Sure, there’s plenty wrong in the world at the moment. And perhaps ourPresident of the United Statesshould be more focused on other issues. But like the rest of us, everyone needs to relax for a couple hours a week. Otherwise we’d all go insane. And sometimes, the best way to unwind is in front of the big screen taking in whatever fantasy world Hollywood has to offer. Movies in theOval Officehas been a thing ever since the dawn of film. So it should come as no surprise thatBarack Obamahas a favorite. So does First LadyMichelle Obama. Though, they seem to have decidedly different tastes.
Barack Obama’s favorite movie of the year is one that ruled the fall. It held down the #1 position on the box office charts for four weeks (though not in a row). And it made an astounding $221 million domestic, taking in $572.6 worldwide. It is of course directorRidley Scott’sThe Martian. As you can see, the POTUS likes a fantasy escape and a little bit of sci-fi comedy like the rest of us. The movie is also about the spirit of human ingenuity and co-operation amongst mankind.
Michelle Obama’s favorite movie of the year was also a big hit amongst moviegoers. In fact, it was the third highest grossing movie of 2015. With two young daughters in theWhite House, it’s no surprise that the First Lady gravitated towardsInside Out, which explores the thoughts and feelings in a little girl’s brain. As you can see, when it comes to the Obama screening room, they like escapism entertainment like the rest of us. At least they’ve picked movies that are intelligent as well as a lot of fun.
That’s not to say there is a slight political bent to both of these movies.Inside Outfits in with the administration’s focus on the welfare and mental well-being of the young populace in our modern social media age. AndThe Martian, likeInterstellarandGravitybefore it, has certain folks looking deeply into the cuts made to NASA by thePresidentway back in 2013. The film also serves as a vindication of why the POTUS' administration has decided to keep the International Space Station operational for at least the next 9 years.
Last year,Barack Obamanamed directorRichard Linklater’sBoyhoodas his favorite film of 2014. Which only goes to prove that he has quite varied taste when it comes to movies. And in 2012, he picked the filmArgo, which he later got to announce the top honors for at the 85th Academy Awards. Perhaps in 2016, he will callBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicehis favorite movie. And we must point out that, while he’s calling theThe Martianhis top movie of 2015, he, like the rest of us, has not yet seenStar Wars: The Force Awakens.
Speaking withPeople Magazine, the President and First Lady also revealed a few other favorites for the year 2015. In terms of songs,Barack Obamacouldn’t stop listening to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘How Much a Dollar Cost’, while Michelle became notorious for blasting Bruno Mars' ‘Uptown Funk’ throughout the White House. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff, which explores the perfect marriage from two different points of view, was the #1 book on POTUS' list. The Light of the World, Elizabeth Alexander’s memoir about the sudden death of her husband, came in first on Mrs. Obama’s book chart. Is she trying to tell us something? And when it comes to TV shows, Barack lovesThe Knick. But he’s also a big fan of Michelle’s pick, Black-Ish. In fact, the husband and wife are such big fans,Anthony Andersonhas invited them on the show for a cameo. And guess what? They might do it! What do you think? Do the Obamas gave good taste? Or no?
