Here are a few feel-good movies that will guarantee laughter, maybe a few tears, and an escape from reality during these anxious times.
- Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004)
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Directed by Sara Sugarman, “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” follows the journey of Mary Elizabeth “Lola” Steppe (Lindsay Lohan), a 15-year-old aspiring Broadway actress who, much to her annoyance, recently moves from New York to New Jersey. Lola takes the opportunity as the new girl to romanticize and conceal parts of her life. This leads to her befriending Ella Gerald (Alison Pill) over their mutual love for the rock band Sidarthur and becoming enemies with Carla Santini (Megan Fox), the most popular girl in school. When Lola and Ella take a risk to see Sidarthur for their farewell concert, they get roped into a night filled with chaotic train rides, drunk rockstars, mysterious shadow figures, and incredible montages. Available to stream on Amazon Prime and Disney+.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
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Directed by Wes Anderson, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is the story of Mr. Fox (George Clooney), a quick-witted clever family man who tries to move on from his past as a compulsive chicken thief for the benefit of his family. Longing for his days as a thief, Mr. Fox and his friend Kylie, an opossum, decide to steal from 3 farmers, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. However, this angers the farmers and they retaliate, not only putting Mr. Fox’s family in danger but the whole animal community. The captivating dialogue, impressive attention to detail, aesthetically pleasing use of color, and the star-studded cast makes Fantastic Mr. Fox an enjoyable watch that I highly recommend. Available to stream on Amazon Prime.
- The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
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Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, “The Edge of Seventeen”, is a coming of age movie about Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld), a socially awkward 17-year-old high school junior trying to navigate the complicated relationships with the people around her. Nadine’s anxiety-stricken relationship with her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) starts when Krista begins dating Nadine’s all-star brother Darian (Blake Jenner), leaving Nadine feeling alone. Nadine tries to find comfort by hanging out with a classmate named Edwin (Hayden Szeto) and occasionally venting to her teacher Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson), but nothing seems to fulfill her. Nadine’s fall out with Krista leads her to make irrational decisions as she desperately seeks out someone to listen to her. I saw this movie while I was in high school and the portrayal of a 17-year-old high school student depicted by Nadine is amazing, from forming a bond with a teacher and eating lunch in their classroom to standing awkwardly behind the one person you know at a party as they laugh with their friends. Available to stream on Amazon Prime and Netflix.
- The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
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Directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, “The Peanut Butter Falcon” is about Zac (Zack Gottsagen), a 22-year-old with Down Syndrome who escapes from a residential nursing home to attend a wrestling school and pursue his dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. On his route, Zac stumbles upon Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a wayward fisherman on the run, and the two form an unexpected mentor and student bond: teaching and learning from each other how to live. As Zac and Tyler try to reach the wrestling school, Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), a social worker from the nursing home, attempts to find Zac and bring him home, but quickly gets tied into their adventure. The plot is simple but has a lot of depth between the characters, and Zack Gottsagen is a wonderful actor that makes you believe you can do anything despite what others may say. Available to stream on Amazon Prime.
- Booksmart (2019)
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Directed by Olivia Wilde, “Booksmart” is about Amy Antsler (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly Davidson (Beanie Feldstein), two high school seniors who are known as academic overachievers and goody two shoes who never step out of line. However, on the eve of their graduation, they have an epiphany and realize that they missed out on enjoying their time in high school unlike everyone else and make it their mission to cram 4 years of possible high school memories into one night. Amy and Molly are determined to attend a party and have fun, but unfortunately get wrapped up in a night of chaos that includes a Lyft ride from their principal, interrupting a murder mystery party, hallucinogenic drugs, and heartbreak. Booksmart is a great movie to lift your spirits and has a wonderful soundtrack with unforgettable bops. Available to stream on Amazon Prime and Hulu.