Movies are a great form of expression, an emotional outlet, and overall just a grand old time. However, with so many great movies coming out today, it is important to look back at the films that inspired us and led to what we have, here, in 2019. The 1990s was a great decade for filmmakers and movie-goers alike. So we’d like to throw it back to those years, and review some of the core classics.

Titanic (1997):

Hayley: I mean, what praise for this movie can I give that hasn’t already been said? It truly is a classic in all aspects of the word, and I honestly can’t believe there are still people out there that haven’t seen it. It is a romance but also goes beyond most sappy love movies. Always, always come prepared, though, when watching this movie– tissue boxes are a must. It is such a quotable movie, as well. You will be wrapped up in it till the very end, which, of course, is to be expected since young Leo is present as the main heartthrob. On top of everything, the effects are incredible and you really don’t know what you’re missing until you watch it.

Rachel: Titanic, I will admit that it is a classic, and a pretty good one; however, I have seen it three times, if that, and I think that was enough for me. Like other romance films of the time, it is very dramatic and unrealistic. This unlikely romantic adventure may be what cultivated such a large group of fans, but I think it is overkill. I know it is loved by thousands, even millions, but it just wasn’t the movie for me; however, Celine Dion did a fantastic job with her song “My Heart Will Go On”. Overall, I don’t think I would choose it over another movie (only if that movie was Warm Bodies).

Clueless (1995):

Hayley: Every time I watch this movie, I become more and more aware of how uncomfortable the romance of it is, so naturally, I’m a little weirded out by it…but I still enjoy the movie overall. If you set aside Cher’s love life, the plot and the concept really hold up to expectations. It is the type of movie that doesn’t dodge cliches– rather it embraces them wholeheartedly and expands on the idea of this unrealistic high school experience. For comparison, it is much like the older sister of the movie Mean Girls (2004), so if you like that movie you should definitely check this one out. It always makes me laugh and the hyperbole that is Cher’s life is just ridiculous enough to work.

Rachel: I do not know what to say about Clueless. I loved it in middle school, but when I watched it again this past week, I thought it was kind of gross (to say the least). Clueless is considered one of the best teenage films of all time, and I will say it is a very good film; however, the relationship between Cher (Alicia Silverstone) and Josh (Paul Rudd) is what makes this movie a questionable favorite. When I was younger, I guess I didn’t know the whole extent of the relationship between “ex step-sibling”, but like come on, what?? I will say it is a classic and nice to come back to every once in a while.

The Truman Show (1998):

Hayley: I honestly love this movie so much. As someone who loves mysteries, it is highly entertaining to try and pick out the little clues that are left for you. Which is not to say The Truman Show is a mystery– it’s far from it, actually. When watching the film there is some dramatic irony in the fact that the viewer knows what’s going on, but the main character, Truman, does not. Truman has lived in one place his whole life, but what he doesn’t realize is that where he lives is actually the set of a TV show– a TV show that he involuntarily stars in. The movie follows Truman’s discovery of this, and his many attempts to escape. My favorite thing about this movie is that each time I watch it, I notice more and more. The amount of detail in this movie is incredible. From the product placement to the voices on the car radio, The Truman Show will never fail to entertain you with its keen attention to the little things.

Rachel: I’ve got to say, I had never watched The Truman Show til this previous week, and before that, I never wanted to. However, after starting the movie, It quickly caught my attention. It was really interesting, and the plot of the movie was just something I have never seen before. The only problem I had with the movie was the ending; I would have loved to see what happens with Truman and his love interest–Sylvia–, or see how he reacts with the outside world, where he is one of the world’s most famous person without knowledge of it. Overall, I would definitely recommend The Truman Show.

Good Will Hunting (1997):

Hayley: Wow, where do I even begin? I absolutely love this movie, and I really don’t have the words to express my level of appreciation for it. Good Will Hunting stars Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Stellan Skarsgard, Minnie Driver, and more. Like, seriously, what a cast! I have yet to meet a movie with Robin Williams that I don’t enjoy, to be honest, and the chemistry between him and Matt Damon on set was amazing. This film is definitely a moving one, and I found myself tearing up quite a few times. There’s definitely an array of curse words that make their way into about every other sentence, but the movie is powerful and eye-opening. Good Will Hunting is definitely a movie I plan on watching over and over again.

Rachel: What can I say, other than any movie that Robin Williams (may he rest in peace) stars in has never disappointed me? Good Will Hunting is a movie filled with a roller coast of emotions.  It tells the story of a troubled genius–Will Hunting (Matt Damon)– and his mentor– Sean Maguire (Robin Williams)– who become unlikely friends. Good Will Hunting will be a movie that I will come back to again and again.

That’s going to wrap up our list for The Uproar, but that’s hardly a dent in the great movies of the ’90s. So we’d like to leave you with some honorable mentions and encourage you to test out these films for yourself.

Honorable Mentions: The Sixth Sense (1999), Jurassic Park (1993), The Addams Family (1991), Forrest Gump (1994), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Home Alone (1990), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), and Men in Black (1997).