EASTER AT THE MOVIES

By Patrick Gibbs

Generally, Easter is not as movie heavy a Holiday as, say, Christmas, or even the 4^th of July. We have some great holiday specials, like It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown and Tale of The Bunny Picnic, but in terms of theatrical classics, we come up a little lean. There's the traditional broadcast of The Ten Commandments, which makes slightly more sense than watching Schindler's List,but still, it's not quite a perfect fit.

Here are a few suggestions for movies to get you in the spirit of the day.

1. BEN HUR

If you are intent on watching Charlton Heston on Easter Sunday, might I suggest this as a more appropriate choice. I'm not a huge Heston fan, but he gives an uncharacteristically low key performance here in a genuinely great film, easily one of his best (up there with Touch of Evil, Planet of the Apes and Bowling For Columbine.). Heston play the role of Judah Ben-Hur, a slave humble slave who meets the Son of God, and along the way inspires not only large sections of GLADIATOR, but also the Pod Race in STAR WARS: EPISODE I- THE PHANTOM MENACE.

 2.RISE OF THE GUARDIANS.

Released only last year, this was an underrated animated gem that was aimed targeted for a Christmas release but actually takes place at Easter, and features Hugh Jackman as the voice of t he Easter Bunny, who is for some reason a butt kicking Aussie who throws boomerangs when he is not coloring eggs. Featuring a stellar voice cast, a triumphant score from composer Alexandre Desplat, dazzling visuals and a hefty dose of Guillermo Del Toro, this is a gem that should join THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as a yearly, multi-holiday tradition.

 3. THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

To say that there is a lot of baggage attached to this movie who be a gigantic understatement. I truly do not think the films portrays any Anti-Semitic themes and have been a staunch defender of the idea of this point, though every time Mel Gibson is arrested and goes on a rant about the Jews taking over the world it does kind of undercut my argument. But that doesn't change the fact that this is a great film.  It's also a brutal, unflinching look at the suffering that Christ endured, and people have argued in circles over the value of seeing that portrayed so vividly. Personally, while it's for everyone, I believe that if you are a believer it's a powerful reminder, and an unforgettable experience.

5. RUNAWAY JURY

John Cusack stars as Nicholas Easter, a man who deliberately gets himself assigned to a juror in a high profile class action lawsuit against gun companies, in this adaptation of the John Grisham best seller which was originally about Tobacco companies. (Ok, fine . . . MAYBE this one is a bit of a stretch, but I liked it.).

 

6. EASTER PARADE

Judy Garland and Fred Astaire join together to celebrate one of Irving Berlin's most utterly forgettable songs. Warning: Do Not Watch This Movie While Operating Heavy Machinery.

 

7. NIGHT OF THE LEPUS

Giant mutant rabbits terrorize the southwest. Seriously.

 

8. STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK

Leaonard Nimoy stepped in the captain's/director's chair for this exciting, in convoluted, space adventure.  

The crew of U.S.S. Enterprise illegally travels to the GENESIS system, where "life comes from lifelessness," and after much battling with Klingon bastards and trying to figure out why Saavik doesn't look like Kirstie Alley, Spock is finally resurrected.

 

9. RABBITS

David Lynch directs this story of a group of humanoid rabbits and their depressive, daily life. The plot includes Jane ironing, Suzie sitting on a couch, Jack walking in and out of the apartment, and the occasional solo singing number by Suzie or Jane. At one point the rabbits also make contact with their "leader." One of the rabbits is played by Naomi Watts. I DID NOT MAKE UP THIS MOVIE.

10. (tie) HARVEY and DONNIE DARKO

James Stewart and Jake Gyllenhall pal around with giant rabbits only they can see.