If you are in the lull of what is commonly known as Term Two, a feel-good movie is exactly what the doctor ordered. Reminding you that all you need is a little motivation, a sing-along soundtrack, and an A-list actor to get through life, these films offer you the energy, happiness, and determination to get you back on track to conquer the world. Or even just to get you out of bed…
Bend it Like Beckham (2002)
Two words – girl power. Football has never been so exciting, interesting, or feisty – amazing what a girl team can do… Packed full of rip-roaring laughs, Jonathan Rhys Meyer’s beautiful Irish accent, and Keira Knightley’s abs, this is a must-see for anyone with that New Years Resolution to get healthy. Proving sport is about more than just sweat with its themes of friendship, hard work, and actual goals, if this film can’t get you to go for that run, I don’t know what will. ****
Big (1988)
A classic that’s loved by all. Meet Josh, a teenage boy in a man’s body (isn’t that what puberty is anyway?) who rushes us around New York City. Creating extreme housing envy with the world’s coolest apartment, making first date expectations rise to new heights with a trampoline, and boasting that piano scene, this film is fun from the word go. Typically eighties, oh so Tom Hanks, and wonderfully playful, let this film whisk you back to a simpler time – aka childhood. *****
Good Will Hunting (1997)
You may have seen Matt Damon in space, albeit a couple of times, but have you ever seen him as a genius janitor? If you have, very good. If you haven’t, please do. This film is all about the underdog trope, and also reminding university students that our mediocre intelligence isn’t all that. Beautifully written, wonderfully nineties, and featuring Robin Williams as the mentor we all need, Good Will Hunting is an emotional rollercoaster in more ways than one. Funny, poignant, and inspiring, this film mixes both educational and feel-good themes seamlessly. *****
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
What can be more feel-good than a yellow VW camper? A yellow VW camper with Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Abigail Breslin. A family road-trip is bound to be full of comedy, believe me, I’ve actually been on one… But this one takes it to new levels of funny with a slutty pageant dance, a dirty grandpa, a corpse in the boot, and a car that can only start downhill. Openly looking at much more serious topics of suicide, drug addiction, and marriage breakdowns, this film breathes fresh air into the all-too repetitive comedy tropes. Seriously fun, this film celebrates the power of family so much that you may even be encouraged to phone your parents. ****