By Edaein OConnell
23rd Oct 2020
23rd Oct 2020
With everything from the news to social media to real life being so negative lately, it’s time to sit back and make time to smile. These 10 films are sure to do just that. Make a cup of tea, open a packet of biscuits and relax. Things are about to get a lot lighter.
Slumdog Millionaire
This film starring Dev Patel focuses on 18-year-old Jamal Malik from the slums who enters India’s version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. He surprises everyone by answering every question correctly. However, officials believe he cheated and so he is arrested. To prove his innocence, he recounts his life story to police, detailing how he came to know the answers to the questions.
Sing Street
A soon to be Irish cult classic and endorsed by Ryan Reynolds, Sing Street is a masterpiece. Smart, funny, light-hearted and with the right amount of serious undertones, the film tell the story of Conor who is moved from private school to public during the 1980s. To deal with the transition (and to get the girl) he forms his own band. A must-watch with some great original music too.
Almost Famous
Almost Famous focuses on 15-year-old William Miller who gets the chance to accompany the rock band Stillwater on their tour in order to write an article on them for Rolling Stone magazine. Throughout the trip, he learns about relationships, the dark side of the music industry and most of all, himself. A truly underrated film with a standout performance from a young Kate Hudson.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
A film that never gets old. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a classic 1980’s comedy written and directed by John Hughes and starring Matthew Broderick as Ferris, a high-school slacker who skips school to go to Chicago for a day. Extremely funny, the film captured the essence of a decade while providing a dreamy parade sequence complete with a Beatles classic.
The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride is a fairytale full of fights, giants, laughter and true love. The film stars Cary Elwes and Robin Wright as separated lovers who must find their way back to each other while battling the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin. Guaranteed to make you smile.
Up
Though it begins with a devastating twist, Up turns into a heartwarming story about the friendship between a young boy and a broken-hearted old man. You will cry, but you will smile brightly too.
You’ve Got Mail
Many will say Sleepless in Seattle is the ultimate Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks film but for me, it’s You’ve Got Mail. Set in the late 1990s – when the internet was still frightening and chat rooms were all the rage – it tells the story of two rival bookshop owners who are also online pen pals but they just don’t know it yet. There is something so charming and sweet about this story and the chemistry between the two main characters sizzles.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
A modern-day teenage rom-com classic, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before received rave reviews upon release from viewers. Sweet, funny and utterly romantic, the movie had a 1980s look and feel about it. Put it on your list but beware the sequel isn’t as good.
The Parent Trap
A young Lindsay Lohans plays the part of two twins separated at birth by their divorced parents, only to meet years later at a summer camp. They decide to switch places and hatch a plan to reunite their mom and dad played respectively by the late Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid.
Mamma Mia
Meryl Streep. Colin Firth. ABBA. Enough said.
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