Rainy day movies

Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)

This is my all-time favourite movie. Director Wes Anderson’s quirky style perfectly suits this Roald Dahl classic, brought to life using the lost art of miniature stop-motion animation. The endearing characters come to life in this imaginative world, with excellent voice acting by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Jason Schwartzman—authentically recorded in real world locations matching the animation.

A magical adventure that never lets up, featuring strong family themes and surprising realism that appeals to children and adults on an emotional and comedic level. Fantastic Mr Fox is a brilliant adaptation that Roald Dahl’s wife attests he would have loved.

Josh, designer.

The Majestic (2001)

Forced to testify during the McCarthy communist witch-hunt in 1950s America, screenwriter Peter Appleton (Jim Carrey) flees Hollywood and crashes his car. He wakes up in a small town with bad amnesia and a face that looks remarkably similar to a former town resident. The town comes back to life with excitement, as he and his ‘father’ rebuild the movie palace he used to run: The Majestic.

An understated, Capra-esque gem of a film, with Jim Carrey proving how fine a serious actor he is. A warm, moving portrait of the sacrifices small towns make in war, and the sense of community that binds them together.

Martin, web content manager.

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

This fabulous, colourful and wildly over-the-top 1992 movie, has so many warm fuzzies that it practically jumps out of the screen to hug you. Firstly, there’s frumpy Fran who takes off her glasses and unveils her hidden beauty! I mean, who doesn’t love a good makeover movie? Then there’s hunky Scott, the dance star who finds his tacky sprayed-tanned world turned upside-down. And there are the irresistibly feel-good dance scenes bursting with life.

This was director Baz Luhrmann’s first major film, which established his vibrant, burlesque style. It also made way for a whole genre of quirky Australian character films.

Ingrid, staff writer.

Flatliners (1990)

A fascinating 1990 supernatural thriller that explores the what-ifs of life after death and the impact of past wrongs on the human psyche. A group of med students take turns to die and be revived to see what lies beyond the grave. After resuscitation, each is haunted in some way by figures from their childhood and challenged to make peace with the sins of their early years.

A terrific cast of stars, most of whom went on to stellar careers. A decidedly creepy film—and definitely not for young audiences—but there’s lots to ponder and discuss with friends.

Christina, War Cry editor.

Schindler’s List (1993)

It’s not an enjoyable three hours, but the story of the Oskar Schindler is captivating. Liam Neeson’s standout performance as Schindler makes you fall in love with the rogue hero, despite his success at doing business with Nazi members, womanising and unfaithful relationship with his wife.

Schindler expresses a humanity that seems to have seeped from German society at a time when Jews were treated as less than human. By the end of the war, Schindler has lost everything, but saved more than 1000 Jews.  Schindler’s List won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Steven Spielberg.

Amber, art director.