(The podcast episode for this post can be found here: https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-4gryu-14519ee)

I love movies – great movies.

Here is a list of my top 5 movies from a range of genres so there really is something for everyone!

Number 1 – The 12th Man (2017)

This is easily my favourite war film.

They don’t get much more inspirational than this one so if you haven’t seen it I suggest you get a movie night organised NOW!!

Based on a true story and set in Norway 1943. Its about a Norwegian resistance fighter called Jan Baalsrud, played by Thomas Gullestad, who goes on the run after the rest of his team is captured when their sabotage mission against the Nazis goes wrong. He has to travel for months, chased by the Gestapo, through frozen wilderness as he heads for neutral Sweden.

This film shows the level of help and support given by the local population who manage to organise and innovate in ways which are hard to comprehend from a modern day, cosy viewpoint.

The acting, scenery, music, story, casting – the lot: I can’t find one fault. Even the reindeer are perfect for this movie! Its in Norwegian and German with English subtitles – if you don’t normally watch subtitled films I urge you to give this one a go; you can thank me later.

This story is as moving as it is fast paced, has you on the edge of your seat right up to the end. There really is never a dull moment and if it doesn’t get to you and have you shed at least one tear – get your heart checked to make sure you’ve still got one!

Number 2 – Dog Soldiers (2002)

In our house this movie is called ‘Short, controlled bursts’. If you are as big a fan as I am, you’ll understand why.

It’s an action/horror which I believe now has quite the cult following. It is easily my favourite horror film, especially as it has a lot of humour in it.

If you haven’t seen it I’ll leave the ‘dog’ part for you to find out but the soldiers part is pretty self-explanatory: British army unit sent for special training exercise in the Scottish Highlands. As you’d expect from a horror movie, it all goes wrong in spectacular fashion.

The army unit is brilliantly cast. The way they interact, the banter, just seems so natural and believable and to top it off, they are all likeable. I mention that because I find in a lot of horror movies, I couldn’t care less about the characters and am usually quite happy to see something awful happen to them!

With guys like Kevin McKidd, Sean Pertwee and Liam Cunningham in the cast, you know you’re going to get something good.

Now, I have to be honest, I’ve seen this movie at least 20 times, yes, that many – and I have one bugbear – the only female cast in the movie! I’m sorry but she just doesn’t fit in with the style of the other actors, for me at least.

Apart from that, the humour, music, scenery, script are all great. It’s fast paced, keeps you interested and I NEVER bore with it!

Number 3 – Let’s Go To Prison (2007)

Comedy. If you have a sense of humour and you haven’t seen this – well, you know what I’m going to say! Starring Will Arnett and Dax Shepard I don’t know why I don’t hear more people talking abou this one.

Its about our ‘hero’ John Lyshitski who makes it his life goal to make the life of Nelson Biederman IV, a living hell – in prison. Why? Because nelson Biederman III who put Lyshitski behind bars from a young age, has died and this is the nearest thing to revenge he can think of!

It has toilet wine, romance, prison jokes – all acted brilliantly and is just a damn good laugh.

I’ve seen it many times and I’m happy to watch again and again. Its totally different from the first two movies I’ve listed, but like I said, I’m giving something for everyone! Just watch it and have a good time.

Number 4 – The Way (2010)

This is a drama with real heart. Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, who, when I first watched it, I was going to write a letter of complaint to about making me cry so much! Honestly.

Again, I’ve watched it several times and yes, I cry each time dammit.

Starring Martin Sheen, playing the father of a man who died while walking the Camino de Santiago. The father gets a call to collect his (estranged) son’s remains and decides to walk the pilgramage himself to help him understand his son better and maybe understand his own grief.

Meeting various characters along the way (no pun intended), some likeable, others not so much but with appearances here and there by Emilio Estevez as the son, which are often when you don’t expect them. Get the tissues ready.

Again, if you can watch this film and not be moved please check to make sure you still have a working heart!

Number 5 – I struggled to decide but went with Buck (2011)

Different type of film altogether, as I’ve gone for a documentary.

This film is all about the real life horse whisperer Buck Brannaman. It is not always an easy watch and actually its been a while since I last watched it but I’ve never forgotten it.

With an abusive childhood in his background Buck goes on to become a leading expert in the way animals should be treated. He teaches people to communicate with their horses with care and compassion and not the brutal punishments historically used to ‘break’ an animal.

As you watch, you realise it isn’t just the horses he has a dramatic effect on but the people he meets.

If everyone who owns an animal was trained by a ‘Buck’, I believe the world would be a far better place for us and them. Even if you ‘don’t do documentaries’, I urge you to give this a go.

Honourable Mentions:

Bronson (2011) Tom Hardy as Charles Bronson, Britain’s most notorious prisoner.

Angel’s Share (2012) Scottish film by Ken Loach, comedy well worth a watch. Just look away when the really gross scene comes – you’ll know when you see it!

12 Angry Men (1957) Henry Fonda. Everyone should see this movie. Its set in a room of 12 jurors, 11 of whom are convinced a man charged with murder is guilty. The 12th man? Not so much. Perfect lesson in how easily swayed we can be, how to build an argument, how not to jump to conclusions, on and on the lessons keep coming with this and yet is so easy and enjoyable to watch. Ideal for teenagers too!

So, thats my list. I hope you mange to find something new there for yourself to enjoy.

If you have a film suggestion you think others would like please leave a comment – I’m always on the lookout for a great movie!