By Kaylee Brewster / Commentary
It’s already clear that you love America and it’s an awesome country. But what a better way to celebrate the red, white and blue than to watch a few films that will make you even more proud to be an American.
“Captain America: The First Avenger”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4DlMggBPvc
Forget Superman, this is America’s superhero, and he fights for and wears the stars and stripes. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is just a regular, scrawny kid until he’s given super-human abilities to battle the bad guys who want to take away our freedom. Because no one saves the day like America.
“Forrest Gump”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPIEn0M8su0
If your American history is a little fuzzy between the 1950s and 1990s, this one film will refresh your memory. Covering everything from Vietnam, assassinations, scandals and pop culture, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) experiences it all with the catchiest of phrases. It also features America’s own National Treasure: Tom Hanks.
“The Patriot”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_comGBmnYew
This is basically “Braveheart” set in America. A father defending his family and his land takes up arms against the cruel British army, especially their villainous leader. An exciting and sometimes somber story about the war that started it all.
“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnK0tnaNUag
Frank Capra knows what it means to be American and this film captures it all. An average Joe is given the opportunity to serve in Washington, D.C.. He then has the audacity and courage to fight for what is right. It also has Jimmy Stewart, America’s National Treasure before Tom Hanks.
“Independence Day”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA2WzBi2grE
Don’t let the title fool you. This has nothing to do with the actual Independence Day. It’s all about the aliens that try to come and destroy pretty much everything. Good thing we Americans have an amazing military and high-tech computers.
“Sandlot”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec9W8JbFykw
This isn’t necessarily what most would consider a patriotic film, but it is about growing up in America. The story of a boy and his neighborhood baseball team and their beloved sandlot will cause plenty of people to reminisce about their childhood days. It also concerns America’s favorite pastime (depending on who you ask) — baseball.
“An American Tail”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvZfEQ_pMdg
This children’s movie depicts both the struggle and the hope of a better day that many immigrants faced when they came to this country, but with talking mice instead. It’s got cute characters and fun music, but still makes for a heartfelt story.
