Welcome back to another episode of the Video Store Podcast, where we love sharing about the films that mean the most to us. Today, in honor of my fortieth birthday, I’m going to share with you four of the films that have shaped my life in varying ways. I hope you enjoy these films as much as I do, or at minimum, appreciate why I appreciate them.

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

First up is the 1959 Disney animated classic, Sleeping Beauty. This is perhaps the most gorgeous animated film Disney has ever produced. Nearly a decade to create, it is a genuine testament to the commitment to quality that Disney had at the time. With a leading lady from my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, Sleeping Beauty has a certain intangible draw for me and influenced my view of art, animation, and aesthetics, which is why it makes the staff picks wall this week.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

A combo of animation, live action, film noir, and comedy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a laugh-a-minute satire full of puns, double entendres, and sheer joy. It gave me my sense of humor, an appreciation for satire, and a lifelong desire to be a cartoon character, or at the very least, act like one. It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards and won 4 of them, making it perhaps one of the silliest films to win an Oscar.

Star Trek (2009)

J. J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek reboot literally changed my life and career trajectory. This film breathed life into the Star Trek franchise, and for me, gave me my biggest fandom. I am a better human being because of my love for Star Trek, and it's all because of this film. Live long and prosper, and join me on the couch for the film that began my deep dive into the Star Trek fandom.

The Marvels (2023)

A Marvel film that puts women at the forefront, is directed by a woman, written by women, where the women are allowed to be women, is exactly what this lifelong nerd girl needed. A film about family, personal responsibility, fandom, and hero worship, Nia DaCosta’s The Marvels is fun and silly, while simultaneously thoughtful and refreshingly different from the majority of the superhero film genre. If you missed this one, give it a look, or at least try to understand why this film matters so much to me and to so many other women and girls. It’s my Barbie.

Thanks for joining me for my fortieth birthday celebration today on the Video Store Podcast. Since you were kind enough to hear out four of my favorite and most influential films, I would love to hear about the films that helped shape you, too. Leave me a comment and tell me all about them.

Happy my birthday to you, from all of us at the Video Store Podcast.

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