Feeling down in the dumps as you're battered with grim statistics, the tribulations of social distancing, and the pang of realizing your distinct shortage of toilet paper (which you are now having to bum off your neighbors)? Well, online video rental services are still up and running, so here are nine movies that will put a smile on your face for sure...
Say Anything...
This is arguably one of the best teen movies ever. It's debatable as to whether it even qualifies as a comedy, but John Cusack rocking out to the Chili Peppers in his car on graduation day or explaining his objections to buying, selling and processing won't fail to lift your spirits. Lloyd Dobler is one of those characters you just have to love, and if you haven't met him, please get acquainted ... and if you have, now is a great time for a reunion.
Ghostbusters (1984 version)
Before there was Men in Black (the movie, at least; I know little about the comic), before there was Thor: Ragnarok, there was a movie about four guys and a marshmallow giant. Ghostbusters was pretty much the first great sci-fi comedy, and that's without mentioning its contributions to the popular vernacular (this might look like just a review of a movie I didn't like, but scroll down and you'll find that Ghostbusters tidbit).
My Best Friend's Wedding
This film is just ridiculously hilarious. You'll never be able to listen to "I Say a Little Prayer" with a straight face ever again. EVER. Why watch a mediocre rom-com when you can watch a great rom-com like this one?
Meet the Parents
This Ben Stiller comedy will always be there to remind you that your relationship with the in-laws could be much, much worse. At least you've never set their yard on fire, overflowed their septic tank, and lost their beloved cat in a single day, which also happens to be the day before the lucky lady's sister is supposed to be married in said yard (or have you?). I can say in full confidence that Robert De Niro has never been funnier.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
One high school troublemaker embarks on an epic quest to have as much fun as possible ditching school one last time with his best friend and girlfriend in this classic John Hughes flick. While John Hughes' other films definitely have their humor - if you've ever seen Pretty in Pink, you know I'm right - Ferris Bueller is arguably the funniest, hence its inclusion on this list. A stolen Ferrari, a manic principal obsessed with catching Ferris in the act of ditching, a jealous sister also determined to catch him in the act, and lots of hilarious fourth-wall breaking are all involved.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
A winningly original superhero film that revitalized the seemingly exhausted Spider-Man franchise through what is most probably the best comic book-style animation to hit the big screen and a wit that alternates between outright goofy and oddly insightful (or maybe it's just plain funny - take your pick).
The Princess Bride
If you have kids (or if you are a kid) and are sick of watching some animated movie or other 500 times since you started your quarantine, put this on. I've grown up on this movie, but I actually like it more every time I watch it. It's a fantasy adventure cult classic that's full-to-bursting with wit and charm. I say there are two categories of people who've seen this film (with maybe a few exceptions): people who unabashedly fall in love with it, and people who have secretly fallen in love with it and don't want to admit it. There really is something in it for everyone. Academics can even keep track of all the logical fallacies used - seems like a fun way to pass some of those long quarantine hours.
Inside Out
Catharsis, people! This film might have a killer comedy voice cast (Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling come readily to mind), and an entertainingly original take on emotion and the workings of the brain, but what sticks out most is its earnest handling of letting go of the past and accepting sadness as an integral part of life. If you're in a deep funk that you just can't seem to laugh off, this might be some better medicine. Again, catharsis! This is an especially important consideration in light of the coronavirus, which seems to be everywhere and is so hard to ignore. I've been feeling down about it, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
What About Bob?
No, you're not crazy (no pun intended) - if you've seen this list before, know that I have updated it to add this film. I recently saw it for the first time and couldn't resist tacking it on. It's distinctly PG yet still hilarious. Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) is a charismatic but highly neurotic man who, upon learning that his therapist, Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss), is going on vacation, follows him to his country home. Dr. Marvin grows more and more desperate to shake him off even as Bob wins over his family. Compared to the other films on this list, it's probably most similar to Meet the Parents in its style of humor, and it is, again, hilarious.
Of course, these aren't the only films in existence that are completely and utterly enjoyable, but they are nine that came readily to mind. Have some laughs, people, and stay safe!
Say Anything...
This is arguably one of the best teen movies ever. It's debatable as to whether it even qualifies as a comedy, but John Cusack rocking out to the Chili Peppers in his car on graduation day or explaining his objections to buying, selling and processing won't fail to lift your spirits. Lloyd Dobler is one of those characters you just have to love, and if you haven't met him, please get acquainted ... and if you have, now is a great time for a reunion.
Ghostbusters (1984 version)
Before there was Men in Black (the movie, at least; I know little about the comic), before there was Thor: Ragnarok, there was a movie about four guys and a marshmallow giant. Ghostbusters was pretty much the first great sci-fi comedy, and that's without mentioning its contributions to the popular vernacular (this might look like just a review of a movie I didn't like, but scroll down and you'll find that Ghostbusters tidbit).
My Best Friend's Wedding
This film is just ridiculously hilarious. You'll never be able to listen to "I Say a Little Prayer" with a straight face ever again. EVER. Why watch a mediocre rom-com when you can watch a great rom-com like this one?
Meet the Parents
This Ben Stiller comedy will always be there to remind you that your relationship with the in-laws could be much, much worse. At least you've never set their yard on fire, overflowed their septic tank, and lost their beloved cat in a single day, which also happens to be the day before the lucky lady's sister is supposed to be married in said yard (or have you?). I can say in full confidence that Robert De Niro has never been funnier.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
One high school troublemaker embarks on an epic quest to have as much fun as possible ditching school one last time with his best friend and girlfriend in this classic John Hughes flick. While John Hughes' other films definitely have their humor - if you've ever seen Pretty in Pink, you know I'm right - Ferris Bueller is arguably the funniest, hence its inclusion on this list. A stolen Ferrari, a manic principal obsessed with catching Ferris in the act of ditching, a jealous sister also determined to catch him in the act, and lots of hilarious fourth-wall breaking are all involved.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
A winningly original superhero film that revitalized the seemingly exhausted Spider-Man franchise through what is most probably the best comic book-style animation to hit the big screen and a wit that alternates between outright goofy and oddly insightful (or maybe it's just plain funny - take your pick).
The Princess Bride
If you have kids (or if you are a kid) and are sick of watching some animated movie or other 500 times since you started your quarantine, put this on. I've grown up on this movie, but I actually like it more every time I watch it. It's a fantasy adventure cult classic that's full-to-bursting with wit and charm. I say there are two categories of people who've seen this film (with maybe a few exceptions): people who unabashedly fall in love with it, and people who have secretly fallen in love with it and don't want to admit it. There really is something in it for everyone. Academics can even keep track of all the logical fallacies used - seems like a fun way to pass some of those long quarantine hours.
Inside Out
Catharsis, people! This film might have a killer comedy voice cast (Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling come readily to mind), and an entertainingly original take on emotion and the workings of the brain, but what sticks out most is its earnest handling of letting go of the past and accepting sadness as an integral part of life. If you're in a deep funk that you just can't seem to laugh off, this might be some better medicine. Again, catharsis! This is an especially important consideration in light of the coronavirus, which seems to be everywhere and is so hard to ignore. I've been feeling down about it, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
What About Bob?
No, you're not crazy (no pun intended) - if you've seen this list before, know that I have updated it to add this film. I recently saw it for the first time and couldn't resist tacking it on. It's distinctly PG yet still hilarious. Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) is a charismatic but highly neurotic man who, upon learning that his therapist, Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss), is going on vacation, follows him to his country home. Dr. Marvin grows more and more desperate to shake him off even as Bob wins over his family. Compared to the other films on this list, it's probably most similar to Meet the Parents in its style of humor, and it is, again, hilarious.
Of course, these aren't the only films in existence that are completely and utterly enjoyable, but they are nine that came readily to mind. Have some laughs, people, and stay safe!
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