The following content was derived from Google Form responses from Honors students and faculty members.
Quinn McFarland, Class of 2026, English Literature & Art
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Recent Watch: The Wild Robot (2024)
Why did you decide to watch it?
I heard so much about the animation style and was curious as to what the story was actually about.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
Visually, the movie is stunning. The story is equally beautiful to the point that I just sat there as the credits rolled, trying to process everything that I just watched. I attended a panel this weekend with the director and head of story, so I got to learn more of the behind the scenes on how this movie came to be.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
If you like emotional stories about finding your family and learning to grow into new roles in life, this is a movie for you. If you want to watch some of the most stunning hand-painted scenes and flawless animation, you should also see this movie.
Lloyd Trueblood, Faculty, Zoology
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Favorite Movie: Patch Adams (1998)
Why did you decide to watch it?
I haven’t watched it recently.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
I love the story, that there isn’t just one prescribed path to success. It’s a reminder that the most important things in life are the people put in front of you.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
Anyone who wants to laugh and feel good.
Gerson, Class of 2028, Exercise Science Kinesiology
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Favorite Movie: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Why did you decide to watch it?
It’s a really good movie and reminds me of my childhood.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
It’s a great storyline that teaches important things that apply to everyday life. I also just like it cause it gives me nostalgia.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
Anyone! Preferably someone younger.
Alexandria Falvo, Class of 2025, Biological Science/Pre-Med
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting (1997)
Why did you decide to watch it?
My dad wanted me and my brother to watch it 🙂
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
The movie feels so authentic. It seems to portray real people with real problems who act in real ways. The story itself is also so uplifting, especially Robin Williams’ monologue about how life isn’t just about book knowledge, it’s about living and experiencing life, without fear. I also love its portrayal of genuine friendship that is mutually inspiring and trusting. The dialogue is quippy and witty and fun. Each character and scene is so entertaining to watch. I also love the New England, autumnal feel of the movie. Overall, it’s a real simple movie that says go your own way, and get busy living.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
Anyone. I think its message is universal and helpful for living life. It made me feel better about decisions I’ve made, and paths I’ve chosen. It’s just reassuring to know you’re not the only one who struggles with difficult crossroads.
Brianna Barruga, Class of 2026, Business/Pre-Med
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
Some Favorite Movies: Rush Hour (1998), White Chicks (2004), or Me Before You (2016)
Why did you decide to watch it?
I stumbled upon Rush Hour while on vacation when it came on the TV & I loved it. My friends also recommended White Chicks which I enjoyed just as much. & for Me Before You, Sam Claflin 🤷♀️what can I say?
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
For Rush Hour/White Chicks, I enjoyed these comedies since they use a lot of jokes that wouldn’t pass nowadays. For Me Before You, I thought it was endearing how Will truly knew Louisa unlike her (ex)-bf. Especially the bumblebee tights scene 🥹
Who would you recommend the movie to?
Rush Hour/White Chicks: people who like those old jokes/humor that are kinda offensive; Me Before You: cute romance/drama if you cut it off before the ending.
Shaiana Taylor, Class of 2026, Psychology
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
Recent Movies: The Wild Robot (2024), Transformers One (2024)
Why did you decide to watch it?
My sister had been wanting to see the Wild Robot. I didn’t care, but I am very glad I went to see it. I am a Transformers movie fan so I was very excited about a new movie.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
The Wild Robot was very emotional and had a beautiful soundtrack and animation. Transformers One was a very cool origin story for Optimus Prime.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
The Wild Robot’s message of love and its different forms was very educational. Transformers One was funny, full of action, and had many twists. Also, I love Transformers.
Raymond Kim, Class of 2026, Biomedical Sciences/Pre-Dentistry
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Recent Movie: HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle (2024)
Why did you decide to watch it?
I wanted to hang out with my baby sister before her summer break ended, so we snuck out together at 10 pm 🤪.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
I thought that the movie had a good balance of comedy and action. I also found this movie particularly memorable because my sister seemed to like it so much. She now goes to volleyball lessons every Tuesday and Sunday.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
People who enjoy anime.
Katie Jang, Class of 2025, English Literature/Pre-Dentistry
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Favorite Movie: The Iron Claw (2023)
Why did you decide to watch it?
My friend is really into film and wanted to watch it together. I didn’t know anything about it going in.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
I absolutely love the tender portrayal of sibling, particularly brotherly, love. I’ve never seen anything like that on screen before. It also tackles themes of toxic masculinity in such a beautiful, nuanced way that I was beyond captivated. I could watch it again and again, and I think the cinematography was also amazing. It’s also very unique, which was refreshing.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
Everyone, but especially people who feel deeply about sibling bonds.
Yehee Cho, Class of 2028, Biochemistry
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Recent Movie: The Wild Robot (2024)
Why did you decide to watch it?
It kept coming up on my for you page with people crying.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
It was really heartwarming for my tired self, every scene was like painting and the story was original.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
Anyone who enjoys animation, happiness, and relates to people who feel like they are stuck against the wall.
Jose Parra, Class of 2027, Management and Accounting
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Recent Movie: Hereditary (2018)
Why did you decide to watch it?
My girlfriend suggested it.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
I like this movie because of how strange it is and how well the special effects are done.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
People who don’t have weak stomachs.
Yeeun Jun, Class of 2025, Biological Science
What movie have you recently watched that you enjoyed, or what is one of your favorite movies?
A Recent Movie: Last Holiday (2006)
Why did you decide to watch it?
My YouTube algorithm! I passed by one scene of the movie and just felt so warm and made me want to know how it would end so I started to watch the entire movie.
Why do you like the movie? What are some of your favorite aspects of the movie?
There is so much that I cannot say in few sentences, but to pick one, I would say the last scenes when Georgia, the main character, approached and talked with a warm heart to the person who tried to harm her and ruin her last few days.
Who would you recommend the movie to?
To those looking for warm hearts.
–Katie Jang, Class of 2025: English Literature/Pre-dentistry