Find yourself with a little free time? The kids are back in school, which means you might be able to sneak in a flick during the day. Let’s celebrate those hallowed halls of academia with one of these favorites:
Race to Nowhere (2010, PG-13)
Maybe you’ve already attended a screening, but your passion to make a difference has faded into the background as the kids gear up for another demanding year. After all, that report card IS important, right? Take another look at this documentary that inspires viewers to think differently about their children’s education. You can even pre-order the movie for home viewing on their website.
Larry Crowne (2011, PG-13), Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts
If you missed this last year at the theater, grab it on DVD—a very likeable pairing in Roberts, who plays a community college professor who has lost her mojo and Hanks, a guy who just lost his job. Returning to school, he finds himself in Roberts’ classroom, and as expected, everyone’s life changes.
High Time (1960), Bing Crosby, Fabian
Don’t you just crave a little black-and-white once in a while? Try this great flick from 1960, featuring Bing Crosby as a widower who heads back to school and embraces college life, from living in the dorm to joining a fraternity—much to the chagrin of his grown kids.
Never Been Kissed (1999, PG-13) , Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Michael Vartan
It’s just plain cute, plus it’s based in Chicago, so it gets bonus points. Barrymore gets a second chance at the cool crowd when she heads back to school as an undercover reporter trying to unveil what kids are really like these days. Instead, she falls for her yum-alicious teacher played by Vartan. We feel your pain, Drew.
The Breakfast Club (1985, R), Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald
Duh. Did you think we’d run a movie article with a “back to school” theme and not include a John Hughes classic? Watch, and enjoy.
