If you are a college student, like me, then there is one word that will always catch your attention: FREE. Whether it’s free T-shirts, free coozies or–everyone’s favorite–free food, it is your obligation to take advantage of it. Well, Freewater Presentations has a line-up every year of fairly recent films that are not out on DVD or Netflix or whatever else you use–don't worry, we won't judge. So to help maximize your trips to Griffith Theater, here is the scoop on what to watch and what to skip.
September
In Secret: Even for all those history, period-piece buffs out there, I recommend you pass on this clichéd study of love, adultery and unpleasantly dull dialogue.
The Fault in our Stars: Hey, I get that Duke is all about that hook-up culture, but if you have a significant other here, I recommend you grab a box tissues and bring her to him or her film. You’re guaranteed to get sensitivity points.
The Jungle Book: Duke students, I am calling for y’all to abandon your work for one Saturday night and embrace your inner child! I wanna walk like you, talk like you and re-see this fantastic Disney sing-a-long. Tell your evolutionary anthropologist teacher it’s the subject of your next project.
October
Only Lovers Left Alive: I may not consider myself a hipster, but an indie film about jaded vampires in modern Detroit, count me in. It’s gotta be better than Twilight.
The Amazing Spiderman 2: To be honest, I don’t love the sweaty, grimy atmosphere of Shooters II, but I’d go there one hundred times on a Saturday rather than watch this underwhelming adaptation of Spidey vs. The iPod Charger.
The Grand Budapest Hotel: Duke may not have a school for hotel administration, but boy, do I wish it was like this quirky delight from the always indelible Wes Anderson. Forget becoming that lawyer-doctor-astronaut: be a lobby boy!
X-Men: Days of Future Past: And you thought your Quantitative Physiology and Biostatistical Applications’ homework was complicated? (Okay, it probably was). Nonetheless, this film is a twisty, turn-y gift for X-fans.
Pitch Perfect: I mean if The Pitchforks, Speak of the Devil, Lady Blue and Rhythm and Blue all don’t have a concert, you may as well get your a cappella fix for the weekend.
Ernest & Celestine: English majors, it is time to drop your Shakespearean tales of star-crossed lovers and embrace the modern era of star-crossed friendships. Of mice and bears for all.
The LEGO Movie: I was about to make some analogy about how building Lego tower is somehow marginally related to engineering … it’s not. But “Everything is Awesome” has got to be the catchiest tune and this film is too much fun to pass up.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones: Even AMI certificate kids admit that no one carries a video camera around that long. Don’t waste your time on unoriginal, pointless scares when you can go home and watch the far scarier original.
Maleficent: Stop trying to ruin my childhood with “gritty” remakes of Disney classics. The last thing we need is another Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Midnight. Halloween. Throw on your favorite Rocky or Dr. Frank N. Furter costume and come celebrate the beloved cult classic. Don’t act like you don’t know every word to every song.
November
A Million Ways to Die in the West: I’m not going to lie to you, I find an hour-long Orgo lecture on oxymercuration reduction mechanisms more amusing than this film. And I’m a Public Policy major. Enough said.
22 Jump Street: Why bother participating in the college experience when you can watch this film about the college experience? That may sound sarcastic, but I mean it. This meta-satire on sequels/college is downright hysterical.
Edge of Tomorrow: This is what I call pre-gaming your philosophy class. It’s a sci-fi futuristic Groundhog Day about memory, the cyclical nature of time and the power of experience. (It’s also got great mindless action if that is more your forte)
How to Train Your Dragon 2: To those who miss their pets at home, this is a film not to be missed. I’m not implying anyone has a pet dragon but, well, you go to Duke, you get the whole metaphor thing.
The Double: If you want to watch anything about doppelgängers the move is Orphan Black, not this dark, somber tale of Jesse Eisenberg trying to do some indie work before playing Lex Luthor. It’s playing on Sunday, go do homework (or, let’s be honest, watch some football).
Guardians of the Galaxy: It’s obvious that fan geeks of Star Wars, Star Trek, Star Lord are out there so, YES, do come and watch Marvel’s delightfully entertaining take on the space opera. See if Superman is still your favorite hero by the end.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: So Rocky Horror stole the slot for Halloween, but don’t you worry 'bout a thing, Nightmare kicks in for some chills and thrills right before Thanksgiving. Trust me, it’ll hype up your holiday spirit before the trip home.
There you have it: a wide display of genres, free for all to view. There are so many great films to choose from, so don’t feel overwhelmed, you can’t go wrong … unless you pick A Million Ways to Die in the West.
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