Five films for Father's Day
Five films for Father's Day
3 September 2022
There’s a film for everyone this Father’s Day on streaming services (from left) Wish Man, Lightyear, Top End Wedding, RAMS, and The War With Grandpa.
As dads and father figures across the country celebrate Father’s Day, many will put their feet up on Sunday afternoon. This is the perfect time for a family film (of dad’s choice!), and we have you covered. Granted, not everyone is after a father-themed film. So we’ve included some options for a romantic evening in or a great story you can get lost in. From Aussie films to biopics, and even a space ranger, here are five films we recommend for Father’s Day.
- Wish Man
Are you drawn to real-life stories about people who are changing the world? In the Pureflix film Wish Man (released on streaming service Wonder today), we enter the life of Frank Shankwitz – a former Arizona highway patrol officer who founded the Make a Wish Foundation.
Starring Aussie actor Andrew Steel, it explores the long-lasting effects of poverty, neglect, family estrangement, sexual assault and police brutality. Suited to an older audience, you will definitely need tissues for this one, especially when Frank meets seven-year-old Chris, who has terminal leukemia.
The acting is top-notch, and it echoes the complexities of hurt and healing between parents and kids well.
Rated M for violence, language and themes. Available now on Wonder.
- Lightyear
Disney Pixar recently released Lightyear, a film bound in nostalgia as we leap into the otherworldly life of Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear. Voiced by Chris Evans, this is a treat for kids and their parents who grew up with the character.
Set in space (in case that wasn’t obvious), Buzz accidentally strands his team on a distant planet and must successfully master the technology to get everyone back to Earth.
Unfortunately, every time he attempts to use this technology, he flies four years into the future and has soon missed generations of life and love on the planet. Witty, predictably action-packed and filled with life lessons about loyalty, love, family and perseverance, Lightyear is a sure winner. And kids will love his sidekick Sox, the robotic cat.
Rated PG for mild science fiction themes and animated violence. Available on Disney Plus.
- Top End Wedding
Who doesn’t enjoy a romantic Aussie film? This comedy starring Miranda Tapsell showcases the beauty of Australia’s Top End, and all with a witty, dry sense of humour.
Tapsell plays Lauren, a success-driven, 20-something who has 10 days off work to marry her long-time boyfriend. The problem? Her mother has gone missing.
This story about a mother and daughter from the Tiwi Islands returning to Country is timely and beautiful. Take note, there are plenty of sexual innuendoes in this otherwise comedic piece, so keep it for teens or after the kids go to bed.
Rated M for coarse language. Available on Netflix.
- RAMS
Acting greats Sam Neill and Michael Caton star in this ‘dramedy’ about estranged brothers and farmers who live near the small Western Australian town of Mt Barker.
When a rare disease causes everyone to lose their livestock, the brothers must figure out how to survive and what to live for. RAMS is powerfully honest, sprinkled with wit and superbly acted by giving a realistic insight into the tenacity of farmers, bushfire season and addiction.
Fair warning – the scenes involving the culling of animals and the farmers’ response are heart-wrenching and bloody but appropriate.
Rated PG for mild themes, violence and coarse language. Available on Netflix.
- The War With Grandpa
This cinematic release just came out on Netflix and is perfectly timed for Father’s Day. Focusing on the relationship between widower Ed (Robert De Niro) and his grandchild Peter (Oakes Fegley), their interactions are filled with gusto and tenderness as they hash out what it means to live under the same roof.
This film poignantly addresses aging and a spouse’s death, allowing young viewers to better understand their grandparents. At the same time, the escapades of old and young alike are hilarious, and everyone in the family will enjoy the nuances of this comedy.
Rated PG for mild themes and coarse language. Available on Netflix.
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