What’s up, everybody? Reader here, and today, I want to talk about comfort movies. Have you ever wondered why we have those certain films that bring us comfort, like a warm hug on a rainy day? I think there are several reasons.
Firstly, they have a way of taking us away to a different world, where we feel safe, understood, and connected. In our hectic lives, filled with endless responsibilities and uncertainties, these movies offer an escape from reality. They allow us to unwind, relax, and momentarily forget about our own troubles. Goodness knows we can all use that, right?
Moreover, our own personal faves often have relatable characters that we can’t help but fall in love with. These characters become our friends, our confidants, and even our role models. We cheer for their victories, empathize with their struggles, and find solace in their resilience. We see a bit of ourselves in them, and through their journeys, we find inspiration and a sense of comfort knowing that we aren’t alone in our own personal battles.
Another factor that contributes to our love for these “rewatchables” is nostalgia. For me, this might be the biggest one. Nostalgia has an astonishing power to transport us back to simpler times, triggering a wave of great memories and good vibes. These flicks from our childhood or teenage years hold a special place in our hearts, bringing back feelings of innocence, wonder, and carefree joy, that we may have lost along the way, as we grow from kids to adults. No matter how many times we’ve watched them, they never fail to bring a smile to our faces and rekindle that childlike sense of wonder within us.
Comfort movies also serve as a form of therapy, allowing us to experience a range of emotions in a safe environment. They can make us laugh, cry, and feel a whole range of emotions.
Finally, comfort movies have this incredible ability to create a sense of community. We often bond over our shared love for certain films, creating a network of like-minded individuals who dig the same stories and characters. Whether it’s discussing our favorite scenes, quoting iconic lines, or even dressing up as our favourite characters, these movies bring us together, fostering friendships and connections that transcend borders.
Isn’t it great to have a cinematic shorthand, where you can throw out movie lines in a room of complete strangers, and see the smile that comes from that flicker of recognition? It’s the best, and you might even make some new pals!
I thought I’d share a few of my favourite all-time “rewatchables,” in no particular order. Maybe they’re some of your faves, too!
Let’s start with a movie that came out when I was a year old, but after discovering it in my teens, it became one of my go-to’s, and kickstarted my love of the zombie genre, George A. Romero’s 1978 classic, “Dawn of the Dead,” the follow-up to another of my faves, his 1968 game-changer, “Night of the Living Dead.”
On the flip side, is a horror-comedy, that pays a loving and hilarious tribute to the entire zombie oeuvre, 2004’s “Shaun of the Dead.”
Shifting gears, when I want a good laugh, it’s tough to beat “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!,” starring Regina-born legend Leslie Nielsen. So many great lines and sight gags. A classic.
Another of my favourite comedies is more recent, and stars John C. Reilly, in a great send-up of the many musical biopics we’ve seen over the years, from “Walk the Line” and “Ray,” to “La Bamba” and “The Buddy Holly Story.” “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” is endlessly quotable, and features a ton of hilarious cameos, including Jack White as Elvis!
My brothers and I are HUGE Kurt Russell fans, from “The Thing” to “Tango & Cash,” and even “Captain Ron!” But there are a couple in particular, that’ll always be our favourites.
The first? The movie we always used to throw on after school just about every day, John Carpenter’s “Big Trouble in Little China.”
And another classic, one of the best Western flicks ever, “Tombstone,” featuring Kurt Russell as legendary lawman Wyatt Earp.
When it comes to fantasy films, I watch this 1982 creation from the mind of Jim Henson, at least two or three times a year. All puppetry, all amazing, it’s “The Dark Crystal.”
And finally, my ultimate go-to’s, the original “Star Wars” trilogy!
Why include the Special Edition trailer? Because when I was a kid, I never actually saw the original films in the theatre. It was only in 1997, when I was going to college in Medicine Hat, Alberta, that I saw “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Return of the Jedi” in the theatre! And sure, it was George Lucas’ first go-around messing with the original films, but it was still awesome to see them on the big screen.
Of course there are lots of others, like “Ghostbusters,” “Uncle Buck,” “A Nightmare of Elm Street,” and so many more, but these are just a few of my faves.
What are your comfort films? The ones that you can watch time and time again, without getting sick of them? I’d love to know!
