Re: Feel good movies.
Originally Posted by
carol
->
I want to watch a few feel good movies over Christmas.
My own personal favourite is 'Pretty Woman'
What's yours?
Golly that's a tricky one to ask. It's a pretty subjective thing to ask TBH. For some the cringe worthy sappy contenders like 4 Weddings, Notting Hill and Love Actually will classify as "feel good". For me they are simply cheesy mush. So it comes down to what makes YOU feel good.
Some typical "girly" feel good films to consider are:
Big
An Officer And A Gentleman
Top Gun
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Ghost
Grease
However for me personally, a "Feel Good" movie is one that makes me think, plays with my emotions a little, tugs at the heart strings a little and which delivers a good ending.
My suggestions are these:
KPAX
Ian Softley's brilliant film about a mental institute full of patients with various conditions which is turned upside down when its latest patient called Prot (Kevin Spacey) claims to be from another planet. The institute director Mark (Jeff Bridges) is sceptical and assumes Prot is just another mental case until he starts providing a vivid account of like on planet KPAX and how the star system is laid out. Prot has a fascinating view of humans and their woes and sets about helping each of the institutes inmates to help themselves.
Meanwhile the director Mark sets about uncovering his history on Earth and the traumatic events that lead to his current condition.
It's a heart warming film that tugs at the heart strings whilst providing plenty of intrigue (as to whether Prot really is or isn't from KPAX) and running right through it is a brilliantly soulful sound track. A must watch imho.
Life Is Beautiful
A famous movie that shouldn't really need much explaining.
A story about a father and son caught up in the holocaust with the father doing all he can to help his son get through it.
It's a truly great film but have a box of tissues at hand.
The Adjustment Bureau
An interesting thriller and love story combined. Starring Matt Damon and the lovely Emily Blunt. Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? Politician Damon falls for a beautiful dancer but there are higher powers watching and manipulating mankind's futures. They need Damon to stay away from the girl as it impacts future outcomes. Damon must fight the Bureau and find a way to secure a future with his love whilst the Bureau warn him that if he pursues this goal they will catch him and erase his mind.
A Few Good Men
Absolute classic that is hard to ignore if it comes on TV no matter how many times you've seen it. Brilliant performances from Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson in a classic fight of truth against wrong doing.
Not your sappy Love Actually type film but nevertheless a film that grips your constantly and rewards you every time you see it.
Starman
This is a classic from the 80s starring Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen. It's a romance with a sci-fi theme. Bridges is an alien who comes to earth and assumes the form of a woman's dead husband. He brings a new lease of life to her and opens her perspectives. Once authorities become aware of him there ensures a road trip as they try to flee and evade them. The performances are outstanding and that's why Starman has a huge following even 30 years later. It's another film that plays with emotions and has a teary ending.
Groundhog Day
A classic. No explanation required
Groundhog Day
A classic. No explanation required
The Green Mile
Great story about a prison inmate with an unusual ability.
Tom Hanks provides the usual brilliant performance.
Another film that tugs the heart and emotions. Highly acclaimed.
Other films that you may want to consider are:
The Railway Children
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (the original !!)
The Shawshank Redemeption (though I personally think it's way overhyped)
When Harry Met Sally
Forrest Gump
Billy Elliot