Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer
It’s crazy to think that the year 2023 is almost at its end and our favorite, as well as our busiest, holidays are fast approaching. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years are all right around the corner which means we can take advantage of the break from school and cozy weather by watching some movie classics. Some of the world’s favorite movies are celebrating their 10, 20 and 30 year anniversaries; feeling old yet?
10 years old — Disney’s “Big Hero 6” is having its tenth birthday on Nov. 7, 2024, celebrating being the highest grossing animated film of 2014. Robotics genius of fictional city San Fransokyo, Hiro, faces a devastating loss of his brother, Tadashi, that throws him into a dangerous plot to avenge his brother and solve the mystery of who is stealing his invention. Transforming his squishy human helping companion, Baymax, and other friends, into a team of high-tech heroes, they come together to find who was responsible for his brother’s death and avenge him to the fullest.
20 years old — Does one still wear pink on Wednesdays because of the iconic film “Mean Girls?” If so, it’s been 20 years since that movie came out so that’s a real fan. The 2004 film grossed 130 million in the box office and instantly became a cult classic. Homeschooled teenager Cady moves from Africa to face the world of U.S. high school cliques. Befriended by outsiders Janis Ian and Damian Leigh, they explain the cliques, specifically the infamous ‘plastics’ with popular girls Gretchen Wieners, Karen Smith and queen bee, Regina George. After the plastics invite Cady to sit with them at lunch, Janis encourages Cady to infiltrate the clique and take down the plastics.
It’s also been 20 years since the release of the coming of age movie, “Napoleon Dynamite,” which ended up at number 14 on Bravos top 100 funniest movies of all time. Jon Heder plays the socially awkward student, Napoleon Dynamite, who daydreams his way through school to avoid the constant bullying. As he is befriended by Mexico transfer student, Pedro, and small town girl, Deb, together they attempt to take on the school and have a decent high school experience — even if that means being humiliated in the process. “Just vote for Pedro, gosh,” *Napoleon Dynamite voice*.
30 years old — Still don’t feel old yet? One might after they learn about which movie classics are turning 30 this year — like “The Lion King.” Disney released the musical drama film “The Lion King,” based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in June of 1994 and it quickly became the highest grossing film of that year and the second highest grossing film until 2003.
“The Lion King ” follows the life of Simba as he grows to succeed his father, Mufasa, as king of the Pride Lands. However, Simba’s uncle, Scar, was spiteful and killed Mufasa to seize the throne — allowing Simba to believe he was responsible for his fathers death resulting in him fleeing into exile.
Being raised by carefree mentors Pumbaa and Timone, as well as getting valuable advice from childhood friends, Nala and Rafiki, Simba is encouraged to return to the Pride Lands to challenge Scar and avenge his father.
Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu
