Autumn Movie Picks

Riley McCoy, Creative Director

November 4, 2024

Autumn is upon us, students of John Adams, and this time of year calls for one thing: indulging in movies. Whether you enjoy the frights of October or the coziness of November, there are films in store for all interests. Here are a few choices for your next movie night!

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Opinion | The Magic of Linus and 'The Great Pumpkin' - The New York Times — The New York Times

Starting off with a classic, It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! embodies the warm, childlike comfort that this time of year brings. Backed with one of Vince Guaraldi’s grooviest jazz soundtracks, this 1966 classic is sure to put any viewer in the mood for carving pumpkins and a chilly, autumnal stroll.

Shutter Island

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Based on the 2003 novel Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane, this film is one of the most well-known psychological thrillers of the century. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) embark on an investigation to Shutter Island, unraveling the dark and gruesome mysteries connected to the insane asylum they’ve been assigned a case on. Shutter Island will undoubtedly shock anyone fortunate enough to watch, and is perfect for anyone’s horror movie night-in!

Juno

Juno is a beautifully comedic film starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera. It encapsulates the coziness of these early cold months, while providing a delicate commentary on the trials of teenage pregnancy and relationships. With a score based around Kimya Dawson’s music, Juno will touch the hearts and minds of viewers, ideal for any autumnal watch-through.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

This psychological thriller featuring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett, The Talented Mr. Ripley perfectly balances the aesthetic of autumn with the mind-bending thrills of the season. Detailing the relationship between Tom Ripley and his friend Dickie Greenleaf, a series of twists and turns spiral until the very end of the film! Both eerie and visually appealing, this movie was made for a cozy movie night.

All four films can accompany the festivities of the second quarter. Hopefully a few of these make it to your list this season as you try to stay bundled and cozy!

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About the Contributor

Riley McCoy, Creative Director

Riley McCoy is a junior at John Adams High School, much to her own dismay. Though she knows the dreaded academic sufferings soon to come, she’s still amped and ready to become an avid writer for the Tower newspaper. She’s most excited to report on the ceaseless albums scheduled to release this year (holding many prayers for Phoebe Bridgers to come out of hiding), with hopes for readers to discover new artists through her writing. Aside from personal goals within the Tower, Riley is looking forward to doing “literally ANYTHING but prepare for SATs” and can’t wait to become a National Parks ranger. When she’s not avoiding schoolwork, Riley is often found with her earbuds in and a guitar in hand. She’s known among her friends for being musically inclined, and usually uses it as an excuse to escape her other responsibilities- like doing the dishes and engaging with her two younger sisters. Alongside painstakingly learning every Hozier song, she also frequents the phone to call her closest friend and JAHS graduate Saisa Gadal. Though the 9-hour time difference from South Bend to Kathmandu, Nepal, is difficult to manage, the two continue to support each other from afar. Saisa says she’s “soooo excitedddd” to watch her friend embark on a creative and constructive journey with the newspaper, and is prepared for every article to revolve around an artist she introduced Riley to in the first place. Riley’s personal accomplishments include playing eleven instruments, winning the JAHS Marching Band-lympics alongside her section, and being neighbors with Thom Yorke when she lived in England. Marching band takes up a significant amount of her time, but she’s confident she’ll be able to balance the demands of writing for the Tower with leading her fellow saxophones. Riley is anticipating an incredible year with the newspaper team, and hopes readers are willing to read to an in-depth analysis of Clairo’s latest album Charm in the near future.