It's disappointing nowadays that most movies feel the need to have some big, terrible traumatic event in order to be entertaining or thought provoking. Sometimes, people are just in the mood for a good, light-hearted movie where everyone ends up okay (and alive): movies that are still charming and clever, but that don't need intense action scenes or sex scenes to be so. As a rather anxious person, it's comforting to find movies where I can be unstressed but still heavily engaged in the action; and honestly, it's nice to watch movies that make the world seem like a kinder, warmer place.
1. "Chef" (available on Netflix) –
This movie follows the tale of a disenchanted, frustrated chef that sets off in search for a healthy change in his life, eventually mending his somewhat problematic father-son relationship and igniting an old romantic flame. My advice, make sure you’re eating something when you watch this movie, because the ingenious cooking scenes will make you HUNGRY (especially if you’re into Cuban food).
2. "The Grand Budapest Hotel "(available on Netflix) –
The epitome of a typical, atypical and unorthodox Wes Anderson film. This movie takes place between the two World Wars, with casual historical allusions referenced within the fictional Republic of Zubrowka. I would try to explain the plot of this movie, but I’ll just leave you with three very important words--- Boy With Apple.
3. "Hector and the Search for Happiness" (available on Netflix) –
This movie is great for anyone looking for a little pick-me-up: a wonderful short tale of a psychiatrist who embarks on an international journey in search for the secret to happiness. (Warning: really wants to make you want to try home-made sweet potato stew).
4. "Primos (Cousinhood)" –
A movie all about returning to your roots when life gets just a little too complicated. After his fiancée leaves him the day just before his wedding, Diego is convinced by his two cousins/groomsmen to seek solace in their old summer home, where they had some of their best summers, and even attempt to rekindle a relationship with his old childhood love. I like to think of the protagonists as the three dysfunctional Spanish speaking stooges.
5. "The Holiday" (available on Netflix) –
Two young single women decide to swap houses for a couple of weeks to escape their highly routinely lives: one from a dull neighborhood on the outskirts of London, one from the fast-pace Los Angeles city. Pushed out of their comfort zones, both women are led to reevaluate their lives and discover more about themselves. Corny right? Promise it’s more quality than you think --- and funny, too.
6. "Silver Lining’s Playbook" (available on Netflix) –
A surprisingly uplifting movie about a mentally-unstable man who attempts to make amends after emerging from a mental institution months after an impressive anger outburst (one which led to a subsequent divorce from his already estranged wife). In an attempt to win back his old love, Pat befriends a recently widowed woman with her own deep-seeded insecurities. It’s uplifting I swear.
