Tasnia Shahrin
Watching movies with everyone in the family is definitely a way to create beautiful memories. With everyone’s reaction to the interesting scenes and dialogues, a movie can be enjoyed on a completely different level when watched with dear ones. Especially in this crazy period of lock-down, where we are stuck inside because of fear and stress – movies can provide amazing escapes. So, here are some movie recommendations that you can watch with your family during this lockdown.
Zootopia
Zootopia is a beautiful movie that points out the evil lurking in society through the innocence of animals. It talks about societal hierarchy, crazy politics, and friendship through the journey of a bunny. Jason Bateman’s Nick Wilde provides comic relief every now and then with tons of clever dialogue. But there’s also a mystery for the new-to-the-big-city bunny named Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) to investigate, and a fun animated movie like this will definitely ensure a good one hour fifty minutes for your family.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
On the surface, this story (based on the famous Roald Dahl book of the same name) tells the tale of a boy’s dreams coming true when he gets to spend the day in a magical candy factory. But what makes it even more interesting and re-watchable is the low-key darkness that bubbles under the surface and in Gene Wilder’s knowing eyes. From the children being taken away to who-knows-where by the Oompa Loompas to that terrifying ride through the tunnel of terror, this movie is the perfect one to watch with all the kids and the elders in the house.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
While going outside of the house is nothing but a scary trap, who doesn’t want to be transported with their whole family to another world right now? There’s no better journey to take as a family than going to Hogwarts with Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the gang. For many parents, it’s about sharing their most beloved childhood stories with their kids, which makes viewing the first film all the more special.
The Parent Trap
This utterly charming film of a pair of twins trying to get their divorced parents back together will definitely melt everyone’s hearts. Not only does it provide a strong and emotional story, but it is also hilarious in terms of its scenes and the shenanigans the twins do. It will make everyone watching laugh out loud and sob at the same time, which makes it the perfect movie to watch with family.
Lagaan
Lagaan is definitely one of Bollywood’s fine masterpieces. It’s a great stepping stone for getting into Bollywood cinema too because it is not just a musical, it’s a sports movie, too! During the days of the British colonization in India, a drought-stricken Indian village fails to pay its taxes (lagaan), so the Whites challenges Bhuvan (Aamir Khan) to a cricket match. If Bhuvan’s team wins, no taxes for three years. If they lose, they have to pay triple lagaan. By the end of it your family will not be able to stop from singing “Ghanan Ghanan” and you will also know all the rules of cricket to play together. A win-win!
Watching a film with everyone in the house will give you almost the same experience as watching a movie in the theatre except for paying loads of money for it. With some amazing home-cooked snacks, and emotional reactions of the elders and enthusiastic clapping of the little ones, this activity is definitely recommended as it will strengthen the bonds as well as create fun memories.
Tasnia is a proud Slytherin who loves binging on poetry and graphic novels in her free time.