Cinema for Cinnamon Season
Vacuum the sand off your couch and get out your blankets — it’s cozy season! Amid all the fun of back to school, holidays, and just enjoying the nicest weather the year has to offer, I’m sure you’ll enjoy a few nights nicely tucked in at home. If it can save you some scrolling, here’s my watch list this season:
Depiction of how I feel curled up for a good movie.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
1949 • G • 1h 9m
Cuddle up for a double feature of fall whimsy and spooky chills. The second half, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is especially iconic as Bing Crosby narrates the eerie tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Boo!
A Complete Unknown
2024 • R • 2h 21m
Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan transports us to the folk‐scene of the 1960s in a film that feels expansive and intimate. Far from a vessel for one actor, I especially enjoy Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo (based on Dylan’s girlfriend at the time), and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez.
Frankenweenie
2012 • PG • 1h 27m
Tim Burton’s eerie black-and-white stop‑motion is a heartfelt retelling of the cautionary classic. After the sudden death of his beloved dog, a STEM-minded school-boy brings “Sparky” back to life as a science experiment — discovering that reanimating a corpse comes with spooky consequences. A touching tale of loss, friendship, and creativity, this movie will always hold a special place in my heart and on my annual watchlist.
You’ve Got Mail
1998 • PG • 1h 59m
I haven’t watched this one in so long! “Big business” and “shop local” unknowingly fall in love over anonymous e-mails, while clashing in real life. The iconic chemistry between Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks set against the golden backdrop of a New York fall make this rom-com as charming as it is nostalgic.
Rebecca
1940 • Not Rated • 2h 10m
Alfred Hitchcock’s first ~American~ project is a moody masterpiece. Visit a misty seaside estate, get caught up in suspenseful twists, and meet one of the most…um, memorable… housekeepers in cinema. Rebecca is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers looking for a slow-burn classic that will linger long after the credits roll.
Alien
1979 • R • 1h 57m
“In space, no one can hear you scream...” What a line — chills!
Ridley Scott’s ultimate sci-fi horror is a must watch in film history. Follow the crew of Nostromo, a deep-space commercial spacecraft, as they investigate a mysterious distress signal on a remote planet… as the slogan suggested, they find more than they bargained for.
Dead Poets Society
1989 • PG‑13 • 2h 8m
Another classic fall film, led by the undeniable Robin Williams. At a conservative all-boys prep school, an unorthodox English teacher (we all had one) inspires his students to think critically and seize the day through the power of poetry. Reflective, bittersweet, and full of carpe diem inspiration.
Arsenic and Old Lace
1944 • Not Rated • 1h 58m
A drama critic’s (Cary Grant) elopement-day is thrown into chaos when he discovers his sweet, elderly aunts have a deadly secret: they poison lonely old men as a “charitable” act! This screwball, dark comedy classic is sure to endure the test of time.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
2009 • PG • 1h 27m
Another annual replay: Wes Anderson’s humorous stop motion of Roald Dahl’s book feels like putting on your favorite, whimsical sweater and going apple picking…although you might be trespassing in this orchard. Brought to life by a star studded voice cast, Mr. Fox’s cunning ways have put his family and woodland neighbors in danger… can he set it right? Also something about beagles loving blueberries. If you like this one, definitely add Isle of Dogs (2018) to your watch list as well.
Hope you’ve enjoyed a peek at my queue. Remember to light the candle and find the remote BEFORE you get tucked in! Happy viewing!
