Social DIstancing Movies: Week 11

When you’ve run out of board games and craft ideas, here are some movies you can share with the family.

Bedtime Stories: If you want to escape from reality, take a lesson from Skeeter Bronson. While babysitting his niece and nephew, he discovers that the bedtime stories he tells them start to come true. PG, Grade: B+

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom: This biopic of Nelson Mandela gives teens lots to think about in terms of racial justice, peaceful vs violent protest, self-sacrifice, and mercy. PG-13, Grade: B+

Just Mercy: Our second educational film this week is based on the real life experiences of Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer who has devoted his career to representing convicts on death row. This film is a riveting depiction of the cost of racism in the context of criminal justice. PG-13, Grade: A

Penelope: If you’re tired of being stuck indoors, be grateful you’re not Penelope. Born with a pig’s snout in place of a nose, Penelope has been kept locked up in the family mansion until her mother can find an upper class suitor to break the curse. PG, Grade: B+

Murder on the Orient Express: Adapted from Agatha Christie’s famous novel, this movie stars Kenneth Branagh as the inimical Hercule Poirot. This is a fun murder mystery to watch with teens who enjoy figuring out whodunit. PG-13, Grade: B+

Race:Based on the real life story of Jesse Owens’ medal winning performances at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, this is a powerful depiction of courage and resilience in the face of hate. PG-13, Grade: B+

The Princess and the Frog: This often overlooked Disney classic retells the traditional fairytale with a Louisiana setting an infectious jazzy beat.

Wondering where to watch these films? Check out justwatch.com to find out where they’re streaming.