VIRUS FREE MOVIES
WHAT TO WATCH AT HOME AS SELF-ISOLATION CONTINUES
These are the best movies on streaming services which are worth watching while you are at home.
FAMILY MOVIES
The Chaperone (PG), Amazon
A delightful family-friendly affair (scripted by
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes) tracks Hollywood screen siren Louise Brooks’ first steps on the road to fame and (mis) fortune during a tumultuous trip to New York City. The headstrong and capricious Louise is well played by rising star Haley Lu Richardson.
Charlotte’s Web (G), Foxtel, Netflix
The touching story of an unlikely friendship between a naive young pig named Wilbur and a motherly older spider Charlotte. This beautiful live-action adaptation of the classic children’s book by E. B. White goes best when there’s minimum interference from the human cast. Kids under 10 will love every minute of it.
The Sound of Music (G), Foxtel, Disney+
Hum a few bars from any song in this delightful biopic of the Von Trapp family singers and the whole movie will immediately come to mind with crystal clarity. A family picture of the old school that will continue to stand the test of time. Julie Andrews leads the way with her usual endearing aplomb.
ENERGY BOOSTERS
Fighting With My Family (M), Foxtel, iTunes
This cheeky, scrappy-go-lucky affair is the true story of Saraya-Jade Bevis, a British pro wrestler who made a name for herself as the WWE star Paige. Interestingly, the movie is at its funniest and feistiest before Paige (played by Little Women’s Florence Pugh) lands WWE legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as a mentor.
Spenser Confidential (MA15+), Netflix
One of the smarter dumb movies to come along in a while. Mark Wahlberg stars in the tile role, an unconventional private investigator who used to be both a police officer and a prisoner behind bars. When his former boss is murdered, Spenser must crack the case to clear his own name as the prime suspect.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (PG), Netflix
This is a rare movie sequel that markedly improves upon everything everybody so enjoyed about the original. Lily James is wonderful as a younger incarnation of (a conspicuously absent) Meryl Streep, while the spectacular final-act entrance of Cher to belt out Fernando takes the entire party to a gleeful next level.
NOSTALGIA TRIP
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood (MA15+), Foxtel
Maverick master Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to a long-lost Tinseltown is a captivating gem. A big movie packed with small delights to savour, from the catchfly casual chemistry of stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, to the ethereal presence of Margot Robbie as the late Sharon Tate.
Blood Diamond (MA15+), Foxtel, Netflix
Some old-school Leo DiCaprio if you’re itching for more of the baby-faced wonder after his brilliant display in Once Upon a Time
in Hollywood. LDC plays a soldier of fortune in a compellingly confronting action pic set at the height of the 1999 civil war in the West African nation of Sierra Leone. Co-stars Jennifer Connelly.
GoodFellas (MA15+), Foxtel
Here is why Martin Scorsese is regarded as one of the great filmmakers of our time.
GoodFellas is the true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), who rose swiftly through the ranks of organised crime, only to blow it all by contravening the mob’s code on dealing in illicit drugs. Co-stars Irishman duo Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci.