Threadnz’s Film Reviewer Luke McMeeken-Ruscoe gives us a rundown for lockdown of his fave all-time movies whether you’re looking for something to scare you, feel good, feel cultured, or the classics- it’s all here. Read on, stay home, stay safe.
As a former professional athlete, I have developed a very special set of skills over many years spent recovering from horrible workouts by putting my feet up and watching movies, many many movies. And all that hard work has finally paid off… for you stuck at home, doing our bit for the country by being awesome and lying on the couch. Here are some recommendations of what to watch while we protect this country, Kia Kaha, my friends.
If it all goes to hell (It can help to learn what others did)
Shaun of the Dead
Fantastic genre-melding film from director Edgar Wright. It’s part of the Cornetto trilogy so if you enjoyed watching these group of misfits attempt to survive a zombie apocalypse then you have Hot Fuzz and The World’s End (an appropriate title for the present situation) to watch too.
Find on Google Play
Mad Max: Fury Road
Strap in and hold on because director George Miller has made the best action of the last decade. Watch it on the biggest TV you can with the loudest sound system. So many practical effects and amazing cinematography. Yes, it hits you in the face with the action and the sound, but its strength is that its a beautifully told story that knows what it is and does it extremely well.
Find on Google Play Lightbox
Zombieland
It’s dumb and its fun, what more can you want from the end of the world. Instead of staying in one place like Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland is about keeping on the moving, sticking to a few rules and killing a whole lot of zombies.
Find on Netflix
All by myself
Moon
Sam Rockwell is amazing in this measured and exhaustively shot film about the nature of existence.
Find on: I can’t find it anywhere but if you get a chance, watch it.
Castaway
Tom Hanks doing Tom Hanks things for 2 and a half hours, what more could you want.
Find on Netflix Google Play
Gravity
I have only seen this once and it was in the theatre, but you could hear a pin drop. I don’t know if the at-home experience will live up to the cinematic experience, but the latter was very fun so the former should be pretty good too. Like Mad Max: Fury Road watch it on the biggest loudest TV you can.
Find on Google Play
Scare you to distraction
Don’t Breathe
An intense twist on the horror film where the person coming after you can’t see you. Have someone nearby that you can hold tight.
Find on Netflix Google Play
Ready or Not
The idea of your inlaws hunting you down might not sound very fun until you release that you can hunt them right back.
Find on Google Play
A Cabin in the Woods
Genre twisting tail about some kids out in the woods when things start going a little crazy. It has Kiwi Anna Hutchison in it and a pre-Thor Chris Hemsworth.
Find on Netflix Google Play Lightbox
Midsommar
You have made it this far then you are in for a treat. This is one uncomfortable film about family, community, and dealing with grief. Enjoy.
Find on Google Play Lightbox
Feel good (The make up for the previous movies having been a touch dark)
Frozen
Just a delightful film with songs the whole family can sing, should sing is a completely different conversation. A fresh new take on the Disney princess genre.
Find on Disney+ Neon
Pitch Perfect
Just a solid movie that will bring a smile to your face. Fun for the whole family.
Find on Google Play
Easy A
Emma Stone is fantastic in the modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter.
Find on Netflix Google Play
Guardians of the Galaxy
You don’t need any previous knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to enjoy this space romp about a guy trying to find who his family truly is.
Find on Disney+ Google Play
Because you are cultured (You’re not afraid of a few subtitles)
Parasite
There is a reason why it won a bunch of Oscars.
Find on Google Play Lightbox
The Farewell
A rich story about the Chinese diaspora which reveals we have more in common than the superficial that set us apart. Read our review of The Farewell on threadnz here.
Find on Google Play Lightbox
The Intouchables
This could go in the Feel Good section. A beautiful story about two people from completely different worlds making each other lives brighter and more enjoyable by being part of it.
Find on Google Play
Classics (You know them, you have seen them, they are worth watching again)
Star Wars
The original trilogy is still the best trilogy, but if you enjoy the prequels or the sequel trilogy more power to you.
Find on Disney+ Google Play
Gladiator
It turned Russell Crowe into a legend; good or bad, it’s a hell of a movie.
Find on Netflix Google Play
Terminator 2
The original Terminator was good but this is the classic; the subsequent films have not lived up to the legacy that was set for them.
Find on Google Play
My Favourite
Good Will Hunting
It’s my list so I am going to put my favourite film on it. I don’t care what you have to say about it. It’s awesome. In a film with many outstanding performances- Robin Williams shines and Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote and starred in this film that made their careers.
Find on Google Play
TV Series
The Tiger King
This documentary series is bat-shit crazy and it doesn’t stop getting more and more insane. Don’t do meth, kids.
Find on Netflix
Happy watching, everyone x
29 March 2020
By Luke McMeeken-Ruscoe