THIS WEEK I am going to recommend some family movies to watch during the lockdown and coronavirus restrictions that, perhaps, you might not have considered.
With Disney+ out now it is easy to rush to the obvious classics, but, as we unfortunately may be in this cocooning situation for quite some time, you will also need some other options. These are a few the whole family can watch that hopefully will not drive you completely insane - like some of the sing song Disney movies.
Blinded By The Light: A brilliant story of a young Asian boy growing up in Thatcher's Britain. When a friend introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen his life is changed. It appears like one of those jukebox musicals, such as Mamma Mia or Rock of Ages, but it is so much more. Think Bend It Like Beckham meets Thunder Road. Available on Amazon Video.
The Oceans movies: If you want escapist cinema you cannot do much better than the three Oceans movies. Perhaps it has been a while since you have seen them? The good news is that they have (13 is a bit…meh ) aged incredibly well. George Clooney plays Danny Ocean, who leads a group of his friend to rob casinos. That is basically as complicated as it gets. The films are incredibly stylish and funny, with one scene in the second film with Julia Roberts that does not just break the fourth wall, it puts a wrecking ball to it. Available on Netflix.
Groundhog Day: Bill Murray at his absolute best, this films is a pleasure to show people who have not seen it. The concept feels shallow at first, but through Murray's charm and a great Andie MacDowell (remember her? ) love story, it does not get tired. Available on Netflix.
Big Daddy: I felt somewhat justified in my constant defence of (some ) of Adam Sandler's work, given his stellar preformance in Uncut Gems earlier this year. If you anyone in the house aged from 10 to 13, show them Big Daddy and watch them fall about laughing. Holds up incredibly well. Available on Netflix.
The Great Escape: I watched this two nights ago and was totally engrossed. I remember watching it years and years ago with my dad, and seeing this 1963 classic with Steve McQueen again, reminded my why it is such a fun adventure movie despite its pretty gnarly ending. Available on Netflix.
Begin Again: This film was the opening picture of the 2014 Galway Film Fleadh. Irish director John Carney’s biggest film is not quite his best (that would be Sing Street ) but it is great fun with a great cast. Two great leads in Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo with great support from (a surprisingly bearable ) James Corden and a young Hailee Steinfeld. Available on Netflix.
