Thursday Movie Picks: School Competitions

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This week's theme from Wandering Through the Shelves is school competition. You know, those things we take way too seriously as teens. The only restriction is that it can't be a sporting event.  I couldn't really think of movies I loved that were centered around competitions so here's two that are just okay, and one that's a bit of a cop out on my part. 

 1) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

 This film had a great ending but missed on so many other levels. Hermione's pink Yule ball dress, Harry and Ron's hair, "HARRY DID YOU PUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIRE!?!?!??!?!" But hey, it centered around the Tri Wizard tournament, which was a magical competition. This pick stands out from the rest as it actually involves a participant that dies. 

 2) Pitch Perfect

 When I first saw the trailer for Pitch Perfect, a movie about a college a capella competition, I thought it looked terrible. Turns out, it wasn't that bad. It was actually quite amusing minus Rebel Wilson. She's kind of the worst. 

 3) Mean Girls

 Here's my cop out. Caty competes in a math competition at the end of the movie. I'm sorry, I tried. I literally could not think of another school competition movie that I liked. I know I can't sit with you today. 

Comments

  1. Sonia CercaJune 23, 2016 at 6:48 AM

    I can't believe I didn't think of Harry Potter. And I just finished re-reading the book. Shame on me! I also picked Pitch Perfect but I didn't like it. And Mean Girls fits the theme in my opinion.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJune 23, 2016 at 8:26 AM

      Pitch Perfect isn't great by any means. I don't think I'd watch it again.

      Delete
  2. joel65913June 23, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    Don't feel bad for stretching, this week was a tough one. Even when I thought of one of your picks, Harry Potter, it was about Quidditch which is a sport so I discounted it never giving the magic another thought but it fits very well.

    I've heard of Pitch Perfect but I don't care too much for Anna Kendrick so I never felt too drawn to it but I'll have to give it a try.

    Mean Girls is a terrifically fun film, it's sad to see the promise that Lindsay Lohan squandered though.

    As I said this was a hard week. I rented a couple to try and fill the gap-Bee Season which I hated and my first choice which was much better.

    Chops (2007)-This documentary follows different groups of students as they prepare and then compete in the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band competition. Terrific look at the commitment of both the students and teachers who care passionately about music and what it takes to compete.

    Fame (1980)-Covering four years at New York’s High School for Performing Arts where students are constantly competing for advancement and acknowledgment all leading up to the big finale and graduation. This led to a successful spin-off TV series.

    Strike Up the Band (1940)-It’s Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney as high schoolers and aspiring musicians who want their band to compete in the upcoming Paul Whiteman competition for high school bands. Problem is the fare to the contest in Chicago is $200. What to do? Why put on a show of course!! Mickey’s a bit much as he usually was but Judy is lovely and sings like a dream naturally. The tagline will give you some idea of what to expect "Their Sunniest, Funniest, Down-to-Mirthiest Hit! It Beats the Band!”

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    1. Brittani BurnhamJune 24, 2016 at 8:58 AM

      Quittich wasn't a part of the Tri Wizard tornement, but I get what you're saying for the rest of them. I haven't seen your picks. Thank you for sharing!

      Delete
  3. BirgitJune 23, 2016 at 11:45 AM

    I thought of Harry Potter but only about that Quidditch tournament. Good example and I saw it on someone else's blog as well. I haven't seen the other 2 and not sure I will:)

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJune 24, 2016 at 8:59 AM

      Mean Girls is by far the best of this bunch. Iy deserves to be seen.

      Delete
  4. DanielJune 23, 2016 at 11:54 AM

    I thought of Goblet of Fire but ended up going in a different direction. It's one of my favorite of the books (probably tied for third with Deathly Hallows and after Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix) (I didn't care for the movies that much).

    I don't blame you for choosing Mean Girls - this week was tough and it's a very clever pick! I can't believe it never occurred to me. Pitch Perfect was one I thought of right away - LOVE IT, and LOVE Rebel Wilson!

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  5. s.June 23, 2016 at 12:03 PM

    I actually like Wilson and PP was quite amusing but the vomit angel scene is just so gross :)

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  6. AnonymousJune 23, 2016 at 1:19 PM

    Wert...what's with this Pitch Perfect non-love? Like, it's hilarious, and Rebel Wilson is incredible. Sure, she can't do anything other than Fat Amy, but still...LOVE! It's too bad Kendrick is boring as f***

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJune 24, 2016 at 9:01 AM

      I'd take Kendrick over Rebel any day. Brittany Snow was my favorite though.

      Delete
  7. KhalidJune 23, 2016 at 1:29 PM

    The Goblet of Fire is a really great pick and Mean Girls is probably the only chick flick I like, ALOT. Not the biggest fan of Pitch Perfect though

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    1. Brittani BurnhamJune 24, 2016 at 9:02 AM

      Neither am I but I couldn't think of anythinf else.

      Delete
  8. thevoid99June 23, 2016 at 1:50 PM

    All excellent choices. Pitch Perfect is just an adorable film.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJune 23, 2016 at 5:02 PM

    I haven't gotten around to seeing Pitch Perfect yet, but I enjoyed the other two movies on your list. The Goblet of Fire was an ingenious choice.

    ReplyDelete
  10. DellJune 23, 2016 at 6:07 PM

    Haven't watched Mean Girls in its entirety, but I have seen most of it and enjoyed it. Need to see the whole thing. Not as big on Pitch Perfect as everyone else, but I liked it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Katie HoganJune 24, 2016 at 6:16 AM

    Great picks! Yes! Mathletes, something I've never seen again but is just so good!

    ReplyDelete
  12. KatyJune 26, 2016 at 2:04 PM

    Nice picks! I'm afraid to admit Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is one of my favorites of the franchise. Just 'cause it removes so much from the books that I didn't think was needed.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJune 28, 2016 at 7:43 AM

      Emma Watson was so bad in this is distracted me. I will say it has the best final 20 minutes of all the films before Deathly Hallows though.

      Delete
  13. Kevin PowersJune 27, 2016 at 10:15 AM

    These were all floating around as ideas for my list. Love them all. Great picks!

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  14. WandererJune 29, 2016 at 3:25 PM

    Haha I thought of Mean Girls too, although it didn't quite get on my list, cause I remembered she was in some Math Club.

    ReplyDelete

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