Five films to watch over Easter weekend

The Easter long weekend is usually a time to catch up with family, enjoy a few days off work, and celebrate the long-awaited coming of spring. While the social aspects of Easter that we enjoy may not be possible this year, and many will have had to give up highly anticipated travel plans, Easter can still be an opportunity to sit back and take in a good movie. We’ve rounded up five of the best films to watch or stream online at Easter – whether because of their family-friendly nature, celebration of spring, or feel-good vibes.

A Bug’s Life (Disney+)

This family classic is an often forgotten gem from the Pixar canon. The endearing tale of Flik (Dave Foley), who comes up with a creative way to defend his ant colony from a gang of evil grasshoppers, is a riot of colour and showcases the inimitable animation style we’ve come to expect from the renowned studio. Featuring great voice performances from Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and David Hyde Pierce, it’s a Pixar flick that doesn’t get enough attention. If you’re sequestered with family, it’s worth a revisit.

The Great Escape (Netflix)

Another classic bank holiday weekend film, The Great Escape is the answer to every family’s prayer of having something to occupy their time while cooped up indoors together. At nearly three hours, it’s not a quick watch, but it will reward the attention. John Sturges’s thrilling tale of Allied POWs planning their breakout from camp Stalag Luft III. Replete with stunning performances, hair-raising situations, and hateable villains, it’s a shining example of the war film genre. One for the whole family – except perhaps young children.

Easter Parade (YouTube/Google Play)

Easter is a time of renewal, celebration and hope. And what better way to celebrate that than with an all-singing, all-dancing musical? This Judy Garland/Fred Astaire vehicle has it all: gorgeous colours, dance numbers by Irving Berlin, and able support from Peter Lawford (of Rat Pack fame) and Ann Miller, who was recovering from a broken back during production. The opening sequence, where Astaire dances with a drum kit, is a delight.

 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Netflix)

Matthew Broderick almost displaces John Cusack as the poster boy for 80s teen cool in this paean to relaxation. Ferris, a charming high-school slacker, will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal: skipping school for a day. Along with his best friend (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend (Mia Sara), the impossibly slick teenager dodges his parents, joyrides around Chicago, and evades the clutches of an increasingly demented teacher. It’s hilarious fun, and the Twist and Shout karaoke sequence is near-iconic.

Bringing Up Baby (Amazon Prime)

Howard Hawks’s rip-roaring screwball comedy charts the exploits of Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn), an heiress with a tame leopard called Baby on her hands, and her head-on collision with Cary Grant’s buttoned-up paleontologist – who just happens to be marrying another woman tomorrow. The writing is superb, the two leads’ chemistry is sparkling, and the farcical plot will have everyone aching with laughter. From the golf course to the Connecticut country estate, the whole venture has a delightful lightness – perfect for Easter time.

Malin Hay