Students, faculty, alumni, and family of the TLU community were surveyed about their favorite movies and genres. Join me as we discuss the top 3 most popular movies out of 70 total submissions! Along with an oddball pick which is used to talk about an interesting submission that I wanted to draw attention to.
All reviews are spoiler-free.
- 68% of respondents selected Comedy as their favorite genre
- Tied for 2nd favorite was Action & Thriller/Mystery
17% of respondents selected…
1.) DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE (2024)
includes spoilers for Logan (2017)
As the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time, it was a no-brainer that this summer blockbuster would end up being the most popular movie among the TLU community!
Ryan Reynolds returns as the titular superhero in a quest to save his universe from being erased. Joining him in the third entry of the franchise is Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. The dream collab is a fantasy many fans did not foresee possible considering the Wolverine’s death in 2017’s Logan. It was even a reality Hugh Jackman himself did not see coming.
“I swear to you, When I said I was done, I really thought I was done. But in the back of my head, ever since I saw Deadpool 1, I was like, ‘Those two characters together.’ I knew it, I knew the fans wanted it ever since I put on the claws, people talked about these two. So, that had always been there, but I just knew.”
–Hugh Jackman, Fandango, 05/2024
It’s as much bizarre violence as it is 4th wall-breaking humor, which is perfectly encapsulated in the opening scene, featuring Deadpool brutally maiming enemies while dancing along to “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC. Those squeamish beware!
While some may be wearied by the amount of multiverse jargon that is explained, the story fortunately is not bogged down with it. If none of that turns you off, then not much will in this film that mixes fan service and cameos with genuine heart!
Deadpool & Wolverine is currently available in theaters Available for streaming on Disney+ in early November
11.4% of respondents selected…
2.) SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE (2023)
Speaking of multiverse!
The sequel to the 2018 hit—Into the Spider-Verse—builds upon the development of Brooklyn teen, Miles Morales(Shameik Moore.) The market for coming of age superhero movies is heavily, heavily oversaturated. Yet somehow, the Spider-Verse movies manage to stand out amongst all the rest. The incomparable visual style is one you’d be hard pressed to find in any other Western animation. All credits due to the hundreds of animators who worked tirelessly on this project.
Miles, a sophomore, is trying to map out his future while balancing his responsibilities as Spider-Man. A villain emerges as a result of Miles’ actions, leading to him requiring the help of Gwen Stacy(Hailee Steinfield) and a whole army of Spider People to protect the multiverse from danger.
“Canon events” are at the forefront of Spider-Verse’s focus. It is the idea that there are certain life experiences that shape us into who we are, including sometime tragic events. Our losses mold our character and even Spider-Man can’t save everyone.
“Bad things are going to happen, it makes us who we are. But good things happen too.”
–Peter B. Parker, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The above quote is from Miles’ mentor, hinting at the questions the movie poses.
- How much control do we actually have over fate?
- Who decides what is for your own good?
- How far is too far to save your loved ones?
However, as Miles learns on his journey, there is no playbook for how to be human, or superhuman. Full of high stakes dimension-hopping and a budding teenage romance, Across the Spider-Verse provides a rich web of story to fall into.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is available for streaming on Netflix
8.6% of respondents selected…
T-3.) INSIDE OUT 2 (2024)
The highest grossing movie of 2024, which hit $1 billion in just 19 days, jumps back into the mind of Riley from the beloved 2015 Pixar film.
We see Riley, now 13, entering puberty while Joy(Amy Poehler) meets Anxiety(Maya Hawke) who takes over HQ along with new emotions. Watching ‘Joy’ and ‘Anxiety’ fight to coexist as Riley approaches high school is a reality most know all too well. Everyone knows the difficulty of trying to fit in and appear mature at this age.
In a heartfelt way that appeals to children and adults alike, Inside Out portrays the emotional transition faced in adolescence. A clear parallel is made in how anxious thoughts can take over and change our sense of self. A theme made clear when even Joy remarks, “I don’t know how to stop anxiety.”
Inside Out 2 is available for streaming on Movies From SWANK for TLU Students & Disney+ premiering 09/25/24
8.6% of respondents selected…
T-3.) THE IRON CLAW (2023)
Tied for third place is the critically acclaimed, true story starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White. The Iron Claw depicts the story of the Von Erichs. A professional wrestling family “cursed” by tragedy.
Ok, I must come clean…
- I am the biggest Jeremy Allen White fan.
- I am a lifelong professional wrestling fan.
So, I could not be more biased. In fact, I’m not convinced this movie wasn’t made for JaCori specifically, but I digress. Don’t let that cloud the fact that the painful legacy of this family is showcased to near perfection.
If you’ve never heard of the Von Erichs’ story, then I urge you to watch immediately. There is nothing I could explain better than The Iron Claw can show you it self. The pressures of being a professional athlete along with the power of brotherhood, are explored in heartbreaking detail in this drama.
The Iron Claw is available for streaming on HBO Max
For the Oddball Pick…
WEWORK: OR THE MAKING AND BREAKING OF A $47 BILLION UNICORN (2021)
Honestly, I saw this title and immediately knew I had to watch. Unicorn is a business term referring to “a private start-up company valued at least $1 billion.” WeWork is a documentary on the rise and fall of the aforementioned company’s cult-like CEO Adam Neumann.
The We Company is an office real estate business that was marketed as a tech venture. A narrative is painted of Neumann taking advantage of young entrepreneurs and the public alike. It’s a genuine look into the dog-eat-dog world of entrepreneurship and capitalism that rewards deceit.
WeWork: Or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn is available for streaming on Hulu
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