(The Vintage Tempest)
Easter is forever tied with a certain spiritual tradition and before being adopted in to Christianity, it was about the rebirth of the land. That is, in a pagan world, people were celebrating the return of Spring! Those who are not religious can still spend this long weekend making merry in front of the television, or go out to enjoy the fresh air.
While I encourage spending time outdoors than in front of the television, those who are immune-compromised don’t have a lot of choice. Here are my picks on what to enjoy at home that doesn’t have to be very preachy about this long weekend. Sometimes it’s just about being able to hug a bunny!
Over the Moon (2020)
Available on Netflix
This heartfelt flick introduces a spunky Fei Fei, who is forever lost. Her mom passed and the last thing the two did together was when the girl was gifted with a bunny. At the same time, she’s determined and believes its possible to get her mom back, but she has to meet the Moon Goddess and make that wish. While her family is able to move on, she isn’t, and builds a rocket to ride on in order to meet the deity.
Available on Disney Plus
It’s tough not to include Scrat, the mascot of Blue Sky Studios and this franchise. This episode deserves special honours more so because of the animation house’s demise. They have been shut down because of Disney, who now owns Fox Studios, the parent company.
We won’t see any more Ice Age films or shorts. It’s a shame because of my fondness for this series. The first film was fantastic in creating a motley family of unlikely mammals helping each other survive in a very frosty world. Just how it continued was in seeing Manny acting very much like Grug from The Croods. That is, both fathers are having a difficult go at letting their daughters grow up. When they do leave, it’s a sign that the franchise has come to an end.
Rise Of the Guardians (2012)
Available on Hulu
Before Guardians of the Galaxy was an animated version which puts all the holiday mascots together to save the world. This lively movie has everything a superhero film offers, and in how it delivers is with how the power of belief fuels these heroes. Like the gods of yore, they won’t have enough strength unless everyone believes. They can fade away unless faith keeps them going for another year, and that’s why these icons are always remembered.
Available on Netflix
Nobody can easily get into the spirit of the season, and if there’s ever a movie Hop is definitively it! The tale about the E.B. who rather be a musician–a drummer to be exact–than the next Easter Bunny.
Meanwhile, back at home, Carlos the Chick is planning a takeover since he doesn’t believe the holiday should always be about the rabbit! This film is silly, but fun enough to be a piece that is about the season–and show rivalries can exist in places where even cohorts don’t always realize it.
It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)
Available on Apple TV
No list cannot be complete without including a Charlie Brown classic. This animated short continues in that warm and fuzzy feeling to seeing the Peanuts gang embark on silly adventures. Here, Peppermint Patty and Marcie try to decorating Easter eggs and Snoopy is on the quest to get his pal, Woodstock, a new home.