With so much craziness in the world right now, I'm always on the lookout for light, fun and enjoyable films that put a smile on your face instead of making you even more depressed... LOL
That being said, a recent one I recommend is Cha Cha Real Smooth, on Apple TV+
I hadn't even heard of Cha Cha Real Smooth, but it looks great! It's amazing (and frustrating) how I check for new trailers daily and some still slip through the net!
Anyway, 3 feel good films coming right up:
1. Palm Springs - this is the first that comes to mind, take Groundhog Day, Hot Tub Time Machine, add a little romance and voila. (This one is free for subs on Prime in the UJ and Hulu in the US.)
2. Amélie - I only saw it this (maybe last) year, but for something more classic that's light, a little silly but totally adorable and heartwarming, this is a great film. (This is on Netflix and Disney+ in the UK, but I'm not sure about the US - JustWatch is usually a good source, but it has nothing this time. Sorry for that!)
3. Chef - This one is a very light, feel-good film that's super easy to watch but without feeling dumbed-down, if you know what I mean. It'll also make you hungry so bring snacks. (£2.49 on Prime UK and $3.99 Prime US, but free for HBO Max subs).
BONUS: I remember you saying you wanted to watch Everything Everywhere All At Once, if you've not done that yet then I think this is exactly what you're looking for, though it's a little intense at times, it's ultimately very feel-good.
PS. I think everyone's seen La La Land and Little Miss Sunshine, thus they felt too generic to recommend - unless you haven't seen them ;)
If you've seen all of the above, let me know and I'll rack my brain for more!
I've seen all 5 that you mentioned, but they're definitely on point! La La Land is actually one of my favorite movies of recent years, and Palm Springs is such a recent gem!
Everything Everywhere All At Once continues to be very high on my watchlist... I didn't see it in the theater, so now I'm waiting to become available for rent next week!
Ah damn, okay let me have a think then - at least I’m on track with your taste!!
It’s a shame you didn’t get to see Everything Everywhere in the cinema. I’d be tempted to say wait a while in case it pops up at any local independents, it’s one of those that are just better on the big screen.
Let me have a think on more recommendations and I’ll get back to you!
Okay, I've got one more film for you that low-key blowed me away when I saw it, simply because I didn't expect it to be quite as good as it was: Blinded by the Light.
Based on a real person, a teenager ignores everyone's advice and pursues a job as a writer - while developing an obsession with Bruce Springsteen. It's very British (which may, or may not work for non-Brits), it's set in the late 80s and although I'm not a Springsteen fan, this is another good feel-good film that's sweet to an extent that it doesn't matter when it's a bit silly.
Free for HBO Max subs or $2.99 on US Prime. Let me know what you think!
My favourite film of last year was Another Round - darkly funny, small in scope but said something fundamental about humanity/society/masculinity...what might be a good follow-up?
Another Round is probably my favourite film of last year too - great choice!!
But, it's a very unique film and I find hard to compare it with anything else. The obvious place to start is with Thomas Vinterberg's earlier film, The Hunt, (starring Mads Mikkelsen and other Another Round actors). But this is a very different vibe and it's for that reason that I've not seen it yet. (This one is free for Prime subs in the UK but $2.49 in the US).
You've also got The Father, but that's also more sad than it is funny - though it does look a lot at masculinity and what it means to be human. (UK Prime for £1.99 and but $14.99 on US Prime. But it is free on Starz in the US)
Finally, I'd say both Three Billboards and In Bruges have the dark comedy aspects of Another Round, but they cover very different subjects - and there's a good chance you've already seen them!
Billboards is on Disney+ in the UK (or £3.49 on Prime) and $3.99 on US Prime.
In Bruges is free for Netflix and Prime subs in the UK and $3.99 on US Prime.
I’m not sure if you watched The Worst Person in the World but it sounds like it could be similar and I thoroughly enjoyed it after seeing it covered by SP!
I just watched to kill a mockingbird in the theatre (not-so-subtle brag about how cultured I am...) so I'm obviously craving courtroom dramas. I haven't really scratched the surface on this genre so don't feel obliged to delve into the depths of niche films. Thanks xx
The original film is very good too, so much so that I'd consider calling my son Atticus if it didn't sound so posh!
So, I'm not sure how many courtroom dramas I've actually seen but these might tickle your fancy:
1. The Children Act - I've not seen all of this (can't remember why I left the room) but Emma Thompson stars as a judge that must decide if she should order a life-saving blood transfusion for a teenager with cancer, despite his family's refusal to accept medical treatment for religious reasons... (Amazon Prime for £2.49)
2. A Few Good Men - I've not actually seen this, but it stands high in the cinema canon. Starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson (who improvised (slightly) a very famous line that I won't spoil for you here). (Free for subs of Netflix and Prime in the UK)
3. The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Based on true events, this one has a star-studded cast and was better than I was expecting. (This one is a Netflix Original so I expect it's available worldwide).
BONUS: On the other hand, if you fancy a courtroom comedy (an even more niche genre) then Liar Liar just about holds up provided you don't mind Jim Carrey being very Jim Carrey. (Free to UK subs on Netflix and Prime)
A Time to Kill has similar vibes as TKAMB, with rape and racism at the core of the storyline. A hard watch at times but a great film. In a similar vein, Mississippi Burning is another powerful watch. Less legal, more detective, but similar themes as the other two.
NY Films (bit of a generic prompt, but will lean to rom/com)
- Goodfellas / The Godfather 😂 - (both on Amazon Prime for £3.49 / £2.49)
- When Harry Met Sally - a bit closer to the 500 Days theme. (Currently on iPlayer and Prime for $3.49)
- High Fidelity - This might be the gem in this list... Relatively unknown film based on a Nick Hornby book that's set in London, but the film is in NYC. John Cusack, Jack Black. It might feel a bit dated but I liked this a lot. (Free for Disney+ and Prime subscribers)
- BONUS: My Big Fat Greek Wedding still holds it's own after 20 years. (Free for Prime subscribers)
Euro Rom/Coms:
- Midnight in Paris - Owen Wilson goes to Paris with his fiance. A little silly at times (in an Owen Wilson kind of way) a bit adorable, mostly fun. (Prime for £3.49 and Chili for £1.49)
- Just Married - Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy have a honeymoon roadtrip around Europe. This is very much a Hollywood Romcom... Doesn't take itself seriously but is an easy watch. (Free on Disney+ and £3.49 on Prime)
Buddy Films:
- The Peanut Butter Falcon - I really liked this, it's not action-packed but it's funny and heartwarming. (Currently on iPlayer but also free to Prime subs)
- The Green Book - Maybe more a 'coming of friendship' than a typical 'buddy film' but this one is based on a true story and won 3 Oscars. Well worth a watch. (Prime for £2.49)
- Book Smart - Big Superbad vibes here, but generally quite original and very funny. (Prime £2.49)
Some of my New York faves: Ghostbusters, When Harry Met Sally, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Apartment (none of them very obscure, sorry!). I recently watched The Humans, which is a bit of a strange one, but the New York setting is important. If Beale Street Could Talk - beautiful.
Oooh, I want to see The Humans - thought it looks like a lot of talking and I'm not always in the mood for that. I will say though, I found Inside Llewyn Davis very slow and a bit 'nothingy' - but I find the Cohen Brothers a little touch and go, though that says more about my taste than them.
With so much craziness in the world right now, I'm always on the lookout for light, fun and enjoyable films that put a smile on your face instead of making you even more depressed... LOL
That being said, a recent one I recommend is Cha Cha Real Smooth, on Apple TV+
I hadn't even heard of Cha Cha Real Smooth, but it looks great! It's amazing (and frustrating) how I check for new trailers daily and some still slip through the net!
Anyway, 3 feel good films coming right up:
1. Palm Springs - this is the first that comes to mind, take Groundhog Day, Hot Tub Time Machine, add a little romance and voila. (This one is free for subs on Prime in the UJ and Hulu in the US.)
2. Amélie - I only saw it this (maybe last) year, but for something more classic that's light, a little silly but totally adorable and heartwarming, this is a great film. (This is on Netflix and Disney+ in the UK, but I'm not sure about the US - JustWatch is usually a good source, but it has nothing this time. Sorry for that!)
3. Chef - This one is a very light, feel-good film that's super easy to watch but without feeling dumbed-down, if you know what I mean. It'll also make you hungry so bring snacks. (£2.49 on Prime UK and $3.99 Prime US, but free for HBO Max subs).
BONUS: I remember you saying you wanted to watch Everything Everywhere All At Once, if you've not done that yet then I think this is exactly what you're looking for, though it's a little intense at times, it's ultimately very feel-good.
PS. I think everyone's seen La La Land and Little Miss Sunshine, thus they felt too generic to recommend - unless you haven't seen them ;)
If you've seen all of the above, let me know and I'll rack my brain for more!
I've seen all 5 that you mentioned, but they're definitely on point! La La Land is actually one of my favorite movies of recent years, and Palm Springs is such a recent gem!
Everything Everywhere All At Once continues to be very high on my watchlist... I didn't see it in the theater, so now I'm waiting to become available for rent next week!
Ah damn, okay let me have a think then - at least I’m on track with your taste!!
It’s a shame you didn’t get to see Everything Everywhere in the cinema. I’d be tempted to say wait a while in case it pops up at any local independents, it’s one of those that are just better on the big screen.
Let me have a think on more recommendations and I’ll get back to you!
Ha, no worries at all! You did your part, I just happen to have seen them all. LOL
Okay, I've got one more film for you that low-key blowed me away when I saw it, simply because I didn't expect it to be quite as good as it was: Blinded by the Light.
Based on a real person, a teenager ignores everyone's advice and pursues a job as a writer - while developing an obsession with Bruce Springsteen. It's very British (which may, or may not work for non-Brits), it's set in the late 80s and although I'm not a Springsteen fan, this is another good feel-good film that's sweet to an extent that it doesn't matter when it's a bit silly.
Free for HBO Max subs or $2.99 on US Prime. Let me know what you think!
I've actually seen it right when it came out and wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did!
My favourite film of last year was Another Round - darkly funny, small in scope but said something fundamental about humanity/society/masculinity...what might be a good follow-up?
Another Round is probably my favourite film of last year too - great choice!!
But, it's a very unique film and I find hard to compare it with anything else. The obvious place to start is with Thomas Vinterberg's earlier film, The Hunt, (starring Mads Mikkelsen and other Another Round actors). But this is a very different vibe and it's for that reason that I've not seen it yet. (This one is free for Prime subs in the UK but $2.49 in the US).
You've also got The Father, but that's also more sad than it is funny - though it does look a lot at masculinity and what it means to be human. (UK Prime for £1.99 and but $14.99 on US Prime. But it is free on Starz in the US)
Finally, I'd say both Three Billboards and In Bruges have the dark comedy aspects of Another Round, but they cover very different subjects - and there's a good chance you've already seen them!
Billboards is on Disney+ in the UK (or £3.49 on Prime) and $3.99 on US Prime.
In Bruges is free for Netflix and Prime subs in the UK and $3.99 on US Prime.
I’m not sure if you watched The Worst Person in the World but it sounds like it could be similar and I thoroughly enjoyed it after seeing it covered by SP!
Worst Person in the World is actually a pretty good shout here. Very different themes, but there's something about the two that feel similar.
I just watched to kill a mockingbird in the theatre (not-so-subtle brag about how cultured I am...) so I'm obviously craving courtroom dramas. I haven't really scratched the surface on this genre so don't feel obliged to delve into the depths of niche films. Thanks xx
Oh, I bet the play is fantastic!
The original film is very good too, so much so that I'd consider calling my son Atticus if it didn't sound so posh!
So, I'm not sure how many courtroom dramas I've actually seen but these might tickle your fancy:
1. The Children Act - I've not seen all of this (can't remember why I left the room) but Emma Thompson stars as a judge that must decide if she should order a life-saving blood transfusion for a teenager with cancer, despite his family's refusal to accept medical treatment for religious reasons... (Amazon Prime for £2.49)
2. A Few Good Men - I've not actually seen this, but it stands high in the cinema canon. Starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson (who improvised (slightly) a very famous line that I won't spoil for you here). (Free for subs of Netflix and Prime in the UK)
3. The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Based on true events, this one has a star-studded cast and was better than I was expecting. (This one is a Netflix Original so I expect it's available worldwide).
BONUS: On the other hand, if you fancy a courtroom comedy (an even more niche genre) then Liar Liar just about holds up provided you don't mind Jim Carrey being very Jim Carrey. (Free to UK subs on Netflix and Prime)
A Time to Kill has similar vibes as TKAMB, with rape and racism at the core of the storyline. A hard watch at times but a great film. In a similar vein, Mississippi Burning is another powerful watch. Less legal, more detective, but similar themes as the other two.
Would welcome recos including one of the below themes (sorry I’m being picky):
- Films set in New York (not 50 Days of Summer)
- A romcom set in Europe (Italy/Spain that aren’t Letters to Juliet and Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
- A good old buddy film (think Rush Hour but not Rush Hour)
Cheers,
C x
Oooh, what a way to start. Okay, here's a few:
NY Films (bit of a generic prompt, but will lean to rom/com)
- Goodfellas / The Godfather 😂 - (both on Amazon Prime for £3.49 / £2.49)
- When Harry Met Sally - a bit closer to the 500 Days theme. (Currently on iPlayer and Prime for $3.49)
- High Fidelity - This might be the gem in this list... Relatively unknown film based on a Nick Hornby book that's set in London, but the film is in NYC. John Cusack, Jack Black. It might feel a bit dated but I liked this a lot. (Free for Disney+ and Prime subscribers)
- BONUS: My Big Fat Greek Wedding still holds it's own after 20 years. (Free for Prime subscribers)
Euro Rom/Coms:
- Midnight in Paris - Owen Wilson goes to Paris with his fiance. A little silly at times (in an Owen Wilson kind of way) a bit adorable, mostly fun. (Prime for £3.49 and Chili for £1.49)
- Just Married - Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy have a honeymoon roadtrip around Europe. This is very much a Hollywood Romcom... Doesn't take itself seriously but is an easy watch. (Free on Disney+ and £3.49 on Prime)
Buddy Films:
- The Peanut Butter Falcon - I really liked this, it's not action-packed but it's funny and heartwarming. (Currently on iPlayer but also free to Prime subs)
- The Green Book - Maybe more a 'coming of friendship' than a typical 'buddy film' but this one is based on a true story and won 3 Oscars. Well worth a watch. (Prime for £2.49)
- Book Smart - Big Superbad vibes here, but generally quite original and very funny. (Prime £2.49)
Let me know what you think!
As far as NY based films, I love recommending ‘Inside Man.’ Starring Denzel & Clive Owen, with so, so many NY features and cameos
Inside Man is a GREAT heist film - one that I feel deserves a lot more attention than it gets. Good recommendation!
Top man - plenty there I have never seen or not seen in a while, thank you !
Some of my New York faves: Ghostbusters, When Harry Met Sally, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Apartment (none of them very obscure, sorry!). I recently watched The Humans, which is a bit of a strange one, but the New York setting is important. If Beale Street Could Talk - beautiful.
Oooh, I want to see The Humans - thought it looks like a lot of talking and I'm not always in the mood for that. I will say though, I found Inside Llewyn Davis very slow and a bit 'nothingy' - but I find the Cohen Brothers a little touch and go, though that says more about my taste than them.
I haven’t seen Inside Llewyn or The Apartment so thank you!