Hunt These Easter & Passover Pics

We asked our Reelay users to list the greatest Easter and Passover movies ever created. While there are some obvious ones (we’re looking at you, Charlton Heston), there were a few surprises, too. Check them out and tell us your favorites by leaving reviews on the Reelay app!

  1. The Ten Commandments (1956) – Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, this epic film tells the story of Moses and his journey to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The movie features an all-star cast, including Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, and Anne Baxter.
  2. The Passion of the Christ (2004) – Directed by Mel Gibson, this movie tells the story of the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life, from his arrest to his crucifixion. The film was praised for its portrayal of religious themes and criticized for its graphic violence.
  3. Fiddler on the Roof (1971) – This musical film, set in a Jewish community in pre-revolutionary Russia, tells the story of Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his attempts to maintain his traditions and values in a changing world. The film was praised for its music, performances, and themes of family, tradition, and faith.
  4. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) – Directed by George Stevens, this movie tells the story of Jesus Christ’s life, from his birth to his crucifixion and resurrection. The film features an all-star cast, including Max von Sydow, Charlton Heston, and Sidney Poitier.
  5. Ben-Hur (1959) – This epic film tells the story of a Jewish prince named Judah Ben-Hur, who is betrayed by his Roman friend and becomes a slave. The movie culminates in the famous chariot race scene and features an all-star cast, including Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, and Stephen Boyd.
  6. The Ten Commandments (1923) – This silent film, also directed by Cecil B. DeMille, tells the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments. The movie was praised for its impressive visuals and groundbreaking special effects.
  7. Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) – This rock opera film, based on the Broadway musical, tells the story of Jesus Christ’s final days leading up to his crucifixion.
  8. Hop (2011) – This family-friendly movie tells the story of the Easter Bunny’s son, E.B., who travels to Hollywood to pursue his dream of becoming a drummer.

A note about Reelay Watchlists… as far as we know, Reelay is the only movie review site that allows you (with one click!) to add and manage your watchlists across all streaming and theatrical platforms. If you’re new to this, it requires a download for iPhones.

The Force is Strong With These Films

At Reelay, we’re never ones to back down from controversy. With that, we thought we’d dive into the dangerous waters of picking our favorite Star Wars films. And with the continued success of The Mandalorian on Disney+, what better time than now?

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Considered by many to be the best Star Wars movie ever made, The Empire Strikes Back is a masterpiece of storytelling and filmmaking. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the movie picks up where the first film left off and follows Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) as he trains with Jedi Master Yoda (Frank Oz) and battles the evil Galactic Empire. The Empire Strikes Back is a dark, suspenseful movie that features some of the franchise’s most iconic moments, including the revelation of Darth Vader’s true identity.

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

A New Hope is the movie that started it all. Directed by George Lucas, the movie tells the story of a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker who discovers his destiny as a Jedi Knight and joins forces with the Rebel Alliance to overthrow the evil Empire. A New Hope is a classic hero’s journey that features memorable characters, stunning visual effects, and a timeless story that has captivated audiences for generations.

Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)

Directed by Rian Johnson, The Last Jedi the eighth installment in the Star Wars franchise and follows the story of Rey as she tries to convince Jedi Master Luke Skywalker to join the Resistance and help defeat the evil First Order. It is a visually stunning and emotionally charged film that takes risks with the Star Wars formula exploring themes of failure, redemption, and the power of hope.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Rogue One is a standalone Star Wars movie that takes place just before the events of A New Hope. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the movie follows a group of rebels as they attempt to steal the plans for the Death Star. Rogue One is a gritty, realistic movie that explores the darker side of the Star Wars universe. The movie features a strong ensemble cast, stunning visuals, and a thrilling final act leading directly into A New Hope’s events.

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

The Force Awakens is the first movie in the sequel trilogy directed by J.J. Abrams. The movie introduces a new generation of characters, including Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), and sees the return of classic characters like Han Solo and Princess Leia. The Force Awakens captures the spirit of the original trilogy while introducing new elements to the franchise and sets the stage for the future of the Star Wars universe.

We know there’s going to be some serious debate here. So let’s hear it in the comments section or leave your own reviews on Reelay!

Homerun Movies

With Baseball season just getting underway, we asked our fellow Reelayers to chime in on their favorite baseball movies. The sport has been immortalized in countless movies, capturing the drama, the thrill, and the excitement of America’s national sport. From feel-good comedies to gripping dramas, there’s a baseball movie for every taste.

The Natural (1984)

Based on Bernard Malamud’s novel of the same name, The Natural is a classic baseball movie that has stood the test of time. The movie stars Robert Redford as Roy Hobbs, a talented baseball player whose career was derailed by a mysterious woman. Years later, Hobbs gets a second chance to play for the New York Knights and becomes a baseball legend. The Natural is a beautiful movie that captures the essence of baseball and the American Dream.

Field of Dreams (1989)

Field of Dreams is a movie that transcends baseball. It’s a beautiful, heartwarming story about a man who builds a baseball field in his cornfield after hearing a mysterious voice. Kevin Costner stars as Ray Kinsella, a farmer who hears the voice say, “If you build it, he will come.” Kinsella builds the field, and Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) and other deceased baseball legends appear. The movie is a touching tribute to the power of dreams, family, and baseball.

Bull Durham (1988)

Bull Durham is a movie that explores the gritty reality of minor-league baseball. Kevin Costner stars as “Crash” Davis, a veteran catcher who is assigned to mentor a talented but undisciplined rookie pitcher, “Nuke” LaLoosh (Tim Robbins). Along the way, they both fall in love with Annie (Susan Sarandon), a passionate baseball fan. Bull Durham is a funny, witty, and romantic movie that captures the essence of minor-league baseball.

A League of Their Own (1992)

A League of Their Own tells the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), a women’s baseball league that operated during World War II. Tom Hanks stars as Jimmy Dugan, a washed-up baseball player who becomes the coach of the Rockford Peaches, a team in the AAGPBL. The movie follows the journey of the Peaches and their struggle to gain acceptance in a male-dominated sport. A League of Their Own is a powerful movie that celebrates the spirit of women in sports.

Moneyball (2011)

Moneyball is based on the true story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), the Oakland Athletics general manager, who used statistical analysis to build a winning team on a shoestring budget. The movie explores the business side of baseball and the changing landscape of the sport. Moneyball is a smart, engaging, and well-acted movie that appeals to baseball fans and non-fans alike.

So there you have it; these are some of the best baseball movies ever made. Each movie captures a different aspect of baseball, from the romance and drama of the game to the business side of the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a good movie, these movies will surely hit it out of the park.

Our April Picks

The warmer weather, the increasing sunlight hours, the open windows, and the thrill of being outside make April a fantastic month. But, as the old adage goes, beware of those April showers. Are you looking for something to watch when the rain comes? At Reelay, we picked our favorite new releases for April, streaming on your favorite platforms.

Barry (HBOMax)

Barry is a dark comedy starring Bill Hader, a depressed, low-rent hitman from the Midwest. Lonely and dissatisfied, he reluctantly travels to Los Angeles to execute a hit on an aspiring actor. Barry follows his “mark” into an acting class and finds an accepting community in a group of eager hopefuls within the LA theater scene. He wants to start a new life as an actor, but his criminal past won’t let him walk away —can he find a way to balance both worlds?

The Hateful Eight (Netflix)

While racing toward the town of Red Rock in post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunter John “The Hangman” Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive prisoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh) encounter another bounty hunter (Samuel L. Jackson) and a man who claims to be a sheriff. Hoping to find shelter from a blizzard, the group travels to a stagecoach stopover located on a mountain pass. Greeted there by four strangers, the eight travelers soon learn that they may not make it to their destination after all.

Elysium (Hulu)

In the year 2154, humanity is sharply divided between two classes of people: The ultrarich live aboard a luxurious space station called Elysium, and the rest live a hardscrabble existence in Earth’s ruins. His life hanging in the balance, a man named Max (Matt Damon) agrees to undertake a dangerous mission that could bring equality to the population, but Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) vows to preserve the pampered lifestyle of Elysium’s citizens, no matter what the cost.

Ghost World (Paramount+)

The story of neo-cool Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson) who, faced with graduation from high school, take a hard look at the world they wryly observe and decide what they really want. When Enid takes an interest in the offbeat Seymour (Steve Buscemi), and Rebecca focuses her attention on their mutual romantic fixation with Josh (Brad Renfro), the girls’ friendship is forever changed.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Peacock)

After a painful breakup, Clementine (Kate Winslet) undergoes a procedure to erase memories of her former boyfriend Joel (Jim Carrey) from her mind. When Joel discovers that Clementine is going to extremes to forget their relationship, he undergoes the same procedure and slowly begins to forget the woman he loved. Directed by former music video director Michel Gondry, the visually arresting film explores the intricacy of relationships and the pain of loss.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (Prime)

In 1970s England, the head of MI6, Control (John Hurt), dispatches an agent (Mark Strong) to meet with a Hungarian general who knows the identity of a Soviet spy in the organization’s ranks. However, the mission goes wrong, and the general dies before he can reveal the information. Undersecretary Oliver Lacon (Simon McBurney) calls veteran agent George Smiley (Gary Oldman) back from forced retirement to ferret out the mole and stop the flow of vital British secrets to the Russians.

Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments section, or better yet, leave a review on Reelay!

You’re So Money

Watching the stock market is never as much fun as watching a movie or television show. Though, with the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse recently, there is plenty of drama to go around. But when finance and film combine, great things can happen. Check out Reelay’s favorite financial crime movies and television shows and let us know which ones we missed by leaving a review on the Reelay app!

The Big Short (2015)

This movie is based on the true story of a group of investors who saw the financial crisis coming and bet against the housing market.

Wall Street (1987)

This classic movie tells the story of a young stockbroker who gets caught up in the world of corporate greed and insider trading.

Margin Call (2011)

Set in the early days of the 2008 financial crisis, this movie follows a group of investment bankers who realize that their firm is on the brink of collapse.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, this movie tells the story of a stockbroker who becomes involved in a massive securities fraud scheme.

WeCrashed (2022)

The series stars Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway as Adam and Rebekah Neumann, the real-life married couple at the heart of WeWork, a coworking space company whose valuation reached $47 billion in 2019 before crashing as a result of financial revelations.

Boiler Room (2000)

This movie follows a young stockbroker who gets caught up in a high-pressure sales environment that turns out to be a fraudulent operation.

Rogue Trader (1999)

Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, this movie tells the story of a trader who caused the collapse of Barings Bank in 1995.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)

This documentary examines the rise and fall of Enron, one of the biggest financial scandals in American history.

Succession (2018)

Although he has no plans to step aside as the head of Waystar Royco, the international media conglomerate controlled by his family, aging patriarch Logan Roy is contemplating what the future holds. He has lingered in the limelight longer than even he thought he would, and now family members want to run the company as they see fit.

The Accountant (2016)

This action-thriller movie follows the story of a skilled accountant who also has a background as a deadly assassin.

The Laundromat (2019)

This movie is based on the true story of the Panama Papers scandal and the complex system of offshore shell companies used to hide money.

These movies offer a range of perspectives on the world of finance, the stock market, and financial crimes, and are sure to provide an entertaining and thought-provoking viewing experience.

The Box(ing) Office

At Reelay, we have a distinct love for boxing movies. Boxing has always been a sport that has captured the imagination of the public, whether it’s the drama of a heavyweight title fight or the rise of a plucky underdog. And it’s no surprise that boxing has been a popular subject for filmmakers over the years. From gritty dramas to inspirational biopics, there have been some incredible boxing movies made that have stood the test of time. Here are some of Reelay’s favorite boxing movies of all time.

Raging Bull (1980)

Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece Raging Bull tells the story of Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer whose personal and professional life spirals out of control due to his self-destructive nature. Robert De Niro’s intense performance as LaMotta won him an Academy Award, and the film’s stunning black-and-white cinematography and visceral fight scenes make it a true classic of the genre.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Directed by Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby tells the story of a hardened boxing trainer (Eastwood) who reluctantly takes on a young female boxer (Hilary Swank) as his protégé. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Swank), and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman).

Rocky (1976)

“Rocky” is the quintessential boxing movie that has inspired countless filmmakers and sports enthusiasts. The film tells the story of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight title. The movie is a classic rags-to-riches story that is propelled by the iconic training montage and the famous final fight scene between Rocky and Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).

Ali (2001)

“Ali” is a biographical film about the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali (Will Smith). The movie charts Ali’s rise to fame and his political activism during the Civil Rights Movement. Smith delivers a powerful performance as Ali, capturing his charisma, wit, and fighting spirit.

Cinderella Man (2005)

“Cinderella Man” is a period piece that takes place during the Great Depression. The film tells the story of boxer James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe) as he fights his way back from poverty to become a champion. The movie is a moving portrait of resilience and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Creed III (2023)

Still dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed is thriving in his career and family life. When Damian, a childhood friend, and former boxing prodigy resurfaces after serving time in prison, he’s eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian — a fighter who has nothing to lose.

The Fighter (2010)

“The Fighter” is based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his brother and trainer, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale). The film is a gritty portrayal of the boxing world and the dysfunctional family dynamic that can often be found within it. Bale won an Academy Award for his performance as Eklund.

Steal These Movies

Whether it’s a vault full of cash, or priceless works of art, heist films are a thrilling and exciting subgenre of crime films. We asked Reelay users to tell us their favorite heist films. See what made the list below and submit your favorite heist movie reviews on the Reelay app! 

The Italian Job (2003)

A group of thieves attempts to steal a stash of gold in Italy. The 2003 remake stars Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, and Edward Norton.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Danny Ocean and his team of skilled thieves plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos at the same time. The movie features an all-star cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts.

Heat (1995)

A group of professional criminals, led by Robert De Niro and Val Kilmer, plan to rob a Los Angeles bank while being pursued by a dedicated detective played by Al Pacino.

The Town (2010)

Ben Affleck directs and stars in this movie about a group of Boston thieves who rob a bank and must deal with the consequences.

Inside Man (2006)

A clever and intricate heist unfolds at a New York City bank, while a detective played by Denzel Washington tries to unravel the mystery.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Quentin Tarantino’s debut film follows a group of criminals hired to pull off a diamond heist, but things quickly go wrong.

Baby Driver (2017)

A young getaway driver gets involved with a group of bank robbers, leading to a thrilling and action-packed adventure.

The Usual Suspects (1995)

A group of criminals is brought together for a heist, but things are not as they seem in this classic crime thriller.

The Sting (1973)

Set in the 1930s, two con men played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford set out to pull off a complicated scam involving a wealthy crime boss.

The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

Thomas Crown, a wealthy and successful businessman, decides to plan an elaborate heist of a valuable painting from a museum.

The Rise of Asian Cinema

One of our Reelay users’ favorite films this past year was Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. With that film’s recent Oscar win for, best picture, best actress, best-supporting actress, best-supporting actor, and best screenplay, among others, we thought we’d take a look at other films rich in Asian representation. These films provide diverse perspectives and stories and showcase the incredible talent of Asian actors and actresses.

If you’re looking for some must-see movies featuring Asian talent, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best movies featuring Asian actors and actresses praised by movie critics and received positive reviews.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021) – The 25th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Shang-Chi tells the story of the son of a powerful and secretive Chinese warlord, who must return home from America to face his father and prevent the release of a terrible power onto the world. The film draws on Chinese mythology and features Chinese-American culture to flesh out a unique setting amongst MCU films.

“Parasite” (2019) – This South Korean film made history at the 92nd Academy Awards by becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. “Parasite” is a dark comedy thriller that explores class conflict and inequality in modern society. The film was praised by critics for its direction, acting, and social commentary.

“Drive My Car” (2021) – Yusuke Kafuku, a stage actor and director, still unable, after two years, to cope with the loss of his beloved wife, accepts to direct Uncle Vanja at a theater festival in Hiroshima. There he meets Misaki, an introverted young woman, appointed to drive his car. In between rides, secrets from the past and heartfelt confessions will be unveiled.

“Turning Red” (2022) – A thirteen-year-old girl is torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited she transforms into a giant red panda.

“Oldboy” (2003) – Dae-Su is an obnoxious drunk bailed from the police station yet again by a friend. However, he’s abducted from the street and wakes up in a cell, where he remains for the next 15 years, drugged unconscious when human contact is unavoidable, otherwise with only the television as company. And then, suddenly released, he is invited to track down his jailor with a denouement that is simply stunning.

When it comes to movies featuring Asian actors and actresses, these are just a few of the many incredible films that have received praise from movie critics and audiences alike. From romantic comedies to dramas to thrillers, there is no shortage of diverse and talented representation in the film industry.

Oscar Snubs

The Oscars are the most prestigious awards in the movie industry, but they’re not perfect. (Though, if they listened to some of our Reelay reviewers, they might be.) Every year, there are films and actors that are overlooked and left without a nomination. These omissions, or snubs, are always a topic of discussion among movie critics and fans. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest Oscar snubs in history and how they were received by movie critics and audiences alike.

One of the most famous Oscar snubs happened in 1977 when Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” was completely shut out of the Best Picture category. Despite rave reviews from movie critics and a powerful performance by Robert De Niro, the Academy did not recognize the film. Many critics and fans were outraged, and some even accused the Academy of being out of touch with modern cinema.

In 1990, another of Scorsese’s films, “Goodfellas” was released to critical acclaim. The film was praised for its direction, screenplay, and performances, especially that of Joe Pesci, who won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Oscars that year. However, the film was overlooked for the Best Picture award, which went to Kevin Costner’s “Dances With Wolves.” This decision was met with backlash from both critics and audiences, who felt that “Goodfellas” was a more deserving winner.

Another notable snub happened in 1994, when “The Shawshank Redemption” failed to win a single Oscar, despite being widely considered one of the best films of the year. The film received positive reviews from movie critics and has since become a classic, but it was overshadowed by “Forrest Gump,” which won six Oscars that year.

Similarly, in 1999, Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” was released to universal acclaim. The film, which tells the story of a group of soldiers sent on a mission to save a fellow soldier during World War II, was praised for its realistic portrayal of war and its emotional impact. However, at the 1999 Oscars, the film was once again snubbed for the Best Picture award, which went to “Shakespeare in Love.” This decision was met with shock and disappointment from both critics and audiences, who felt that “Saving Private Ryan” was a much more deserving winner.

In 2015, “Selma,” the biographical drama about Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign for voting rights, was snubbed in several major categories, including Best Director and Best Actor. The film was praised by movie critics for its powerful performances and direction, but it was criticized by some for historical inaccuracies.

In 2018, “The Florida Project,” a drama about a young girl growing up in poverty, was completely overlooked by the Academy, despite receiving positive reviews from movie critics and earning several awards at other festivals. Many critics praised the film for its raw and honest portrayal of childhood, but it failed to gain traction with the Academy.

These are just a few examples of the biggest Oscar snubs in history. While the Academy’s decisions are not always agreed upon by movie critics and audiences, they do serve as a reminder that art is subjective and that there will always be differing opinions on what deserves recognition.