#recallwednesday

National Treasure is what happens when you give a hyper-intelligent, morally flexible history nerd unlimited coffee, access to the National Archives, and Nicolas Cage’s entire range of intense eyebrow acting. It’s over-the-top, historically unhinged, and weirdly inspiring.

🧨 The Plot: Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) is a man on a mission—because apparently, every bedtime story your grandpa told you about the Founding Fathers hiding secret treasure under America is completely factual. When the feds, the museums, and everyone with common sense says “don’t,” Ben says “I’m stealing it anyway.” And so begins the greatest history-themed crime caper of all time.

Cue heists, hidden codes, secret Freemason tunnels, and a lot of people dramatically reading parchment.

🔍 Notes From My Unhinged Brain:

Was the frozen corpse on the frozen ship necessary? Probably. But also… jump scare.

Ben cuts his hand for invisible ink and doesn’t flinch. Sir, when I get a paper cut, I cry and need Neosporin and three days off. What is your pain tolerance?!

Riley is logical. I like Riley. He’s a sarcastic tech nerd and says what we’re all thinking. Underappreciated king.

Ben is hella smart though. I may roast, but credit where it’s due—his brain is like a walking AP U.S. History textbook.

According to the Declaration, we can overthrow the government if needed. So who’s bringing snacks and who's driving? I call aux.

They’re underground in a dusty, ancient tunnel and somehow only Ben gets dirty. Movie logic, baby.

The guy at the end when Ben pops out of the tunnel is all “AHH!”, but with facial expressions. And same, my dude. Same. I too would scream if Nic Cage emerged from the wall like a sweaty colonial ghost.

Riley driving across Ben’s pristine lawn? Rude. But also, somehow… on brand.

SEAN BEAN LIVES. For once. He’s still the villain, sure, but a living villain. And unfairly attractive. Do with that what you will.

🧭 Cast of Unhinged History Enthusiasts:

Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage): National artifact thief with a heart of gold and vibes of an intense trivia team captain.

Riley Poole (Justin Bartha): Comic relief and voice of reason. Deserved more credit and way more chill.

Abigail Chase (Deane Kruger): Museum director turned ride-or-die co-conspirator. We love a girl who can flirt and forge a declaration theft.

Ian Howe (Sean Bean): Charmingly evil. Hot and wrong. A villain we low-key want to know our number.

💎 Best Scenes to Etch in History:

“I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence.”—Cage delivers it with Shakespearean seriousness.

The gala heist where everyone is panicking in tuxedos.

Abigail casually handing over the Declaration like it’s a 20% return at Target.

That underground treasure room reveal that screams “this will collapse in 5 seconds” and “worth it.”

😤 Minor Gripes:

Abigail’s assistant? Gone. Vanished. Hope she’s doing okay.

The romance subplot? Exists. That’s all.

The FBI arrives just in time to miss everything, per usual. But we’re not here for logic—we’re here for Nic Cage running through history and looking determined.

🎯 Final Thoughts:

🌳 The Characters:

Crysta – The naïve but brave fairy who breaks all the rules and starts asking questions. She's basically FernGully's answer to Ariel if Ariel asked, “Wait… are humans cutting down our home?!”

Zak – The 90s himbo with a mullet, a Walkman, and just enough shame to realize maybe chainsawing a magical rainforest wasn’t the best vibe.

Batty: Robin Williams cranked to 11. He came, he rapped, he trauma-dumped. Perfection as always.

Hexxus: Sludge daddy. Genuinely terrifying. Shouldn’t have been that hot, and yet.

Pips: Forest boy who was absolutely this close to snapping the entire movie. And honestly? A better option for Crysta than Zak. I said it.

Magi Luna: the ultimate forest guardian with all the mystical vibes. She’s got that wise-but-sassy energy, like your magical aunt who knows everything but still lets you figure things out. Her glowing presence reminds us that nature’s magic is real—and definitely worth fighting for. Also, shout out to her soothing voice and calm power that makes you want to trust her advice.

🧚‍♀️ Still Magical, Still Unhinged: This movie said screw subtlety and shoved an eco-crisis directly into our kindergarten brains. You want consequences? Try animated deforestation and a sludge demon moaning about Toxic Love. The messaging hits harder now because the rainforest is still dying.

Sure, it’s a 90s cartoon with some dated bits, but Ferngully hits all the right notes where it counts. The environmental message? Still super relevant. The vibrant animation? Full of lush greens and magical forest feels that pull you in. Plus, the characters are charming without being too cutesy. And let’s be real, the mix of whimsy, heart, and a little bit of magic from Magi Luna keeps it fresh, fun, and absolutely worth watching even now.

😱 Minor Gripes:

✅ Zak’s hair. Was it a crime? Debatable. Was it distracting? Absolutely not.

✅ The Zak/Crysta “romance” had the emotional depth of a moss puddle.

🔥 Why it still hits:

The Batty Rap? Somehow still an auditory masterpiece. No notes. Just vibes.

Tone-Loc as a hungry, singing iguana named Lou (Goanna?). Enough said.

🎯 Final Thoughts:

FernGully isn’t just a childhood nostalgia trip — it’s a full-blown, eco-conscious fever dream. Between Robin Williams being unhinged in the best way, Tim Curry turning into a smoky sludge demon (and making it hot — somehow??), and a message that still hits in the age of climate doomscrolling, this movie sticks.

It’s charming, chaotic, a little uneven, but totally unforgettable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll probably look guiltily at your plastic water bottle.

Let’s get this out of the way: The Mummy is not a movie. It’s a lifestyle. Brendan Fraser’s Rick O’Connell is the blueprint for chaotic good himbos, and Rachel Weisz’s Evelyn? Librarian queen. Icon. the CGI is somehow both bad and perfect. It’s equal parts action, romance, and ancient-cursed-magic-misadventure. If this isn’t in your rewatch rotation, you’re lying to yourself. Still a cultural touchstone and still hotter than a thousand-year-old tomb.

The chemistry. The lines. The vibes. This movie has better pacing than most modern action flicks and still looks amazing. Also: “no harm ever came from reading a book” was a lie, but we love her for saying it.

Let’s not forget the sheer amount of plot happening at any given moment—curses, treasure hunts, resurrection rituals, surprise scarab infestations—but it never feels bloated. It just works. And can we talk about the wardrobe? Everyone’s sweating through linen shirts and still managing to look absurdly attractive while being chased by the undead. Talent.

Also, Imhotep? Problematic king. Terrifying, sure, but you get why people were willing to risk eternal damnation for him.

Rewatching The Mummy is a comfort. It’s like being wrapped in a dusty, ancient Egyptian blanket embroidered with sexual tension and practical effects (we're not even gonna bring up Dwayne Johnson Scorpion King CGI, like ever). A true cinematic treasure.

✨ The Characters

Frances “Baby” Houseman:

Sweet, smart, and a little awkward—the kind of heroine who feels like a real person instead of a glossy movie character. She’s wide-eyed when the film starts, but she’s also stubborn, principled, and not afraid to get uncomfortable for the sake of someone else. Watching Baby grow from the girl who carries watermelons into the woman who commands the stage is what makes this movie work. She’s not perfect, but she’s brave—and that’s what makes her iconic.

Johnny Castle:

Patrick Swayze in his absolute prime. The leather jacket. The dancing. The soft eyes he saves only for Baby. He’s the bad boy with a heart of gold who’s been beaten down by judgment, poverty, and the system. But he’s not just a romantic fantasy—he’s layered. Johnny’s anger comes from being looked down on his whole life, and Baby’s love isn’t just about dancing with him, it’s about seeing his worth. And let’s be real: the man saying “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” is movie history.

Penny Johnson:

Underrated queen. Penny deserved the world and instead got Robbie. She’s gorgeous, talented, and carrying the weight of so much pain with quiet strength. Without Penny, there is no story—she’s the catalyst for Baby and Johnny to connect. I’ll forever be mad the movie didn’t give her a proper happy ending.

Dr. Jake Houseman (Baby’s Dad):

Now listen, I don’t actually hate him. He gets a bad rap because he’s overprotective, controlling, and immediately suspicious of Johnny. But at the end of the day, he’s just a dad trying to protect his little girl from what he thinks is a bad situation. And—unlike most movie dads—he admits when he’s wrong. Growth, accountability, and a slow clap at the end? That’s solid dad-ing.

Marge Houseman (Baby’s Mom):

She doesn’t get nearly enough screen time, but she’s quietly iconic. She’s supportive in that calm, mom-way, and you just know she’s been watching the whole family drama unfold with a raised eyebrow. Low-key? She’s the glue.

Lisa Houseman (Baby’s Sister):

Comic relief! Lisa is shallow, oblivious, and hilariously self-centered—she’s the girl practicing for her talent show while the world burns around her. But she’s also so authentically that sister that you can’t help but love her.

Max & Neil Kellerman (The Resort Guys):

Max is all about “keep the guests happy,” while Neil is the smarmy nephew trying way too hard to impress Baby. Neil’s not as evil as Robbie, but he’s still annoying enough to deserve an eye-roll every time he opens his mouth.

😱 Minor Gripes: Robbie, Robbie, Robbie. The man struts around Kellerman’s like he’s God’s gift to women when he’s really just a polyester polo in human form. He’s smarmy, dismissive, and the way he treats Penny and flaunts his little "it’s not my problem" attitude? Infuriating. If Baby’s dad was guilty of anything, it was trusting that slimy little worm in the first place. Honestly, my only gripe with this movie is that Robbie doesn’t get a more humiliating comeuppance. Someone should’ve tripped him during the mambo contest.

🔥 Why It Still Hits: Because the story isn’t just about romance—it’s about class divides, female agency, standing up for what’s right, and that magical moment when the music swells and two people find a rhythm together. It’s about Baby discovering herself, and Johnny realizing he’s worth more than what people say about him. Plus, let’s be real: the lift at the end? Eternal goosebumps. Every. Single. Time.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Dirty Dancing is my guilty pleasure and my favorite movie for a reason. It’s nostalgic, it’s romantic, it’s a little cheesy in the best way, and it still makes me want to stand in front of a fan pretending Patrick Swayze just pulled me onto the dance floor. Baby and Johnny may only get that one summer, but the movie makes it feel like forever. And I’ll say it again: Robbie is the real villain here, and I will never forgive him for existing.

🌳 The Characters: Anya is everything. She’s headstrong, sarcastic, vulnerable, and stubborn in a way that makes her feel real—not a passive princess waiting for a prince, but a scrappy survivor who refuses to let anyone decide her future. Dimitri? Oh, Dimitri. The conman turned lovesick hero, serving peak 90s animated heartthrob energy. His banter with Anya is electric, and when the walls finally come down between them, you feel it. Vlad adds a layer of comedy and warmth, grounding the journey in genuine affection. Bartok deserves his flowers too—he steals the show with his one-liners and goofy loyalty, so much so he got his own spin-off.

Then we’ve got the Dowager Empress, bringing gravitas and heartbreak to every scene. You can feel her longing and disbelief, which makes the eventual reunion all the more rewarding. And yes, Rasputin is grotesque, campy, and falling apart at the seams—literally—but that’s what makes him such a delicious villain. He’s not subtle, he’s not dignified, but he’s unforgettable.

😱 Minor Gripes: Nope. Perfection from start to finish.

🔥 Why it still hits: The animation is peak Don Bluth magic—lavish, expressive, and unapologetically beautiful. The ballroom scene with the ghosts is haunting and romantic, a perfect blend of eerie and elegant. The Paris sequences sparkle with a golden warmth that makes you want to book a flight immediately. And the soundtrack? Legendary doesn’t even cover it. “Journey to the Past” is the anthem of self-discovery, “Once Upon a December” is heartbreak in lullaby form, and “Paris Holds the Key” could have been lifted straight from a Broadway stage.

What also sets this movie apart is how it balances tones. It’s whimsical but never shallow, romantic but never sappy, funny without losing emotional weight. It’s a story about survival, identity, and choosing love—not just romantic love, but family and belonging too.

Animation & Visuals – The backgrounds, colors, and character designs are gorgeous, especially for a 1997 film. Every frame is rich with detail, from the ball scenes to St. Petersburg streets.

Music – Songs like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December” are iconic, emotionally resonant, and still give chills. The score elevates every moment.

Characters & Voice Acting – Anastasia, Dimitri, and supporting characters all have strong, memorable personalities.

Story & Emotional Impact – It’s adventurous, funny, and heartfelt, with genuine stakes. The mix of history-inspired drama and fairytale romance is executed perfectly.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Anastasia is the animated gem that still shines as brightly as it did in 1997. It’s not historically accurate (to put it mildly), but it doesn’t need to be. It takes a legend and turns it into a fairy tale, delivering heart, humor, and sweeping romance in a way Disney never dared. Anya isn’t a Disney princess, but she’s the blueprint for what so many of us wanted in one: a heroine who saves herself, fights for her future, and still gets her happy ending.

🌳 The Characters:

Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze) — Vida is the queen of grace, charm, and heart. She doesn’t just strut; she owns every frame she’s in. From the way she slings a feather boa to the way she quietly supports her friends during their lowest moments, Vida is equal parts sass and substance. That scene where she lays the smackdown on Virgil for putting his hands on Carol Ann? Legendary. Patrick Swayze doesn’t just play Vida—he embodies her energy.

Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes) — Cool, grounded, and somehow effortlessly hilarious, Nina balances Vida and Chi-Chi perfectly. Snipes brings subtlety where the other two bring flamboyance. Her reactions to small-town absurdities are priceless, and her mentorship moments—especially when she pushes others to see beyond prejudice—hit just the right emotional beats. She’s the friend we all wish we had, delivering “get it together” side-eye while making it look easy.

Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) — The heart and fire of the group. Chi-Chi’s energy is electric, her humor quick, and his emotional moments surprisingly layered. That blend of over-the-top comedy with genuine pathos makes her unforgettable. From the first time she bursts into the scene to her quieter moment, Chi-Chi reminds us that flamboyance and depth aren’t mutually exclusive.

Small-Town Residents (There's so many to name and maybe one day i'll do a full post on them all) — Initially uptight, closed-minded, and hilariously oblivious to their own biases, the townspeople are gradually transformed. From bullying kids to skeptical shopkeepers, their arc is both predictable and deeply satisfying. Watching them slowly embrace love, kindness, and a little glitter is pure joy—and provides a perfect contrast to the trio’s unstoppable charisma.

Supporting Dynamics — The chemistry between Vida, Noxeema, and Chi-Chi is flawless. They tease, challenge, and support each other, creating a dynamic that’s equal parts hilarious and touching. Even minor interactions with townsfolk or incidental characters carry charm, showing how presence, confidence, and empathy can genuinely shake up the world.

🎨 Visuals & Style:

The outfits, wigs, and makeup are iconic. Every sequin, feather, and metallic heel is a deliberate flourish, amplifying character personality and storytelling. Whether they’re in a cramped motel or leading a parade of self-expression through town, the film visually reinforces its themes of individuality, courage, and unapologetic self-love. The attention to detail in costumes and props elevates what could have been a standard road-trip comedy into a sparkling cinematic experience.

😱 Minor Gripes:

✅ Predictable small-town transformation moments. Sure, you know they’ll eventually embrace the queens and each other—but the journey is still a joy to watch.

✅ Some lines are a little cheesy by today’s standards, but in the 90s? Iconic.

🔥 Why it still hits:

From the get-go, the film makes you laugh, swoon, and feel all the feels. The comedic timing is sharp, the heart is real, and the sass is relentless. Scenes like the drag queens teaching manners and respect to high schoolers, helping a teen, or transforming the town’s fashion sense are as satisfying as they are empowering. Each queen has a distinct voice and energy, making the ensemble more than the sum of its parts. The movie balances humor, sentiment, and empowerment so deftly that you’re laughing one moment and tearing up the next.

It’s also a film about friendship and bravery—the courage to live authentically, even when the world doesn’t get it. It’s campy without being superficial, glamorous without being hollow, and heartfelt without ever being preachy.

🎯 Final Thoughts:

To Wong Foo is a triumph of 90s charm, style, and heart. It’s a campy, colorful, laugh-out-loud, tear-jerking celebration of identity, courage, and kindness. The performances are magnetic, the costumes are legendary, and the story remains incredibly resonant. It reminds us that confidence, compassion, and fabulousness can truly change hearts—and maybe even towns.

If you haven’t watched it in a while, do yourself a favor. Watch it, absorb the glitter, embrace the sass, and remember: sometimes, a killer pair of heels really can save the day. 👠✨

👽 The Premise:

The teachers at Herrington High are acting... off. Like "murdery, hive-mind, don't need eyedrops anymore" off. A group of misfit students discover their school has become the breeding ground for an alien parasite, and they're next on the assimilation list.

🧑‍🏫 The Students Who Became Heroes (Accidentally):

You’ve got the whole Breakfast Club of horror here:

✅ Casey (Elijah Wood), the bullied nerd with a camera and a crush. Definitely has “poster child for trauma” energy but also the backbone of this operation. We stan a soft boy who investigates alien slime before first period.

✅ Delilah (Jordana Brewster), the no-nonsense head cheerleader and editor-in-chief. The queen bee who brings sass, sarcasm, and high expectations of lighting and camera angles, even during an alien invasion.

✅ Stan (Shawn Hatosy), the jock trying to find his soul and pass math. He quits football to find himself, and immediately finds himself fighting body-snatching parasites. As one does.

✅ Stokely (Clea DuVall), the goth girl with a secret heart of gold (and an encyclopedic knowledge of sci-fi tropes). Also? Serving peak 1998 closet angst.

✅ Zeke (Josh Hartnett), the bad boy genius repeat senior with a genius IQ, an illegal pharmacy in his trunk, and enough brooding charisma to make even the alien queen pause. This man brought caffeine powder and household drugs to a gunfight — and won.

✅ Marybeth (Laura Harris), the sweet southern new girl who may be more than she seems. Well....If you know, you know. 👀

Together, they take on gym coaches from hell, water-hungry alien worms, and their own drama in an all-out effort to save the school (and humanity).

Let’s not forget the suspiciously stacked faculty: Famke Janssen, Salma Hayek, Jon Stewart, Bebe Neuwirth, Piper Laurie, Robert Patrick — basically the Avengers of “don’t drink the water.” These teachers already seemed a little unhinged before the alien takeover.

🧪 Best Moments That Prove the ‘90s Were Peak Horror:

°Salma Hayek as the sickly school nurse who did not sign up for tentacle therapy.

°Jon Stewart getting annihilated by a paper cutter.

°The “snort or die” test — You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a group of high school stereotypes forced to do lines of Zeke’s homemade alien-killing powder in Zeke's garage like it’s a group trust exercise. The tension, the suspicion, the betrayal — cinema.

°Zeke's homemade alien-dehydrating drug that literally saves the world. Every hallway chase scene and "who's infected" stare-down drenched in teen sweat and paranoia.

° The final showdown at the stadium pool — water, shadows, claws, and a deceptively sweet Southern accent that transforms into full monster monologue realness. It’s gooey. It’s glorious. It’s very much “Don’t underestimate the new girl.”

°Also, the soundtrack? Top tier angsty grunge realness.

😱 Minor Gripes:

Marybeth's naked monologue reveal was both weirdly poetic and very "male gaze."

Some character development was sacrificed for alien goo. But honestly? Not enough to ruin the fun.

The romance arcs feel a little “We’re trauma-bonded so now we kiss?” Like… Stokely just ditched her whole identity and is suddenly wearing lavender sweaters to match Stan’s jock energy? I have questions. (Even if I absolutely loved them together, why did she have to change? It's giving Sandy from Grease)

Delilah kinda gets sidelined after the big twist. I wanted more queen bee chaos, not her hanging out offscreen with the alien hive mind.

MaryBeth’s final form deserved more screentime. The monster design? Stellar. But give us just a bit more Alien Queen Southern Belle, please and thank you.

🎯 Final Thoughts:

This is a perfect slice of late-’90s horror—equal parts Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Breakfast Club, and a Hot Topic sale rack. It’s clever, it’s chaotic, and it fully leans into teen tropes without apologizing. Plus, Josh Hartnett's hair was its own character.

It’s messy, punchy, and doesn’t take itself too seriously — which somehow makes it better. With a killer cast, a fantastic soundtrack, and a finale soaked in adrenaline and alien goo, this movie feels like someone dared Scream to do an alien movie and then tossed in an entire Hot Topic catalog for good measure.

Would I survive this invasion? Probably not.

Would I watch Zeke do battle with a tentacled biology teacher again? Absolutely.

Would I snort his mystery caffeine powder? …Look. It was a different time.

10/10 for vibes. 9/10 for logic. Full marks for Zeke's jaw line

⚾ The Premise:It’s the summer of 1962, and awkward new kid Scotty Smalls moves into a California neighborhood where baseball is practically a religion. He can’t throw, can’t catch, and has exactly zero friends. But after a little hazing (and a LOT of Benny’s patience), Smalls gets drafted into the Sandlot crew—a ragtag team of loudmouths, dreamers, and legends in their own minds.

Along the way there’s:

✔️ A baseball signed by Babe Ruth (whoops)

✔️ A monstrous dog called The Beast (Real name Hercules)

✔️ The greatest pickle of all time

✔️ More 4th of July fireworks than an entire decade of your childhood combined

👶 The Sandlot Kids: A Roster of Iconic Weirdos:

Smalls: The cinnamon roll. All wide-eyed earnestness. We love a growth arc.

Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez: The literal blueprint for cool. If you didn’t have a crush on Benny, you’re lying.

Ham: Comedic MVP. Trash-talk legend. “You play ball like a girl!” is still the most savage playground burn.

Squints: The menace. The myth. The kid who risked drowning to smooch Wendy Peffercorn. (Problematic? A little. Iconic? Also yes.)

Yeah-Yeah, Repeat, Bertram, Timmy, Tommy: Pure chaos energy.

DeNunez: The pitcher with the fastest arm and the best side-eye in the whole neighborhood.

The Beast, aka Hercules: The ultimate doggo villain-turned-softie.

🎤 And James Earl Jones, the Legend:

Let’s be honest—James Earl Jones rolling in as the blind, baseball-loving Mr. Mertle gave the movie unexpected gravitas. His voice alone could narrate your entire childhood. And the reveal that he actually knew Babe Ruth? Chef’s kiss.

💋 Most Underrated Romance:

Squints and Wendy. Questionable ethics aside, Squints committed to the bit harder than any 10-year-old ever should.

🎇 Best Moments That Live Rent-Free in My Head:

✓The chewing tobacco and carnival ride scene—instant regret, Technicolor vomit.

✓The epic pickle with The Beast.

✓Benny’s PF Flyers sprint over fences, through yards, and into baseball legend.

✓The 4th of July night game under fireworks. If you didn’t feel that, you have no soul.

🐶 Minor Gripes:

The Beast was done dirty by neighborhood lore. He just wanted to play catch.

Smalls’ stepdad was a little too chill about Babe Ruth’s autographed ball turning into a chew toy.

Squints, you absolute gremlin—Wendy deserved better.

🎯 Final Thoughts: