By Lela Harkrader, 16, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Washington, D.C.
Want recommendations for four in-flight films that are likable, fast-paced, and have “nothing weird” in them that could upset your fellow passengers? Lela Harkrader, 16, has some ideas.Credit...AlxeyPnferov/iStock
As you settle into that too-small economy seat to watch your favorite movie, “X,” you see the 12-year-old to your left. Not wanting to make enemies on this flight, you scramble to download another, more appropriate movie in time for takeoff. Here’s what I look for in films for a flight:
1. Likable characters. After a long day of overpriced and under-filling snack packs, even the optimist can get annoyed. So why pick a movie that will grind your gears even further?
2. Fast paced. Flying through the sky at 550 miles per hour can be a bit distracting and rather loud. The movie you pick shouldn’t have moments that make you glance across the aisle at what your neighbor is watching and wonder if they made the better choice.
3. Nothing weird. Watch whatever you want in your own free time; in public, however, it’s probably a smart idea to keep your choices something that won’t get you talked about in a text chain. For everyone’s sake, steer clear of open-heart surgery videos when in the middle seat (yes, true story).
I came up with a pair of couponing criminals, a man in search of a photo, a chef holding onto his career, and a grandma proving her worth.
Four outstanding films to watch at 30,000 feet in the air:
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
This movie may inspire you to change your trip itinerary, so keep your plans loose if “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is downloaded. A simple man with big daydreams pursues his foil, a photographer who lives an elusive life off the grid. The storytelling focuses on Walter’s imagination, pulling the audience deep into his mind. Walter dreams of being a superhero, street fighter, and someone who stands up for himself, and when his corporate job is threatened, he seizes the opportunity.
“Queenpins"
From the opening image of Kristen Bell in llama pajamas getting arrested in a SWAT raid, your attention will be LOCKED, even on a tray table. “Queenpins” follows Connie and Jojo as they fall deep into the criminal world of … coupon dealing? The hilarious duo of a failed MLM cosmetics sales rep and former Olympian need a win when they discover how to turn their coupon lifestyle into a moneymaking scheme. This movie has an R rating, but only for profanity, so turn the closed captions off and you’re fine.
“Chef”
On the flight to your next foodie tour, follow a once world-class chef struggling to maintain his passion and creative integrity in the profit-focused restaurant industry. An artist, Carl impulsively purchases a rundown food truck and takes it on a road trip with his sous chef and son. This movie explores good food, but more deeply, the relationship of Chef Carl and the son he struggles to connect with. With the characters thrown into close proximity throughout the film, it pulls off a novel story structure while maintaining an engaging narrative. A plot-driving Twitter beef now serves as nostalgia for a simpler era in social media.
“Thelma”
A grandmother gets scammed out of $10,000 and embarks on a low-speed scooter chase to get her money back. This film highlights the clash of senior stubbornness, young adult naivety, and overprotective adult children in tense family dynamics that many of us are all too familiar with. If you’re flying to a family reunion or missing your own brood’s quirks, this film confronts all perspectives of aging with comedy and class. From the scammers, to retirement home friends, to her family, Thelma has an impact on every life she touches (or breaks into).