Approved Films

It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010) Craig Gilner, an anxious academic high school student, checks himself into a hospital when he finds himself contemplating suicide. While in therapy, Craig considers his experiences with other patients, his friends, and his family. Craig questions the direction his life was headed, and he sets a new course for the future. Starring Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, and Zach Galifianakis

One Week (2008) When Ben Tyler learns he has Stage 4 cancer, he responds by buying a used motorcycle. He is determined to travel across Canada. Leaving his fiancée and his family behind, he questions the life he has lived and what the future holds for him. Starring Joshua Jackson and Liane Balaban

Stranger Than Fiction (2006) Harold Crick is an IRS agent who discovers he is a character in his own life story. Unfortunately, the narrator informs him of his "imminent death," and he is determined to make the most of the time he has left. This film, directed by Marc Forster, pushes the audience to consider what it means to be happy and to live a fulfilling life. Starring Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, and Queen Latifah

Elizabethtown (2005) Drew Baylor was an inspired shoe designer. He was driven to succeed and dedicated his life to his work. When his new design loses his company nearly a billion dollars, he finds himself out of work on the same day he learns of his father's death. Unable to confess his failure to his family, he travels to his father's hometown to make funeral arrangements. On his journey, his experiences lead him to return to his roots and reflect on what holds the greatest meaning in life. Starring Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon, and Alec Baldwin

Million Dollar Baby (2004) Maggie Fitzgerald is a single, poor waitress. Her family is dysfunctional at best, and her life appears dismal. She determines to make a significant change, seeking out Frankie Dunn, a seasoned trainer. He is difficult to convince, but her persistence wears him down, and he agrees to train her. Together, they struggle to the top of women's boxing and face challenges that make their relationship stronger than either would have expected. Starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman

Finding Neverland (2004) Marc Forster's film suggests how J. M. Barrie's story, Peter Pan , was inspired by his relationship with a special family. Set in 1903, Finding Neverland catalogues Barrie's experiences as he tries to help a widow and her three boys. This story is a heartwarming look at family and the difficulties of growing up. Starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, and Dustin Hoffman

Big Fish (2003) Will Bloom learns that his father, Ed, is dying. Will considers the many tall tales his father told him about his own life. Although Ed prefers a good story, his son prefers the truth. As a result, Will has difficulty believing in his father. Ed recounts colourful events of his life, leaving his son challenged and his audience inspired. Starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, and Billy Crudup

Hoop Dreams (1994) William Gates and Arthur Agee are two "up-and-coming" high school basketball players in urban Chicago. The boys are scouted and attend school at St. Joe's, the same high school Isaiah Thomas attended. While they are talented players, their circumstances challenge them at every turn. Follow them in this award-winning landmark documentary, as they struggle to overcome adversity. Starring William Gates and Arthur Agee