Movie Quarantine Chronicles: Part IV

If this is your first time reading this blog, I think it’s obvious that I like to watch movies. However, the Coronavirus pandemic washing over the globe has created a sudden drop off in the number of new movies for not just mine, but others’, viewing pleasure. As many studios are moving their blockbusters to future dates or forgoing the silver screen to the flat screens of homes, it’s difficult to find new material to write about. Given that reality, I’ve turned to the streaming services and many decades of cinema preceding us for my viewing. While I am tempted (and will) go back to familiar favorites, I challenge myself to dive headfirst into films I have never seen. Sometimes that consists of a film in the last five years, ten years, maybe forty years! For the duration of this crisis, I’ll be keeping all my fans of the quality films that I’ve seen since being stuck at home. 

Without further ado, here are some of the movies that I’ve seen and recommend for your viewing pleasure while being trapped in the house. 

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

I’m all for art films; movies that have a deep, emotional core that allows the audience to live with the characters and connect with them. Set in France at the 18th century, a female painter is commissioned to paint a wedding portrait of a young female aristocrat, leading the two into a forbidden love affair. A slow burn of a film that provided the romance between the two to breathe and develop over the two hour runtime. Powerfully acted, the movie makes you think on the powerlessness of women and the roles they must play in life. Even though it is filled with subtitles and a one-and-done viewing, it’s worth the watch.

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)

While the live-action DC Comics films have struggled to find their footing over the years, their animated film universe has been very successful. The fifteenth and final film in the DC Animated movie arc, the Justice League, Justice League Dark and their allies unite to battle Darkseid in one epic, final battle to save Earth. This adult animated superhero film doesn’t hold back, knowing this is the final film. Full of blood, violence, and a narrative that takes the story down interesting and experimental avenues, it pays off to tie up loose ends in the DCAU. Sadly, the ending left a little to be desired for me.

The Half of It (2020)

When Netflix says that a movie or show is a 90% or above match for you, who are you to argue? This coming-of-age comedy drama about friendless Ellie Chu, who assists an inarticulate but big-hearted jock, Paul Munsky, woo the woman of his dreams, Aster Flores. Now, if only Paul and Ellie weren’t both in love with her. This Netflix movie once again shows the streaming service giants strength in the romantic comedy department. A smart, tender, compassionate film with a wonderful twist in romance makes The Half of It a satisfying at-home watch.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Out of the recent Disney movies, some slipped my watchlist. During this stay-at-home order, I’ve tried to remedy that (Miracle is next on the list!). I’m glad I took the time to watch this period drama about Walt Disney’s classic film, Mary Poppins. The film depicts author P.L. Travers’ tragic childhood in rural Queensland and the two weeks of meetings in 1961 Los Angeles, during which Disney tries to obtain the screen rights to the Mary Poppins novels. Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney with high-spirited charm and an infectious smile while Emma Thompson plays the reclusive, no-nonsense author, playing through Travers’ conflicting emotions to present a well-rounded person who is hard to like but not impossible to love by the end.

Thanks for reading! What are your thoughts on Part IV of Movie Quarantine Chronicles? What movies would you recommend while we are all stuck inside? Comment down below!

Be on the look out for new reviews and Part V!