This summer (2024) our faculty, staff, and graduate students are sharing their favorite movies each week on social media. This page houses copies of those posts.

May 31
Good Will Hunting
“Not only is it a collection of great scenes that have had enormous cultural impact (witness all the parodies), but it’s also a good reminder to those of us in the ed biz that talent is everywhere and too much is probably wasted. I don’t know much, but I know that.”
Recommended by Dr. Ray Irwin, Program Manager and Adjunct Assistant Professor

June 7
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
“Often movies are not as good as the books on which they are based, but director Peter Jackson came close with this epic tale of good and evil in Middle Earth. The movies have a big role in our family’s history. I began reading The Hobbit to my daughter when she was in second grade, and finished the trilogy with her when she was in Middle School. The movies came out shortly thereafter, the final episode coming out on the big screen while I was deployed in combat in Iraq in 2003. We still watch the movies when we are together.”
Recommended by Professor Peter Mansoor

June 14
Office Space
“Oh my. It gets me right from the opening scene, reminding me of my morning commute on 315, listening to music that may or may not match my disposition of the day. A movie that sometimes hits a little too close to home a la the TPS reports, but who doesn’t love Milton’s spirited escape after being withheld from eating cake?? It accurately captures the life of a 9-5 job a little too well.”
Recommended by Alyssa Reynolds, Administrative Associate

June 21
Jesus of Montreal (1989)
“This movie follows a group of actors who are hired by a Catholic shrine to revive the annual passion play. As the professedly non-religious actors investigate the historical Jesus behind the gospels, they find their lives in 1980s Montreal conforming to those of Jesus and his disciples in first-century Jerusalem. Its themes include the methods and relevance of history and the inspiration of ancient stories for modern people. It’s also funny.”
Recommended by Professor David Brakke

3 men in a scene from the movie

June 28
Gettysburg
“Our family watches this movie, which depicts the Battle of Gettysburg as related via Michael Shaara’s novel The Killer Angels, before every 4th of July (the battle was fought from July 1-3, 1863). It renders meaning to the holiday beyond burgers, hot dogs, and fireworks.
Recommended by Professor Peter Mansoor

July 5
Memento
“I never get tired of watching this thriller! It starts at the end and works its way to the beginning of the story. Who killed the main character’s wife? How can he solve the murder when he starts each day not remembering anything? The viewer feels like a detective, following along to find the answers. It’s an edge of the seat flick!”
Recommended by Laura Seeger, Digital Media Specialist

July 12
Chinatown
“An intense and powerful story that takes a deep dive into the seedy history of Los Angeles’ development; also, Jack Nicholson at his very, very best.”
Recommended by Marc Arenberg, PhD Candidate

July 19
Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse
“My favorite movie is Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse. It’s a must-watch because the animation is breathtaking, the soundtrack is incredible, and the film’s commentary on justice gives audiences much to ponder. One of the main themes centers on the utility and feasibility of saving the one over saving the many and the limits of the sacrifices we make for our loved ones. Watching Miles Morales confront the nuance of his identity as Spiderman in Across the Spider-Verse has been one of my favorite film-going experiences, so much so that I saw the movie in theaters several times.”
Recommended by Tara Godwin

July 26
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
“I’m going to have to be very on brand and say Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Who can resist smart political and social commentary housed within a humorous take on medieval mythmaking? Plus coconuts and shrubbery! Signed — a famous historian.”
Recommended by Ellen Arnold

August 2
Do the Right Thing
“My pick for the greatest American movie ever made. Spike Lee goes straight to the heart of racist violence in America, raising profound questions and offering unsettling answers. It’s also a compelling examination of the meaning of community.”
Recommended by Marc Arenberg