Lovely Movies: Finding Neverland

Whenever I'm home sick with a cold or flu I tend to watch old favorites. It had been quite some time since I'd last seen Finding Neverland, so it was due for another watch. I thought I knew what to expect, but it still blew me away.

The story itself is wonderful, intriguing and quite the emotional roller coaster, but my favorite thing is Freddie Highmore's performance. It made me cry when I first saw it -back when films never made me cry- and it still does today.

Anyway, this is a film full of wonder and imagination, but also of harsh realities and very bad luck. Which is, of course, why we so need the first. It is based on J.M. Barrie's life and how he came to write Peter Pan.

I will actually be reading Peter Pan soon, and after that I might even read a J.M. Barrie biography at some point. Although it might not quite live up to the magic of this movie… But he seems intriguing and I'd like know more.

Lovely Movies: Justin and the Knights of Valour

Last week my supermarket had a couple of DVDs in the bargain bin. One of them was a promising looking animation about a young knight. For less than 3 bucks, I decided to just go for it. And I'm very glad I took that tiny little risk.

Turned out Freddie Highmore did the main character's voice! I had no idea he'd done this film, so I was pleasantly surprised when I popped this in my DVD player and suddenly heard his voice. I then knew the movie would be good.

It was quite a lovely film. Perhaps a bit predictable, but well done and very entertaining. The plot and pacing were good and the animations pretty excellent. And well, there was a little mechanical owl in it… So bonus points for that!

Lovely Movies: Toast

The moment I heard of Toast I knew I had to watch it. It has this atmosphere I love in movies: a bit bittersweet, some nice humor and a touch of magic. Throw in Freddie Highmore and it instantly shoots to the top of my watch list.

It tells the story of Nigel Slater's childhood. Now if you don't know Nigel Slater -cook and food writer- you can still thoroughly this film. And once you're done chances are that you'll want to read his book too. I know I do!

One minute rule!

One final tip: stock up on some ingredients! Because this might very well inspire you to do some baking of your own...

Lovely Movies: the Art of Getting By

After seeing the trailer I just had to see this movie. It includes so many of my favorite things (art, noodles and Freddie Highmore) that I just couldn't miss it. During my trip I had the option to rent it, so I did.

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Though I had somehow expected it to be less of a teenage-story, I still loved this movie. In fact, it almost makes me want to go back to high school and do it differently.

Yet again the trailer spoils all surprises. I suggest you only watch the first minute if you do want a taste:

  

If you've seen Finding Neverland, you're probably a bit of a Freddie Highmore fan as well, I don't think you can watch that movie and not be blown away by the bench-scene. Thankfully he does not dissappoint, even though he is a bit less cute than he was when he was little, he's still a phenomenal actor. I also have to mention Blair Underwood, as he made a fantastic principal.

Leave any similar movies in the comments if you know any. I just love movies with a vibe like this and would be happy to check out your recommendations!