What to watch, listen to while sheltering in place from coronavirus

Many of us are undoubtedly spending more time looking for ways to entertain, inspire and distract ourselves during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's a list of movies, TV shows and songs that my daughter Leah and I are putting that that might be worth your time and/or speak in some way to the current situation. I'll keep this list updated as I come across new recommendations and try to update it every week (subscribe to the blog if you're interested in getting updates).

MOVIES

The King's Speech (2010, Rated PG-13): An Oscar Best Picture winner, this is an inspiring tale of King George's VI struggle to overcome a speech impediment and rally his country with his words during the dark days leading up to World War II. This movie particularly hits home in the wake of his daughter Queen Elizabeth's recent speech rallying her nation in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Two Popes (2019, Rated PG-13): A beautifully shot, directed and acted film about the strained, spirited and ultimately spiritual relationship between conservative Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) and liberal Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce) is a perfect selection for Easter weekend. The theological debates between the two are often as fierce as the political debates we saw during the Democratic presidential primary, but in the end the two come together in a way Democrats can only hope that Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders do. Even if you're not into Catholicism and papal politics, the striking cinematography that captures the splendor of Italy makes this movie worth watching.

The China Syndrome (1979, rated PG): This thriller starring acting luminaries Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas and Jack Lemon spotlights the daring and dangerous work of TV journalists and a nuclear power plant whistleblower to reveal the truth about a nuclear accident and the resulting threats to public safety. A timely movie in light of all we've learned over the past few years about the importance of whistleblowers and journalists to inform the public about things that the powerful and self-interested would much prefer to keep hidden.

The Florida Project (2017, Rated R): Being isolated at home during a pandemic is one thing; being isolated in a motel room on the outskirts of Disney World because of poverty is something far different. This critically acclaimed movie starring Willem Dafoe as the stern yet compassionate manager of a cheap motel where single, impoverished parents raise their kids is at times both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Heartbreaking because it forces us to peer into the uncomfortable truths of inequality and the gulf between the haves and have nots in America, miles from Florida's version of the the Happiest Place on Earth. Heartwarming because it shows the capacity of children to find friendship and joy even amid the most difficult of circumstances, proving that there truly is more to life than money (kudos to my daughter Leah for recommending that we watch this one).

Signs (2002, Rated PG-13): It only took me nearly 20 years to get around to watching this M. Night Shyamalan mystery-thriller. As with our current predicament, this movie finds the inhabitants of earth hunkering down in their homes as a mysterious event overwhelms the planet. Not quite a great movie, it nevertheless keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering how it will all turn out as an ex-minister (Mel Gibson) struggles to rediscover his faith while questioning whether there is a deeper meaning to the twists and turns, and tragedies, of life (the answer finally comes into focus at the end). Also a good opportunity to a young Joaquin Phoenix.

Gorillas in the Mist (1988, Rated PG-13): Based on the true-life story of an aspiring naturalist (Diann Fossey, played by Sigourney Weaver) who quickly finds herself in over her head as she navigates civil war and deprivation of deepest Africa to study and eventually bond with and save mountain gorillas from extinction. The moral of the story: Following your passion and persevering through adversity can not only make a difference in the world but teach you important lessons about yourself: namely, that you're capable of much more than you ever thought possible.

  

(From Leah) Leave No Trace (2018, Rated PG) A father and daughter live a perfect but mysterious existence in Forest Park, a beautiful nature reserve near Portland, Oregon, rarely making contact with the world. But when a small mistake tips them off to authorities, they are sent on an increasingly erratic journey in search of a place to call their own. This is perfect to watch because it shows these two strangers trying to find a home of their own and trying to adapt to new environments. This explores theme of togetherness and resilience. This is a peaceful, quiet, and tranquil movie that is perfect to calm your nerves. 

 

(From Leah) The Princess Bride (1987, Rated PG): A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other. Based on the William Goldman novel "The Princess Bride," which earned its own loyal audience. This movie is perfect escapism and a fun ride through a magical fantasy and romance. It's funny, sweet, lighthearted, and can make anyone smile no matter the age. A perfect movie to bring up your spirits.

 

(From Leah) Silver Linings Playbook (2013, Rated R):  After losing his job and wife, and spending time in a mental institution, Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) winds up living with his parents (Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver). He wants to rebuild his life and reunite with his wife, but his parents would be happy if he just shared their obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles. Things get complicated when Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who offers to help him reconnect with his wife, if he will do something very important for her in exchange.

 

(From Leah) Her (2013, Rated R): A sensitive and soulful man earns a living by writing personal letters for other people. Left heartbroken after his marriage ends, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes fascinated with a new operating system which reportedly develops into an intuitive and unique entity in its own right. He starts the program and meets "Samantha" (Scarlett Johansson), whose bright voice reveals a sensitive, playful personality. Though "friends" initially, the relationship soon deepens into love. A movie about love and adoration in many forms, this is a movie with a perfect amount of drama and a perfect amount of romance.

 (From Leah) Winter's Bone (2010, Rated R) Faced with an unresponsive mother and a criminal father, Ozark teenager Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) does what she can to manage the household and take care of her two younger siblings. Informed by the sheriff (Garret Dillahunt) that their father put their home up for bond and then disappeared, Ree sets out on a dangerous quest to find him. Her entire family's fate now in her hands, Ree challenges her outlaw kin's code of silence and risks her life to learn her father's fate. This is a movie about strength, resourcefulness, and what you do for love. 

 (From Leah) Freedom Writers (2007, Rated PG-13) A dedicated teacher (Hilary Swank) in a racially divided Los Angeles school has a class of at-risk teenagers deemed incapable of learning. Instead of giving up, she inspires her students to take an interest in their education and planning their future. She assigns reading material that relates to their lives and encourages them all to keep journals.

 (From Leah) Forrest Gump (1994, Rated PG-13) Slow-witted Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) has never thought of himself as disadvantaged, and thanks to his supportive mother (Sally Field), he leads anything but a restricted life. Whether dominating on the gridiron as a college football star, fighting in Vietnam or captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest inspires people with his childlike optimism. But one person Forrest cares about most may be the most difficult to save -- his childhood love, the sweet but troubled Jenny (Robin Wright).

 (From Leah) The Aeronauts (2019, PG-13) In 1862 headstrong scientist James Glaisher and wealthy young widow Amelia Wren mount a balloon expedition to fly higher than anyone in history. As their perilous ascent reduces their chances of survival, the unlikely duo soon discover things about themselves -- and each other -- that help both of them find their place in the world.

 (From Leah) V For Vendetta (2005, Rated R) Following world war, London is a police state occupied by a fascist government, and a vigilante known only as V (Hugo Weaving) uses terrorist tactics to fight the oppressors of the world in which he now lives. When V saves a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) from the secret police, he discovers an ally in his fight against England's oppressors.

 (From Leah) Cast Away (2000, Rated PG-13)  Obsessively punctual FedEx executive Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) is en route to an assignment in Malaysia when his plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean during a storm. The sole survivor of the flight, Chuck washes ashore on a deserted island. When his efforts to sail away and contact help fail, Chuck learns how to survive on the island, where he remains for years, accompanied by only his handmade volleyball friend, Wilson. Will Chuck ever return to civilization and reunite with his loved ones?

 (From Leah) The Help (2011, PG-13)  In 1960s Mississippi, Southern society girl Skeeter (Emma Stone) returns from college with dreams of being a writer. She turns her small town on its ear by choosing to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white families. Only Aibileen (Viola Davis), the housekeeper of Skeeter's best friend, will talk at first. But as the pair continue the collaboration, more women decide to come forward, and as it turns out, they have quite a lot to say.

 (From Leah) Melancholia (2011, Rated R) A planet hurtles toward a collision course with Earth. Two sisters, one of them trying to recover from a heavy bout of depression and a failed marriage, cope with their destiny in very different ways. A movie literally about the end of the world, shows a mystical and moving take on this sci-fi drama.

 (From Leah) Donnie Darko (2001, Rated R) During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko sleepwalks out of his house one night and sees a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days. When Donnie returns home, he finds that a jet engine has crashed into his bedroom. Is Donnie living in a parallel universe, is he suffering from mental illness - or will the world really end?

 (From Leah) The Girl With All The Gifts (2016, Rated R) One of several children immune to a mutated fungal disease that has eradicated free will and turned the rest of humanity into cannibalistic zombies, a gifted young girl escapes the safety of a special school and helps guide mankind's survival.

 TV SHOWS

The Crown (Netflix): The History Channel meets Lifetime in this brilliant drama series chronicling the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, filled with equal parts political and family turmoil. A young queen struggles to unify her nation and her family through turbulent times after the death of her father, King George VI. Not surprisingly, she finds that leading a nation is much easier than managing a royal family, and at times no place on earth is as self-isolating as Buckingham Palace.

Lost in Space (Netflix): This reboot of the campy 1960s TV series chronicles the misadventures of the Robinson family through the vast reaches of outer space. Much is different with this version, and not just the modern special effects and spruced-up theme song. The Robinsons are a multi-racial clan, Maureen Robinson does much more than cook meals in the galley of the "Jupiter 2," and the sinister Dr. Smith is a woman (who is just as devious but much less cowardly than the original). But some things thankfully remain the same, most notably the special human bond between a boy and his robot.

The Good Place (Netflix):  No sitcom has made me laugh this much since "Friends" (and we certainly need reasons to laugh right now). Four flawed humans bite the dust and find themselves trying to justify an afterlife in The Good Place, which is seemingly filled with all-you-can-eat frozen yogurt shops on every corner. But things aren't always what they seem, and in this world, the struggle to become a better person doesn't end on your deathbed.



 (From Leah) The OA (Netflix)

Description

In addition to her role as creator and executive producer of this mind-bending series, Brit Marling also plays the role of Prairie Johnson, a young woman who returns home after a 7-year disappearance. Her sudden return is not the only miraculous occurrence: everyone is shocked to learn that Prairie is no longer blind. While the FBI and her parents are anxious to discuss Prairie's disappearance, she won't talk about what happened during the time that she was missing. Zal Batmanglij, the co-creator and an executive producer of the series, is the director of every episode.This show is mysterious, mystical, and mind blowing. A true hidden gem. It explores themes of the meaning of life and perseverance. A thought-provoking, empowering show that has unique characters and plots you'll fall in love with.

 (From Leah) Cheer (Netflix) Cheer is an American television docuseries airing on Netflix starting in January 2020.^[1] The six-part series follows the nationally ranked 40-member Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team from Corsicana, Texas, under the direction of coach Monica Aldama, as they prepare to compete in the National Cheerleading Championship held annually in Daytona, Florida.^[2][3] The episodes focus especially on five individual Cheer Team members and include elements of the history of cheerleading, including the formation of the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA).^[4]

 (From Leah) The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)  The Handmaid's Tale is an American dystopian tragedy web television series created by Bruce Miller, based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Canadian author, Margaret Atwood. The series was ordered by the streaming service Hulu as a straight-to-series order of 10 episodes, for which production began in late 2016. The plot features a dystopia following a Second American Civil War wherein a totalitarian society subjects fertile women, called "Handmaids", into child-bearing slavery

 (From Leah) The Mandalorian (Disney +)  A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

 (From Leah) Glow Up (Netflix) In this competition series, aspiring makeup artists navigate colorful challenges to win a career-making opportunity in the beauty industry. Full of color, wonder, and creativity. This is the perfect show to watch when you need some inspiration. 

 (From Leah) Big Little Lies (HBO Now And Hulu)  Based on the same-titled bestseller by Liane Moriarty, "Big Little Lies" weaves a darkly comedic tale of murder and mischief in the tranquil beachfront town of Monterey, Calif. Amidst doting moms, successful husbands, beautiful children, and stunning homes exists a community fueled by rumors and divided into haves and have-nots, exposing fractured relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and friends and neighbors. Told through the eyes of three mothers -- Madeline, Celeste and Jane -- the series' narrative explores society's myths regarding perfection and its romanticization of marriage, sex, parenting and friendship. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley star as the three prominent "mothers of Monterey."





 (From Leah) Glow (Netflix) Alison Brie stars as Ruth Wilder, an out-of-work actress living in Los Angeles in the '80s. Wilder finds an unexpected chance at stardom: enter the glitter and spandex-laden world of women's wrestling, where she must work alongside 12 other Hollywood misfits. Marc Maron plays the role of Sam Sylvia, a washed-up director of "B" movies who tries to lead the group of women to fame. The series is created by Carly Mensch and Liz Flahive, who serve as executive producers with Jenji Kohan and Tara Herrmann.

SONGS

Bridge over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel): The perfect song to see us through troubled times (and a reminder that social distancing or not, people need each other more than ever). 

From a Distance (Bette Midler): In times of struggle and crisis, we need reasons to fill hopeful, and the Divine Ms. M's soaring hymn envisioning a better world ranks as one of the most hopeful songs ever written. "From a distance, we all have enough, and no one is in need. And there are no guns, no bombs, and no disease." 

Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Green Day): Probably not the most uplifting of tunes for this time, but are any lyrics from any song ever written more fitting right now? "I walk alone, I walk alone, I walk alone."

 (From Leah) Alive (Sia)

 (From Leah) Dreaming (Jasmine Thompson)

(From Leah) I Get Overwhelmed (Dark Rooms)

(From Leah) Eye of The Tiger (Survivor)

(From Leah) Fallingwater (Maggie Rogers)