Is work stressful? Or you have watched the News at any point in 2016? There is only one type of movie to give you respite. However with so much to choose from I will endeavour to do the leg work of trawling rotten tomatoes and IMDb for you. Here’s my top 5 feel-good movies! What would be on your list?
1 – Cool Runnings (1993)
A classic for all ages, this 90s sport biopic of the first Jamaican bobsleigh team captures the heart and mind, combining the comedy might of John Candy and Doug E. Doug as Coach and tag along, and there is no shortage of laughs. As a feel-good classic, this film doesn’t stand on laughs alone. Backed loosely by truth, the characters have enough depth to draw empathy. Their trials and tribulations take you to the edge of the seat and make your heart soar with their successes. I place this first, among many, for the way such a comical, easy going film can draw you to the conclusion of inner strength and the ability to set your own parameters for victory.
2 – InTouchables (2012)
This French movie directed and written by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano deals with the sensitive subject of paralysis. Instinct dictates any film of this nature should be avoided at all costs if you are seeking cheer, yet the cast and script come together to make this one of the most uplifting films around. Using tasteful humour and straightforward writing, this script shows joy can be found in any situation and any obstacle overcome. A refreshing change from the usual focus on sadness in such stories.
3 – Love Actually (2003)
An unlikely diamond in the rough made good by its stellar cast, this christmas movie brings love, cheer and pure wackiness in spades. The script and cinematography are as standard as they come, yet in its unrepentant absurdity, the actors steep your brain in a warm bath of feel good emotions. Tackling every conceivable approach to love, there should be an element of empathy for every viewer, and a happy ending…
4 – About Time (2013)
Time travel and a dysfunctional family can only intrigue and entertain. Domhnall Gleeson gives a stellar performance alongside Bill Nighy to lend complete believablity to this quirky script. The characters tease out heartwarming moments, made real to us by the emotionally awkward family members. Whatever our situation, it reminds us of the treasures of passing time and what best to use it for.
5 – Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Another vintage from 2012 which was clearly a good year for heart warming dramas. This story focuses on hitting rock bottom and climbing back from despair. There are arguably more sad moments in this than my previous four, but the depth of the lows only makes the joy more poignant. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence make a soulful pairing that connect so well, the comedy, sadness and elations punch you hard in all the right places. As one of the films that seems to have cemented this duo together as tightly as Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp, it is worth watching just to see why!
Author: Joe, Bath store
