November 10 marks the commemoration of the day the Continental Marines were created in 1775. I set out to create a list of films that featured the Marine Corps, but they are not the most pleasant of films. In fact , most are pretty intense and not a lot of fun to watch. There is no doubt that there are a number of cinematic masterpieces among the ranks of marine films. Full Metal Jacket, A Few Good Man, and Born on the Fourth of July are just the tip of the iceberg. But hasn’t this year been full of enough intensity to last you a while? This year for the Marine Corps’ birthday, let’s reflect on fun light-hearted movies that embody their motto of Semper Fidelis. Happy birthday, Marines!
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood (2019)
Quentin Tarantino’s opus about Hollywood at the tail end of the 1960’s centers around Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). The two have made their living together as an actor/stuntman combo. Sharing each other’s successes, Rick tries to make sure Cliff is employed and Cliff does the stunt work that keeps Rick safe. This is a fun film that really explores the depths of camaraderie and the bonds that are forged when people work together.
Saving Silverman (2001)
Saving Silverman is a comedy directed by Dennis Dugan that stars Jack Black, Steve Zahn, and Jason Biggs as a trio of Neil Diamond loving friends who have been together since childhood. Their friendship is perfect until Darren Silverman (Biggs) falls instantly in love with Judith, a domineering psychiatrist. Judith intervenes and forces J.D (Black) and Wayne (Zahn) out of Darren’s life. J.D and Wayne go out of their way to protect their friend from a life of butt implants, boring parties, and abusive behavior. They kidnap Judith, fake her death, and conspire to have Darren fall back in love with his ex-girlfriend who left him to join the circus. This is an incredibly silly movie and it’s incredibly fun to watch, but all in all it encompasses loyalty.
The Heat (2013)
Paul Feig’s The Heat stars Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock comes off as your typical opposites attract buddy cop film. Except it’s not. Mullins (McCarthy) and Ashburn (Bullock) pair up to catch a notorious drug lord. While they are both amazing police officers, they are both ridiculous humans who will have you laughing out loud at their antics. Why is The Heat on this list? Because despite all the nonsense Mullins and Ashburn are tough, loyal, and brave.
Shaun of the Dead(2004)
Sometimes you are trying to go somewhere in life, but your best friends keeps making you go drink beer. That’s life. Edgar Wright’s rom-zom-comedy stars Nick Frost in Simon Pegg in the first installment of the Cornetto Trilogy. Shaun (Pegg) and Ed (Frost) have to get it together long enough to “go ‘round mum’s, sort life out, and get Liz back” all in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. It is through sacrifice and trust that they are able to maintain their friendship despite the toll the apocalypse has taken on them.
The Sandlot (1993)
Giant dogs, valuable baseballs, and too much tobacco are the stuff of legendary friendships. New kid in town Smalls, is befriended by Rodriguez and a team of neighborhood kids who love baseball. As Smalls explains, the neighborhood kids play out of pure love for the game as they never keep score or really end or start the game. The kids, from different backgrounds come together to make history as they all come together to pickle the beast. This film is not only about friendship, but about ingenuity and working together to protect members of the team.
A strong friendship is tested in The Giant
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