Home Viewing for Half Term
That much needed break in the middle of the last term of the year is finally upon us. How will you spend it?
By popular request, I am sharing some film and TV ideas here. I do hope that you enjoy something on this list, if not all of it!
THE BUTLER - 12
Cecil Gaines (Forest Whittaker) gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he is hired as a butler at the White House. Over the course of three decades, he has a front-row seat to history and the inner workings of the Oval Office. But his commitment to his "First Family" leads to tension at home, alienating his wife (Oprah Winfrey) and causing conflict with his anti-establishment son. Loosely based on the life of Eugene Allen.
(2013)
INVICTUS - 12
After his 27-year imprisonment and subsequent election as President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela faces the task of unifying a country divided by race. Only months since the end of apartheid, divisions still exist between the country's whites and blacks. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's rugby team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final.
(2009)
FIRE IN BABYLON - 12
A documentary about the West Indies cricket team and its rise to becoming a team that dominated world cricket for almost twenty years.
(2010)
THE TRUMAN SHOW - PG
He doesn't know it, but everything in Truman Burbank’s life is part of a massive TV set. A live broadcast of Truman's every move is captured by hidden cameras. As Truman gradually discovers the truth, he must decide whether to act on it.
(1998)
12 ANGRY MEN - U
Following the closing arguments in a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate. A guilty verdict will mean death for the accused. As the jury try to reach a unanimous decision, one juror, played by Henry Fonda, casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy's fate.
(1957)
BEAN - PG
Mr. Bean is a guard with good intentions at a leading gallery in London but he always seems to destroy anything he touches. Narrowly missing a firing, he is sent to a Los Angeles art gallery under false credentials. When he arrives, his chaos-causing ways are as sharp as ever, and the curator has the unenviable task of keeping him in line.
(1997)
ABSOLUTE GENIUS WITH DICK AND DOM - TV SERIES
Dick and Dom learn about the geniuses whose ideas, creations and discoveries have shaped our world. Newton, Archimedes, Vonbraun and Brunel are just four of the back episodes of this classic on YouTube.
THE INCREDIBLES - U
For lovers of animated film, married superheroes Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl are forced to assume mundane lives as Bob and Helen Parr after all super-powered activities have been banned by the government. But Mr. Incredible loves his wife and kids and longs to return to a life of adventure. An opportunity comes when he is summoned to a remote island to battle an out-of-control robot. Before long, Mr. Incredible is in trouble, and it's up to his family to save him
(2004)
The films are rated U, PG and 12: PG films are for “general viewing” but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Always check the parents' guide on IMDB.
And please share any good films you think others should see here for inclusion in my next blog.