The new year calls for fresh movies and books, whether new or old, and ringing in 2025 with a must watch and read list will have you craving more. Grab your laptop, open Netflix or Prime Video and get ready to keep a mental note of what to watch or read this weekend.
“Interstellar”
“Interstellar” is a film widely known for its astounding exploration of space, tear jerkers and plot twists. This space thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat for days.
“Interstellar” is a science fiction drama written by Christopher Nolan and co-written by his brother Jonathan Nolan. The brilliant minds of the Nolan brothers deliver a 169-minute long film which questions what truly exists in our solar system. The film takes place on an almost uninhabitable Earth in 2067 where failing crops and massive dust storms have swept the planet.
Matthew McConaughey stars as Cooper, a widowed father of two children: Murph (Jessica Chastain) and Tom (Timothée Chalamet). Cooper works with NASA as an astronaut with colleague Brand (Anne Hathaway) on a life-changing mission. Cooper and Brand must find a planet that can replace Earth and save human life from extinction.
The soundtrack and cinematography of the film itself makes “Interstellar” mesmerizing and a great watch for 2025. The film is currently available on Netflix and Paramount+.
“A River Runs Through It”
With 1990s heartthrob Brad Pitt starring in “A River Runs Through It,” the film is a classic must watch.
The film was directed by Robert Redford and released in 1992. It follows the two sons, Norman (Craig Sheffer) and Paul (Brad Pitt) Maclean, of a minister who grow a brotherly love for fly fishing at a young age in 1976 rural Montana.
Norman, the eldest Maclean brother, is considered to be the more serious son whereas Paul is the young, handsome and immature brother whose drinking habits get him in a bind. Before the movie, the story of the Maclean brothers was told through Norman Maclean’s autobiography by the same name, which was published in 1976.
The film is available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play, Prime Video and the Microsoft Store.
“St. Elmo’s Fire”
Joel Schumacher’s “St. Elmo’s Fire” was released in 1985 and is a coming-of-age film combining the ‘80s, college, romance, friendships and a saxophone. The film stars a handful of ‘80s heartthrobs: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Andie MacDowell and Mare Winningham.
The movie follows nine friends who navigate life after graduating from Georgetown University.
“St. Elmo’s Fire” is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and the Microsoft Store.
“The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom’s “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” follows a ride operator named Eddie, an unfulfilled old man, after he has passed away. In the afterlife, he meets five people who piece together just how much he meant to those around him.
This heartfelt novel is available to purchase at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
“Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
“Eleanor & Park” follows two young outcasts who give love a shot in 1986. Eleanor and Park become infatuated with one another when they start bonding over music and comic books on the bus. From that point on, the rest is history.
This book is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
“Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25” by Richard Paul Evans
Michael Vey follows a young boy, Michael, who discovers he has electrical powers while coping with his Tourette's Syndrome. However, he isn’t the only one. Michael and his friends team up when they find out others like him are being hunted.
Together, Michael and his friends plan to stop Hatch, a megalomaniac on the prowl for power, from manipulating kids like Michael. This is the first book in a ten part series, but it is absolutely worth the read.
This book series is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
