Here in Hillsdale, it can be hard to believe that it’s springtime, seeing as it’s a brisk 20 degrees outside one day, sunny and 65 the next, and so on. But yes, spring is upon us. And as a reminder, here are some great pick-me-ups to encourage you students who, after a week-long reprieve from having your noses in the books, have returned from spring break to an assortment of weather conditions — and of course, assignments and papers.
When choosing a good spring movie, the right color palette is essential. Spring tends to start off rather rainy (think grays and mossy greens), but it ends in warmer weather with bright and fresh colors to complement.
Mood is also important. While spring may sometimes feel dreary, the progression of springtime weather — resulting in warmth, new life, and the end of the school year — can instead be welcomed with a sunny and lighthearted attitude. The coming end of the school year also brings about a marked sense of nostalgia.
To kick things off is “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” This movie is all about leisure, despite the fact that Ferris (Matthew Broderick), a checked-out senior in high school, can’t afford any more absences. That’s not to say that Hillsdale students should start slacking off as the weather gets warmer, but this movie is an entertaining and lighthearted reminder to take the occasional break from studying in Purgatory, get outside, and maybe even embark upon a wacky side quest. As Ferris says, “life moves pretty fast, and if you don’t stop and take a look around, you could miss it.” It’s especially true as the semester ramps up in the spring.
“Father of the Bride” stars the comical Steve Martin as George Banks, a father who is faced with one of the greatest emotional points of parenthood: seeing your first child married off. Banks’ daughter Annie announces that she is marrying an upper-class guy who she met while studying in Europe — three months ago. The movie chronicles the wedding preparations and the fiascos that occur along the way (all narrated by George), making for a funny and heartfelt story complemented by warm spring colors and beautiful wedding florals.
“A Knight’s Tale” is a funny spin on a story from Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” (for you English majors), which takes place against a springtime medieval backdrop. The movie follows the story of young peasant squire William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), who is inspired by his last-minute participation in a jousting tournament to become a competing knight. It’s loaded with pop culture references and popular music amidst medieval references to characters including Geoffrey Chaucer and Edward the Black Prince. “A Knight’s Tale” is a feel-good movie complete with action, romance, and plenty of laughs.
To add some variety to the list is one of the earliest Pixar animated movies, “A Bug’s Life.”
The story of Flik the ant (Dave Foley) and his recruited troop of Circus Bugs is one of fellowship and ingenuity in the face of challenge (specifically, that of a tyrannical grasshopper gang). Though it takes place during the summer, the movie’s natural setting and colors are bright, complemented by the classic Pixar animation style. An entertaining story complete with a loaded cast of voice actors (including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kevin Spacey, and Denis Leary), “A Bug’s Life” is a great selection for a fun and easy springtime watch.
“Anne of Green Gables” has been developed for the screen on various occasions, but the 1985 made-for-TV miniseries is the most popular adaptation. With lush rural settings dotted with wildflowers, the film adaptation of the classic novel is perfect for the spring. It was also filmed on location throughout Canada and on Prince Edward Island, where the novel is set. Anne (Megan Follows) is passionate and imaginative, and embodies the story’s thematic appreciation of nature.
In the realm of musicals, “Mary Poppins” is a lovely springtime movie with a cast led by Julie Andrews as Poppins and Dick Van Dyke as Bert the chimney sweep. It’s a perfect representation of the nostalgia of old Disney films, with a healthy dose of magic and lots of fantastic musical numbers. Set in London, the movie features both spring rain and sunshine with lots of colorful and imaginative settings.
A couple honorable mentions must be included. “Notting Hill” is a prime Julia Roberts rom-com set in London’s quaint Notting Hill in the spring. A fun, off-chance romance between a travel shop owner (Hugh Grant) and a world-famous actress, the movie features plenty of sunshine, spring pastels, and witty English humor. “Peter Rabbit,” an action-packed and comical take on Beatrix Potter’s collection of tales starring animals, is a more recent release featuring the vocal talents of James Corden and Margot Robbie. There are plenty of rural English garden scenes populated with an animated cast of rabbits and other woodland friends.
This weekend — or even tonight, if you need some sunshine amidst your regularly-forecasted storm clouds of homework — consider watching one of these selections. The spring semester may start off cold and gray, but sunshine and new life aren’t far off. Take heart and watch a good movie to encourage your spirits.
