of humorous, charming, and tense confrontations, Sean and Mary Kate finally get their happy ending.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama film directed by James Marsh and based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, written by Jane Wilde Hawking, which deals with her relationship with her ex-husband, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. Stephen Hawking is a brilliant physicist, who despite being diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the age of 21, has successfully tackled some of the most complex scientific questions of our time. The film tells the story of Stephen and Jane’s relationship, from their first meeting at Cambridge university in the 1960s, through to the present day. It follows the highs and lows of their relationship as the weight of Stephen's illness takes its toll, and Jane's strength and loyalty to her husband is tested. The film won multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of Stephen Hawking.

From Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, starring Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett
Rated PG

The Lego Movie is an animated adventure comedy film released in 2014 directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. The story follows the journey of Emmet Brickowski, an ordinary Lego figure who is mistaken as the "Special one" prophesied to save the Lego world from the evil tyrant President Business. With the help of his friends, such as Wyldstyle and Vitruvius, Emmet embarks on a quest to defeat President Business and restore order to the world. Along the way, Emmet learns to believe in himself and discovers the power of creativity and teamwork. This comedic and action-packed film is sure to delight both children and adults alike!

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley, Peter Bull
Rated PG

The African Queen is a 1951 adventure film directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. The film follows a Canadian missionary, Rose Sayer (Hepburn) and a rough and tough riverboat captain, Charlie Allnut (Bogart), as they join together to take down a German warship during World War I in Africa. Along the way, Rose and Charlie develop an unlikely bond, as they brave treacherous conditions and great danger. The movie is based on the 1935 novel of the same name by C.S. Forester, and is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Jean-Luc Godard, starring Anna Karina, Claude Brasseur, Danièle Girard, Louisa Colpeyn
Rated Not Rated

Band of Outsiders, directed by Jean-Luc Godard in 1964, tells the story of two friends, Franz and Arthur, who convince their classmate, Odile, to help them rob the apartment of her wealthy uncle. Along the way, the trio embark on a series of misadventures and whimsical escapades as they try to pull off the heist. At the same time, Franz and Odile begin to form a romantic bond, much to the chagrin of Arthur. Ultimately, the plan fails, and the three protagonists go their separate ways. The film is a lighthearted and lyrical exploration of youth and friendship, set against the backdrop of the Parisian criminal underworld.

From Hiromasa Yonebayashi, starring Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Mirai Shida, Ryûnosuke Kamiki
Rated G

The Secret World of Arrietty is a 2010 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and based on Mary Norton's 1952 novel The Borrowers. The film follows Arrietty, a tiny 14-year-old girl who lives with her parents in the recesses of a suburban garden home. Arrietty and her family are "borrowers": little people who survive by taking seemingly insignificant items from the house's human inhabitants. As Arrietty and her father venture into the world of humans on a mission, they are observed by Sho, a 12-year-old human boy who is suffering from an illness. As time passes, a friendship begins to form between Arrietty and Sho, who both learn to appreciate the beauty of the world around them. When tragedy strikes and the borrower family must move out, Sho and Arrietty must find a way to save their friendship, and the world of the borrowers.

From Ava DuVernay, starring David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Wilkinson
Rated PG-13

Selma is a historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay and released in 2014. The film stars David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., and chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, which were a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. The film follows King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as they organize the marches and face opposition from the government, including Alabama Governor George Wallace. The film also focuses on the personal and political struggles of King, who is determined to achieve his goal of securing equal voting rights in the face of immense pressure. The film received numerous accolades, including being nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The film also won several awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

From Peter Jackson, starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett
Rated PG-13

From David Dobkin, starring Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Billy Bob Thornton
Rated R

From Laurence Olivier, starring Laurence Olivier, Cedric Hardwicke, Nicholas Hannen, Ralph Richardson
Rated Not Rated

From Walter Lang, starring Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr, Rita Moreno, Martin Benson
Rated G

From Pawel Pawlikowski, starring Agata Kulesza, Agata Trzebuchowska, Dawid Ogrodnik, Jerzy Trela
Rated PG-13

From Michael Bay, starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, John Spencer
Rated R

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chi McBride, Stanley Tucci
Rated PG-13

From W.S. Van Dyke, starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Virginia Grey, Otto Kruger
Rated Passed

From Clint Eastwood, starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner, Cole Konis
Rated R