As we begin another month of December, we once again begin Fa-la la-la Films, and what a better one than one about little creatures that destroy a town. As a failed inventor brings home an odd gift for his son that must abide by three simple rules, of course, they become broken and starts a journey of an adorable mogwai' giving way to horrible Gremlins. A film that at times tries to become more than it really should be, has some of the best practical effects in film history with a lot of violence for a PG rating. The only thing we can't figure out, what really counts as after midnight?

This is one of those films that comes along once in a while that you feel like you are watching a documentary of your own life unfolding. A film about a young woman who is trying to find her place in the world as an adolescent who fights with her mom, smokes and vandalizes but also loves her friends and family, and wants to get into a good college. A film that breaks down a lot of insecurities while growing up as a teenager with some quirky comedy and real character development you don't always get to see. This is a film that you really hits home when they say "just because something looks ugly, doesn't mean it's morally wrong"

How much is too much when it comes to drugs? This, this movie is that. A film that is basically Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro on every drug imaginable for 2 hours, we follow a journalist and his attorney as they look for a big story within the main strip of Las Vegas. At least we think that's what they do. What this film does have going for it is a great performance from both actors and a unique style that brings this film to life even when it doesn't make much sense at all with "no sympathy for the devil, keep that in mind. Just buy the ticket, and take the ride" along with us

If you want to show visual storytelling in a modern way, this is the film to check out. A story about a hitman for hire who stops underground sex trafficking finds himself in a much deeper problem than he realizes. Mix this with the childhood trauma that seems to eat away at him and Joaquin Phoenix who plays our main character and you get something special. A film that may seem hard to follow at times due to its almost nonexistent dialogue, is one of the best things going for it with its beautiful visuals and soundtrack. One thing is for sure, you do not want to be on the wrong side of Joe's hammer.   

As we continue to take a look at directors' first films, we look at one of Zach's favorites in Guillermo Del Toro. A film revolving around an antique shop owner Jesus who stumbles upon an ancient relic that basically, turns you into a vampire. For a director whose style relies heavily on practical effects and mythology, you begin to see these tropes form as well as ones that Del Toro would later stop using, such as exposition, to better portray his stories. While this is only the beginning for Del Toro, for Jesus, he will be reborn.

There are Vietnam war films that dabble in psychological distress of characters, however, there are arguably none that do it better than this film. We follow a U.S Captain charged with a secret task of murdering a fellow officer who has gone rogue. As we follow Willard into the jungles we take a look at a man not only broken by the war, but the system itself. Accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack that shaped a generation, a star-studded cast, and visual displays by one of the greatest directors ever, only you can answer the question, will you be able to survive the horror, the horror?  

The world is always looking for heroes, people to protect and serve, the only thing is we always assumed it would be people who know what they are doing. This film starts this way as a superhero story gets flipped on its head by Dave taking on the mantle of a costumed crime-fighter named Kick-ass for the sake of fighting crime. While he may not be good at it he does give it his all and has the help of heroes who are actually qualified in this funny yet very bloody film. Always remember kids, with no power, comes no responsibility. 

Justice is not always as easily given as it should be. This film personifies this as a mother who purchases 3 billboards to convey a message of injustice towards the local police department for the case of her daughter's murder unsolved. A film with one of the most heart-wrenching stories in recent years that does not shy away from how scary the world still can be. A fantastic performance from everyone involved with incredible writing to tie it all togehter. This may be a very bleak story but there is a silver lining in the end, and all you can do, is try.   

As we begin a new series we take a look back at The Start of it all with directors and how they have progressed. Today we take a look at Wes Anderson's first feature film, Bottle Rocket. A very quirky film as it follows three friends attempting one big robbery to prove to themselves they can do it, the only problem is, they aren't very good at it. A film that although focuses way too much on a love story, you start to see the quirks that make Anderson the director that he is today and what seemed to work so well throughout his career. We can't promise that you'll be hooked after watching, but you are definitely in on the next heist.

As we close out another year of Spooky Scary Stuff we need to end things on an action horror film and there's none better than a good team-up. Robert Rodriguez directing while Tarantino writing the screenplay and acting alongside some greats like George Clooney and Harvey Keitel can only be good. As two brothers attempt to escape to Mexico along with a few hostages, they find themselves at a bar that just so happens to house vampires out for blood. A fun film with some great practical effects and a stellar cast, if you haven't seen this film then do yourself a favor and gather the ramblers, and let's get rambling.