EASTER MOVIE FUN

Hop to it friends. EASTER MOVIES! The best part about watching movies together is you can create all kinds of traditions.  It is easy to plan a movie and start time can be flexible so there is no pressure around this already busy season to be time specific.  Here are some of our tips to making watching movies more JOYful.

Snacks

It is fun to watch the movie with popcorn in individual bowls – we use containers like the picture below from Amazon (there are links at the bottom to these items). Then kids don’t argue that the adults at all their popcorn, which we do.  It is also a treat at home to have movie-sized candy or fruit (ok I just said fruit to sound responsible, my family consumes full size candy and pizza when doing a fun movie night) plus since it’s Easter Peeps, Jelly Beans and maybe a Cadbury egg, to induce a sugar coma before bed).

How to Watch

This is a fun part really, make sure the lights are out just like at the theater. Gather pillows, blankets to snuggle in and get comfortable.  Now want a real memory maker, use the blankets to create a fort– maybe even sleep in there – if you can put an air mattress down, that is deluxe.  Maybe name it “the rabbit hole”. This is the exact way family traditions start, one fantastic night of fun a laughter… that everyone wants to repeat.

What to Wear

This is simple, if it is comfortable, wear it.  Pajama’s. t-shirt, shorts or sweat suit.  Remember your paws – either socks or slippers – especially bunny slippers.  If you are really feeling spirited, wear Bunny Ears.  The silly things are what create the memories for you and your loved ones. There are links at the bottom to some of these cute things.

Other Joyful Stuff

1. Make sure everyone gets a flashlight.
2. Stop the movie to see if you can guess that is going to happen.
3. Pause the movie if someone needs to use the restroom – everyone hates missing things.
4. Watch the extras and sing along, sing along loudly, really it’s super fun.
5. With the grown-up movies, take some time after the movie to talk, about what happened, your perspective and how it makes you feel – let everyone talk, let everyone be heard.

EASTER MOVIES FOR ALL AGES

Below is the list that my family loves for Easter fun.  There is a quick overview, as well as, links to where you can get them.  Most are available for instant rent, which is what my family does.  You can create a movie experience at home, like noted above, or it is fun to watch them while coloring eggs. Be sure to watch together so you can talk.  enJOY.

Hop (2011) Get it for Movie Night The newest Easter movie is really fun.  E.B., the Easter Bunny’s teenage son, heads to Hollywood, determined to become a drummer in a rock ‘n’ roll band. The movie, perfect for the whole family features all kinds of antics but at the core is about following your dreams and achieving them.  Hop through the fun in the animation and live action mixed movie as E.B. becomes the next Easter Bunny. If you have HBO, this baby is part of the subscription this year so check it out for free!

Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies (2010) Get it for Movie Night Bug’s Bunnies Easter Funnies weaves together classic Looney Tunes with newly animated sequences, creating an all new story for kids and Looney fans of all ages. Bugs helps the Easter Bunny deliver eggs in this delightful movie featuring Bugs and his pals Sylvester, Pepe Le Pew, Foghorn Leghorn and Daffy Duck.

It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974) Get it for Movie Night Ok, I grew up with this one – my brother and I glued to the TV.  Everyone loves the peanut characters. Charles Schultz’ Peanuts gang is getting ready for Easter. This gem, has the gang hopping thru spring with all the great traditions of Easter including of course Linus is telling anyone who’ll listen about the Easter Beagle. Peanuts fans will enjoy Snoopy’s dancing with bunnies with his pal Woodstock.  This one has been re-mastered to enhance the image and audio but may be a little too “old-school” for older kids. And this baby is remastered, so just as you remember but a bit better.

Easter Parade (1948) Get it for Movie Night This is my favorite Easter classic.  This musical stars big screen legends, Judy Garland and Fred Astaire with music by Irving Berlin. After splitting with longtime dance partner, Astaire recruits chorus girl Garland with the promise he can turn her into a star.  If a family loves music and dancing, this is a great family movie night.  You will see plenty of extraordinary dancing from Astaire and enjoy phenomenal vocals by Garland. The two disc special features secret footage and song outtakes – and its available on BluRay if that is your fancy. Watch the Trailer.

The First Easter Rabbit (1977 & 2010)  Get it for Movie Night Told and sung by the great Burl Ives, The First Easter Rabbit tells a Velveteen Rabbit-like story in classic Rankin/Bass style. Stuffy the Rabbit is a favorite toy who magically comes to life to become the first Easter Bunny.  This sweet and charming is a secular story worth sharing with the family.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail: The Movie Get It For Movie Night Everybody loves the Easter Bunny. Everybody, that is, except the evil Irontail, who wanted the job of Easter Bunny for himself- but lost out to Peter Cottontail. A generation later, Irontail is back to take his revenge, teaming up with the ice-cold Jackie Frost in a devious plot to plunge the world into permanent winter.  Featuring the voices of Christopher Lloyd, Roger Moore, and Molly Shannon, Here Comes Peter Cottontail: The Movie is a timeless story that will delight kids and parents alike.

The Easter Bunny’s Coming to Town (2008) Get It For Movie Night  Another Rankin/Bass special, the 50 minute movie (originally produced in 1977) features the voice of Fred Astaire. The movie tells the story of Sunny the Bunny and his Kidsville friends as they invent Easter traditions to win over a crabby town. The hippity-hoppity adventure provides springtime fun for children and families.

Yogi the Easter Bear (1993) Get It For Movie Night Yogi and Boo-Boo try to save Jellystone’s Easter Jamboree by rescuing the Easter Bunny who has been captured by some crook who wants to spoil the holiday – and while saving Easter, of course, Yogi finds a few pic-a-nic baskets to steal.

Dora’s Easter Adventure (2012)  Get It For Movie Night Dora and Boots wait for their friend, the Hip-Hop-Bunny, to bring his basket filled with eggs and treats for their big Egg Hunt, when Swiper swipes the basket and throws it far, far away into the Rainbow Garden — where it’s headed for a waterfall! OR a little older  Dora’s Egg Hunt (2004): Dora and Boots go on springtime adventures hunting for eggs and celebrating Mother’s Day along with 2 musical episodes! All 4 episodes help children learn Spanish language skills, visual and spatial skills, interpersonal skills, and other learning and problem-solving skills.

The Greatest Adventures from The Bible (2006) Get It For Movie Night Seen through the eyes of the Apostle Mark, this beautifully animated recreation begins with Jesus’ joyful entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Then follows the drama of Christ’s betrayal, arrest and crucifixion – and His triumphant resurrection and ascent into Heaven. Presented in glowing, full-color animation with an all-star voice cast, this vivid production embraces all the wonder and glory of what many have called “the greatest story ever told.”

EASTER MOVIES FOR GROWN UPS

Although all the movies below are about faith and the Easter story, they are not for all aged viewers.  Take a look at the reviews on IMDB or on Amazon to decide if the movies are right for the age of audience.  Thanks – and enjoy the season.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) Get It For Movie Night This rock opera is based on an album by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and the subsequent long-running Broadway show, the film is the story of the final 6 days in the life of Jesus Christ through the troubled eyes of Judas. Full cast listing from IMDB.

Holiday Inn (1942) Get It For Movie Night. A fantastic musical film that not only features Easter but all the other major holidays too. It’s about two former vaudeville performers who buy a rustic farmhouse in New England. They set it up as an inn only to be opened on the major holidays. Holiday Inn stars Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.

Jesus of Nazareth (1977) Get it For Movie Night  Jesus of Nazareth is a vivid depiction of Jesus’ life from his birth through resurrection. It is considered one of the most comprehensive depictions of the life of Jesus. Full cast listing from IMDB.

Ben-Hur (1959) Get It For Movie Night  Winning eleven Academy Awards including Best Picture. Charlton Heston, stars in this extraordinary epic and violent film, is Judah Ben-Hur a wealthy Jewish merchant of noble blood. The film opens with the birth of Jesus and ends with the resurrection. This is the 50th anniversary edition.  Check Out IMDB.

PS: There is a Ben Hur from 2016 too – it is available on Prime. I’m old school on which one I like but the special effects in the new one are pretty awesome.

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) Get It for Movie Night Nominated for five academy awards this is a sensitive telling of the story of Jesus Christ.  The film has been re-mastered and is four gospels told as one story. You can check out the Check out IMDB.

King of Kings (1961) Get it for Movie Night  The powerful story of Jesus told in a strikingly beautiful visual style.  One remarkable movie feature is the crowd scenes at the Sermon on the Mount. This is decades before computers could generate such scenes, so these are all film extras.  Check out IMDB.

Last Temptation of Christ (1988) Get it for Movie Night At last, Martin Scorsese’s most personal masterpiece can be seen outside of the controversy it engendered, and be seen for what it is: a l5-year labor of love. Nikos Kazantzakis’ landmark novel comes to breathtaking life in this moving and spiritual film. There is a dream sequences Jesus experiences when he is on the cross that is what fueled actual picketing when the movie was released. This is an interesting movie, but really only watch with an open mind and can create some good conversation.  Check out IMDB.

The Robe (1953) Get it for Movie Night  Here is a great Easter weekend movie.  As the first movie ever filmed in CinemaScope, The Robe was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1953, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Richard Burton stars as Marcellus Galilo, the Roman centurian charged with overseeing the crucifixion. But when he wins Christ’s robe in a gambling game at the foot of the cross, his life is forever changed.  Check out IMDB.

The Passion of the Christ (2004) Get It For Movie Night Directed by Mel Gibson, this is a film about the final days of Jesus’s life.  The dialogue is in the ancient languages of Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew enhances the experience. The film, before and after its release, was extremely controversial, most notably the horrific graphic detail of the pain, torture and crucification.  We can’t stress enough that this move is NOT for children or the weak at heart.  But the movie, go graphic, often renders views speechless.  The Passion of the Christ is one of the most successful non-English language film ever at the box office. Check out IMDB.

Let me know if I missed anyones favorite – I am happy to add them to the list.  Thanks for reading and make time to think about the season, enjoy your family, and appreciate all the Joy in you life.

And remember, Be Your Own JoyMaster

Here are links to few more of the items mentioned to make movie time more fun:

Movie Kits

Flashlights

Easter Pajamas

Easter Ears/Slippers