Fall has officially arrived, which only means one thing….the start of my favorite season! Time for you to bring out your sweaters and jumpers grab a hot drink and a snuggly blanket this weekend to settle down and watch some all-time classics which make you feel immersed in the moment of this Autumn/Fall season.

Autumn in New York [credit: MGM]

10. Autumn in New York (2000)
Well, you cannot get any more of an Autumn feel than this film as it is literally in the title itself! While the film will have you baffled with its plot line and complexities. The atmosphere of New York in the fall accompanied by the score of the music may have those who are criers like myself burst out into tears.

9. Legends of The Fall (1994)
Anthony Hopkins playing Brad Pitt’s father will surely draw many viewers to watch this film. However, the rural countryside of Montana is notable with regard to the film even though the overall movie might be leaving you feeling a bit low afterwards.

8. A Tale of Autumn (1998)
A french rom-com set in Autumn with the idea of how you would basically be forming your friend’s dating profile in this day in age so they have a fall boyfriend. Regardless of the scenery, I do love how this displayed a beautiful portrayal of friendship.

7. Far From Heaven (2002)
Personally Julianne Moore Oscar worthy performance! Todd Haynes strikes this film from the get-go with its colour palette with the various shades of red, yellow and orange displaying the depths of Autumn. However, that is not the only depth this film has with its themes and plot line making you realise it was truly ahead of its time.

6. Hero (2002)
Everyone who has seen this film knows your mind instantly goes to the fight scene between Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi). What makes this completely impactful for a fight scene is the rustling sound of the leaves against the sound of the blades of their swords. The entire scene will guarantee to make you feel like you are in a snow globe that is based in Autumn as the leaves are swooshing with the movement of the fight.

5. All That Heaven Allows (1955)
Sometimes you need to really not listen to your kids and go with your heart. What a beautiful melodrama set in fall and winter with the theme of social collision. The performance by Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman is noteworthy to bring the moments of feelings at certain points.

4. Dead Poets Society (1989)
“O Captain, My Captain” this film is one of my favourite Robin Williams performances to date he is known for playing carefree characters like this one, and here you truly see his compassion and passion from the character translate into the boys. The importance of poetry is not only displayed by the storyline but how poetry is translated into the scenery behind the characters making you feel the crisp fall air.

3. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
It is officially time to bring out that white sweater! Yes, this movie is note worthy of a fall tradition each year questioning can two people really be friends after a nightstand. This romcom alongside my favourite season is the reason why it’s so high on the list. Oh to have someone declare their love to me realising they want to spend the rest of their life with me.

2. Good Will Hunting (1997)
A notable performance by Robin Williams as always. How with the complexity of the character themes still hold out to be beautifully written by Matt Damon during his time at Harvard. This has to be considered a fall movie not only because of the setting of the premise during the film but even its poster! Especially getting emotional after Robin Williams passed away the fans would write quotes from the film around the famous wooden bench at the Boston Public Garden as a tribute.

1. Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
“We’re all different. Especially him, but there’s something really kind of fantastic about that, isn’t there?” As someone who has grown up by Roald Dahl this adapted screenplay by Wes Anderson does not fall short (see what I did there!). This stop-motion animation will hold a close place in my heart with the vivid imagery of autumnal tones to bring out the beautiful works of characters.

photo credit: Good Will Hunting [credit: Miramax], Hero 2002 [credit: Miramax]

I know that it’s been a little while since “The Flash” came out in theaters, but I got to say that after seeing the movie again on Max, I think that it’s clear to say that Michael Keatonis the best actor that has played the Caped Crusader.

Keaton played the hero in the Tim Burton-directed superhero flick way back in 1989. Many fans were skeptical of the controversial casting but were happy to have him in the film after it was released and welcomed him back for the sequel in 1992.

Here is why Keaton reigns supreme as the comic-book hero.

HE LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR “DARK” BATMAN

Batman 1989 [credit: Warner Bros.]

Before Michael Keaton, the only thing that fans had for Batman was Adam West on the 1960s tv series and while the series had its moments, they seemed more campy than actually dark. West had a more comical take on the character which might have been fine for the 1960s but it doesn’t really honor the source material.

Keaton brought the character into darker territory and allowed Batmen after him to run, but only after he had to walk in the batsuit and it was a breath of fresh air to see it.

HIS ORIGIN STORY IS MORE TRAGIC

Batman 1989 [credit: Warner Bros.]

In the original comics, Bruce Wayne’s parents are killed by the criminal Joe Chill. And the tragic event is what made him the caped crusader. That is a great origin story, however, the 1989 film changes a few things.

In the Tim Burton movie, Jack Napier a.k.a., the Joker kills Wayne’s parents. Albeit, this is before Napier becomes the Joker  but it makes for a great connection as to why Batman has such a true and deep disdain for the Joker, thus making their hero-villain dynamic more palpable to watch.

HE TOOK ON A KRYPTONIAN WITHOUT KRYPTONITE

The Flash 2023 [credit: Warner Bros.]

If you haven’t seen The Flash, spoiler alert because Keaton’s Batman takes down the kryptonian Nam-ek in the coolest and briefest showdown in the DCEU, where Batman grapples the Kryptonian by the neck attaching bombs to him and finally knocking the alien to the ground with a final explosion.

Keaton can rest easy knowing that he was the only Batman to knock down a Kryptonian without Kryptonite. Not even Affleck could attest to that.

In recent years, Netflix has invested in a lot of high-profile action thrillers. Films such as ‘Red Notice’ and ‘The Gray Man’ exceeded all the expectations with hi-octane action and Hollywood A-listers. The streaming platform seems to be in no mood to stop and has come forward with another banger, titled ‘Heart of Stone.’ Starring Gal Gadot in the lead role, the film chronicles the journey of a secret agent named Stone (Gadot) and how she becomes a part of an operation to catch a man. However, things go awry as they move forward.

Over the years, we have seen a lot of action movies with really good twists and turns. ‘Heart of Stone’ is similar and has some really extraordinary twists, keeping fans at the edge of their seats. The film is packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences that keep viewers glued to the screen. From intense hand-to-hand combat scenes to daring chase sequences, the film delivers on the promise of thrilling entertainment. The stylish cinematography and slick visual effects enhance the overall experience, making each action set piece visually stunning. Director Tom Harper successfully crafts visually appealing and dynamic action scenes that further immerse audiences in the world of espionage and danger. The plot twists and turns, ensuring unpredictable surprises that keep viewers guessing.

Gal Gadot as Rachel Stone in a still from ‘Heart of Stone’ (Netflix)

Even though there is some good suspense and action, the film has a familiar storyline and as it progresses, viewers start to successfully foreshadow what will happen in the next few scenes. The predictability of the script is really annoying and leads viewers to a direction that has already been tried and tested by the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series.

But when it comes to action, ‘Heart of Stone’ is packed with adrenaline-pumping sequences. It is one of those movies that will keep the audiences because of insane action pieces and how every actor performs in those particular scenes.

Jamie Dornan as Parker in a still from ‘Heart of Stone’ (Netflix)

Acting wise, Gal Gadot shines in her most intense role yet. Her performance as Rachel Stone is really good. She delivers an outstanding performance as the skilled and enigmatic operative. Gadot’s performance elevates the film, making her a compelling action heroine to root for throughout the gripping storyline. Meanwhile, Jamie Dornan is excellent as Parker and is a part of one of the most insane twists in recent movie history.On the other hand, Indian actor Alia Bhatt is brilliant in her Hollywood debut. At first, her dialogue delivery might unsettle you, but as the movie moves forward, she lets the world know why she was chosen for this role.

Alia Bhatt as Keya in a still from ‘Heart of Stone’ (Netflix)

All in all, ‘Heart of Stone’ is a good one-time watch that keeps viewers glued to their screens because of excellent action scenes, good twists, and brilliant performances. The film is shot beautifully, but the script turns out to be a little flat when it has to show all the other elements. Nevertheless, it is a decent movie that successfully provides the entertainment it promises.