When I was a kid, rainy summer days meant one thing. Blockbuster.
If you're a youngin’, this might require some explaining: before Netflix and Crave, if you wanted to see a movie at home you would stop at Blockbuster to rent a DVD or *gasp* a VHS tape.
A trip to Blockbuster felt like a special treat. My mum would let me make my own movie pick and if I'd been especially good, we'd stop at the corner store for licorice, lollipops, or whatever other junk I could convince her to buy.
Although the days of Blockbuster are long gone, a movie date is still a great way to wait out a seasonal storm. Here are our top picks to stream, download, or see in theatres this summer - music themed of course!!
Yesterday
Where to see it: Disney+
Running time: 1hr56
Family friendly rating: PG-13 Some language and adult situations (MPAA)
Is there a better combo than a summer love story, and the music of the Beatles? When Himesh Patel's character Jack, wakes up after a worldwide power outage to find he is the only one that remembers the Beatles, fame, fortune and complications ensue. This film is a lot of fun, and bonus, multi instrumentalist Patel does all the playing and singing!
Mary Poppins Returns
Where to see it: Netflix
Running time: 2hr10
Family friendly rating:
PG, Some mild thematic elements and brief action (MPAA)
If you missed the sequel to the Julie Andrews classic in theatres, never fear! You can now stream Mary Poppins Returns on Netflix. With all new music written by award winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and all of the original magic, Mary Poppins Returns will be a family favourite.
Aladdin
Where to see it: Disney+
Running time: 2h10
Family friendly rating: PG, some action/peril (MPAA)
After years of anticipation, you can finally see this 90s favourite transformed into live action! With a re imagined soundtrack, and the ever hilarious Will Smith as the genie, this film is sure to charm.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Where to see it: Download or rent on Youtube or Googleplay
Running time: 2h13
Family friendly rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, suggestive material, drug content and language (MPAA)
A closer look at the remarkable life of rock and roll icon, Freddie Mercury. While it's definitely not for younger viewers, Bohemian Rhapsody is a powerful story, and Rami Malek shines in his leading performance.
I hope you enjoy these picks - at the very least you’ll have some catchy melodies stuck in your head. Here's hoping the bad weather waits for half price Tuesday! Load up your popcorn and DON'T hold back on the butter.