Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) is a modern reimagining of the classic Jules Verne novel, directed by Eric Brevig. This family-friendly adventure film is packed with CGI effects, humor, and thrilling sequences, making it a light and entertaining take on Verne’s story. The movie stars Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem.
The film follows Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser), a scientist whose brother, Max, mysteriously disappeared during a volcanic expedition. When Trevor’s teenage nephew, Sean (Josh Hutcherson), comes to visit, they discover clues in Max’s research that point to the possibility that Verne’s novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth, is based on actual events. Together with their guide, Hannah Ásgeirsson (Anita Briem), they embark on an adventure to find out the truth.
Their journey leads them to a hidden subterranean world beneath the Earth’s surface, where they encounter strange creatures, dangerous landscapes, and thrilling obstacles. From a sea filled with prehistoric creatures to glowing birds and lush jungles, the trio faces one harrowing situation after another as they attempt to escape back to the surface.

Lost in Space (2018)

Lost in Space (2018) is a reboot of the classic 1965 sci-fi series of the same name, created by Irwin Allen. Developed by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, this Netflix series reimagines the space-faring adventures of the Robinson family as they struggle to survive on an alien planet after their colonization mission goes awry. With a focus on family dynamics, survival, and science fiction intrigue, the show blends heartwarming moments with thrilling action.
The story is set 30 years in the future, where humanity is preparing to colonize new worlds. The Robinson family—John (Toby Stephens), Maureen (Molly Parker), and their three children, Judy (Taylor Russell), Penny (Mina Sundwall), and Will (Maxwell Jenkins)—are part of a mission to establish a new life in space. However, their spacecraft, The Resolute, is attacked by a mysterious alien force, forcing them to evacuate and crash-land on a nearby planet.
Stranded on this dangerous and uncharted world, the Robinsons must work together to survive its harsh environment, encounter strange alien creatures, and unravel the mysteries of the planet. Along the way, they encounter Dr. Smith (Parker Posey), a manipulative and deceitful stowaway with her own agenda, and Don West (Ignacio Serricchio), a roguish pilot and mechanic who becomes an ally.
One of the central plotlines involves Will Robinson’s relationship with a mysterious alien robot that he saves early on. The robot forms a bond with Will and becomes both protector and key to the family’s survival, though its true nature remains a constant question.

The Perfect Storm (2000)

The Perfect Storm (2000) is a disaster drama directed by Wolfgang Petersen, based on the 1997 non-fiction book by Sebastian Junger. The film tells the harrowing true story of the Andrea Gail, a commercial fishing vessel that was caught in the middle of a massive storm in 1991.

The movie is set in the small fishing town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. After a poor fishing season, captain Billy Tyne (played by George Clooney) decides to take his crew out for one last haul before the season ends.

The crew, including Bobby Shatford (Mark Wahlberg), is motivated by the promise of a big payday despite the risks. However, their luck runs out when they find themselves caught in “The Perfect Storm,” a rare convergence of weather events that creates an almost unprecedentedly powerful storm.

“Les Misérables” (2012)

“Les Misérables” (2012) is a musical drama film directed by Tom Hooper, based on the classic musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, which in turn is adapted from Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. The film is set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France and tells a sweeping tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption, interwoven with the political unrest of the time.
The story follows Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), a man who is released from prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. Despite being given a second chance at life by a kindly bishop, Valjean struggles to overcome the stigma of his past. He breaks parole and attempts to start anew, but he is relentlessly pursued by the rigid and merciless police inspector Javert (Russell Crowe).
Years later, Valjean has become a successful factory owner and mayor. His life changes again when he meets Fantine (Anne Hathaway), a factory worker turned destitute prostitute who is dying and desperate to save her daughter, Cosette (played as a child by Isabelle Allen and later as an adult by Amanda Seyfried). Valjean promises Fantine that he will take care of Cosette. As he adopts Cosette and raises her as his own, Javert’s hunt for Valjean continues, all while political upheaval threatens to change the course of their lives forever.
In the final act, Cosette falls in love with Marius (Eddie Redmayne), a revolutionary involved in the June Rebellion of 1832. Valjean must navigate protecting his adopted daughter while confronting his past and the inevitable encounter with Javert.

“Only the Brave” (2017)

“Only the Brave” (2017) is a biographical drama directed by Joseph Kosinski that tells the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite team of firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. The film is a poignant and powerful tribute to the bravery, camaraderie, and sacrifice of these men, culminating in the tragic events of the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire, one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.
The story primarily follows Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin), the superintendent of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, and Brendan McDonough (Miles Teller), a troubled young man who joins the team in a bid to turn his life around. Under Marsh’s strict but caring leadership, the team earns the respect and trust needed to become certified as Hotshots, the elite front-line firefighters who battle wildfires head-on.
As the team faces increasingly dangerous wildfires, the film delves into the personal lives of its members, particularly focusing on Marsh’s relationship with his wife Amanda (Jennifer Connelly) and McDonough’s journey toward redemption. The film builds to its harrowing climax at the Yarnell Hill Fire, where the team faces a deadly and unpredictable blaze.

“Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil” (2017)

“Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil” (2017) is a Spanish fantasy horror film directed by Paul Urkijo Alijo. The film is set in the Basque Country and combines elements of folklore, horror, and dark fantasy.
The story is inspired by Basque folklore and follows the character of Usue (played by Uma Bracaglia), a young orphan who stumbles upon a mysterious and cursed blacksmith named Patxi (played by Kandido Uranga). Patxi lives in isolation and is rumored to have made a pact with the devil, a claim that seems to be true when the devil (played by Javier Botet) arrives to reclaim the soul he was promised.
As Usue investigates the blacksmith’s dark past and the sinister pact he made, she uncovers the truth about Patxi’s curse and the supernatural forces at play. The film delves into themes of redemption, guilt, and the battle between good and evil, all set against a backdrop of eerie and atmospheric horror.

Jeruzalem (2015)

Jeruzalem (2015), directed by Doron and Yoav Paz, is a found-footage horror film set in the heart of Jerusalem during a supernatural apocalypse. The film blends biblical mythology, horror, and modern technology to create a unique perspective on the end-of-days scenario, using the ancient city of Jerusalem as a backdrop.
The story follows two American tourists, Sarah (Danielle Jadelyn) and Rachel (Yael Grobglas), who travel to Jerusalem for vacation. They meet a fellow traveler, Kevin (Yon Tumarkin), who convinces them to extend their trip to explore the city. However, their vacation takes a horrifying turn when an apocalyptic event unfolds. Biblical creatures, including angels and demons, are unleashed upon the city, trapping them in a terrifying battle for survival.
The film is shot primarily from the perspective of smart glasses worn by Sarah, giving it a first-person, found-footage style similar to films like Cloverfield and REC. As chaos erupts around them, the group must navigate through the ancient streets and make difficult choices to escape the unfolding nightmare.

“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” (2022)

“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” (2022) is a high-fantasy television series created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne for Amazon Prime Video. It serves as a prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, exploring events that occur in the Second Age of Middle-earth.
Set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the series delves into the history of Middle-earth, focusing on the forging of the Rings of Power and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron.The show chronicles the rise of Sauron, the creation of the Rings of Power, and the forging of alliances and rivalries between the major races of Middle-earth — Elves, Men, Dwarves, and Orcs. The Second Age is a period of great events, including the formation of the kingdom of Númenor, the fall of that kingdom, the forging of the Rings, and the rise of Sauron as a dark power in Middle-earth.
The story weaves multiple plotlines that eventually converge, introducing both familiar characters like Galadriel (played by Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (played by Robert Aramayo), as well as new characters created specifically for the show.

AMERICAN SNIPER (2014)

Cooper, Kyle Gallner, Ben Reed star in “American Sniper” (2014), a biographical war drama directed by Clint Eastwood. Bradley Cooper portrays Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL sniper, based on Kyle’s autobiography “American Sniper:

The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History.” The film delves into themes such as the ethics of warfare, the psychological toll of combat, patriotism, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life.

It portrays the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers while also addressing the personal costs of war. “American Sniper” garnered critical acclaim for Bradley Cooper’s performance and its authentic depiction of military engagements.

However, it also sparked discussions regarding its portrayal of the Iraq War and the complexities of Chris Kyle’s character.