Movies to lighten the mood

9 comments February 15th, 2008

Given recent news events, it seems a little silly to talk about movies today. But then again, movies always have a purpose, even if sometimes it’s just as a way to escape the grim reality of daily life. So today, if the mood strikes you, post a comment listing a favorite movie or two that makes you feel a little better when you’re feeling down. Here are a few of my favorites:

DUCK SOUP (1933) It’s no wonder that, in HANNAH AND HER SISTERS, this Marx Brothers movie is what reminds Woody Allen that life is worth living after all. It’s funny, it’s silly and it’s like no other movie I’ve ever seen. Plus, it’s got none of those annoying romantic subplots or boring musical numbers that can be such a drag in other Marx movies.

THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938) Movies don’t get more romantic (in every sense of the word) than this old-fashioned Technicolor adventure starring Errol Flynn as Robin and Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian.

STAR WARS (1977) C’mon, it’s STAR WARS — what more do you need to know? Do yourself a favor and pick up the DVD with the original version that omits all that computer-generated bric-a-brac Lucas insisted on sprinkling all over the so-called “special editions.”

THE HUDSUCKER PROXY (1994) This Coen Brothers movie is both a love letter to old-style moviemaking and a brilliant piece of cinema in itself. Tim Robbins arrives in The Big City, gets appointed president of Hudsucker Industries, invents the Hula Hoop, then plunges 44 floors to the pavement (45, including the mezzanine). It’s funny, it’s visually spectacular and it has a heart, too.

 OK, those are mine. How about yours?