Film Nostaligia

Films and motion pictures have several different genres and many beloved characters. Some people grow up with nonsensical comedies like “The Goonies” or a chilling thriller such as, “The Others.” A few teachers at Mascoutah high school were asked about films from their childhood, favorites or despised motion pictures, and other movie aspects.

Mr. Goode grew up with a comedy known as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” “It greatly influenced me to the point where my mom thought that I acted like Ferris Bueller. It’s my philosophy on life.” To paraphrase the IMDB.com description, “This film portrays a high school student who has a unique skill at cutting classes and getting away with it. When he is determined to make one final break before graduation, he calls in sick and he “borrows” a prized Ferrari to drive to Chicago for the day. The school principal, Ed Rooney has not been able to catch Ferris and his streak of class-cutting, but Rooney is fixed on pursuing this high schooler.”

Mrs. Beth grew up with “Back to the Future.” Marty McFly is a teenager who is friends with a scientist who masters time travel. Quite by accident, he ends up traveling in time to the 50s’ when his mother and father were in high school in the same town. His mother develops a crush on him and he has to deflect her and get his parents to fall in love, or he will fade into nonexistence.

Mrs. Jenkins grew up with “The Wizard of Oz.” “I was terrified of tornados but I wanted to visit the Land of Oz,” she stated. This movie features a young girl named Dorothy and her dog, Toto who live in Kansas. When a tornado strikes, she makes her way into her house and stays there while it is tossed around. The twister eventually dissipates and Dorothy and Toto make their way outside. They meet unique characters who aid them on their quest to meet the wizard of Oz.

Questioning teachers regarding the movies that had left a negative impact on them brought an array of results. Mr. Goode abhorred “The Holiday.” “It’s one of the few movies I can’t finish,” he stated. “This film introduces two women who live in two different countries, America and Britain. When they breakdown after breakups, they both switch homes and they each fall in love with local men. However, their impending returns home may end their relationships (IMDB.com)”

Mrs. Jenkins loathed “Dawn of the Dead” because “It was stupid and scary. I still hate anything with zombies.” This horror film introduces the audience to an apocalyptic atmosphere where corpses come back from the grave and eat people, turns them into more zombies. When a cadaver attacks and turns Ana’s daughter into a zombie, the preteen turns on her father. Ana manages to escape and after being questioned by a vigilant police officer named Kenneth, they, along with a small group, find refuge in a shopping mall (IMDB.com).

Mrs. Beth hated “Dumb and Dumber” because she felt it had “stupid humor.”

Movies are generally more enjoyable when watching with other people. Mrs. Jenkins likes to watch movies with her youngest son. “We like similar types of movies,” she said. Mr. Goode likes watching movies with his friends. Mrs. Beth enjoys watching movies with her son because they both like to interact and comment on the films.

The most beloved characters from these teachers’ childhoods similar in the notion of animals. Mrs. Beth often watches movies with her son. Her beloved character is Scooby Doo. This movie features a group of teenage detectives with their dog who solve crimes. Their dog is willing to do anything for a “Scooby Snack” when these young adults are in trouble during their investigations.

Mrs. Jenkins loved “Toto” from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Toto was the dog who accompanied Dorothy through her journey to the Land of Oz

Mr. Goode’s beloved childhood character was “Mrs. Brisby” from “The Secret of NIMH”. This film stars a field mouse whose son is sick with Pneumonia. To nurse her son back to health before “moving day” (the farmer plows his lawn) she has meet the Great Owl and meet the king of the rats. During her treacherous journey, Brisby is assisted by a rat named Justin and a crow, Jeremy. The field mouse also discovers the dark past of her husband, Jonathan.

Whether students agree with the opinions of the teachers or not, they might consider adding some of the films to their Netflix wish-lists. Perhaps they may even pause to reflect on what films have been the most memorable to them, whether beloved favorites or scarring still-can’t-sleep-without-a-nightlight movie regrets. “Roll Credits!”

Netflix Wish-List

The Goonies

The Others

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Mr. Goode)

Back to the Future (Mrs. Beth)

The Wizard of Oz (Mrs. Jenkins)

The Holiday (Mr. Goode)

Dawn of the Dead (Mrs. Jenkins)

Dumb and Dumber (Mrs. Beth)

Scooby Doo (Mrs. Beth)

The Secret of NIHM (Mr. Goode)