Hard-hitting, heavy stories often make for the most praised and discussed films, and they are certainly the moviesprioritized during award seasons. Time and again, light-hearted movies are brushed aside as unimportant. Yet during periods of stress, heartache, or sheer boredom, these films are many people’s go-to.
10’Wine Country' (2019)
Wine Country
Wine Countryis a scenic comedy directed and co-produced by Amy Poehler. A woman named Rebecca is turning fifty and despite her wishes, her friends want to throw a huge celebration. They take a vacation in Napa Valley where each of the six women confronts their friendship and lives.
Why It’s Great
Poehler isn’t the only recognizable name. The film has Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, and other talented, hilarious actresses to round out thisfriend group. It’s always a nice change when adult friendships are highlighted on the screen and nowhere is that more true than here, in all its messy and zany glory.
A Bad Moms Christmas
A Bad Moms Christmasis a follow-up to Bad Moms, a raunchy comedy starring Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Kathryn Hahn. In this holiday special, Amy, Kiki, and Carla are preparing for the holidays after the events of the first film. But more drama is added when their own dysfunctional moms come into the picture.
Which Generation Is Worse?
The introduction of the main trio’s mothers makes these somewhat unlikeable characters more sympathetic. Now it’s clear why Amy, Kiki, and Carla make so many questionable choices. Yet even if viewers don’t care to explore generational trauma, they will get enjoyment out of the unhinged largely female cast.
8’Do Revenge' (2022)
Do Revenge
Do Revengeis an insanely fun black comedy. Drea never needed to develop kindness to get to the top of her high school’s social ladder. But after a private video she sent to her boyfriend is leaked, she’s ostracized. Drea teams up with a less popular girl toenact her revenge.
A Surprise Hit
This film pays homage to plenty of classic teen films, fromMean Girls,Heathers, even a touch ofClueless. This worried fans of those iconic films, butDo Revengeis refreshing. Not only is it beautifully shot, but it knows when to lean into the inspiration and when to deviate with much-needed originality.
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7’Anyone But You' (2023)
Anyone But You
Anyone but Youis a romantic comedy and loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Bea (Sydney Sweeney) has a brief encounter with Ben (Glen Powell) that doesn’t end well. Months later, they reunite when their sisters are set to marry, setting off an intense enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
A RomCom Resurgence
This film gave romance lovers hope that rom-coms aren’t a thing of the past. From the press campaignhighlighting the leads' chemistryto the sizzling trailers, many were excited to see the movie. For many, it didn’t disappoint, delivering out-of-pocket scenarios and cringe but hilarious banter.
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6’Dolemite Is My Name' (2019)
Dolemite Is My Name
Dolemite Is My Nameis a biographical comedy about an entertainer named Rudy Ray Moore and the character he created, Dolemite. The film depicts Moore’s humble beginnings at a record store in L.A. to when he officially made it, with movies and tours to boot. Along the way, he has both professional and personal difficulties.
What to Expect
Most biographical films are somber dramas. Not the case here. Eddie Murphy, who plays Moore, isrenowned for his comedy, with his impeccable timing, distinctive voices, and chemistry with his co-stars. The film is stacked with veteran performers, from fellow actors, comedians, and even singers to round out the troupe.
5’You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah' (2023)
You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
The unseriousness of the title, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, clues viewers into the movie’s tone. This teen dramedy is based on a book and revolves around two (former) best friends, Stacy and Lydia. If they thought competing for the same boy was bad, just wait until they compete for the best bat mitzvah.
A Family Gathering
If there ever was anepotism movie, this would be it. Adam Sandler produced the movie and starring in the film are his wife and two daughters. Despite this, the movie has a lot of merits for its earnestness in the portrayal of teen drama. None of the Sandlers phoned it in and relied on name value alone. It’s clear this was a fun, passion project for those involved and that joy transfers over to viewers.
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4'21 Jump Street' (2012)
21 Jump Street
21 Jump Streetis a buddy cop film starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, the latter also with writing credits. It follows cops Greg Jenko (Tatum) and Morton Schmidt (Hill). To stop a synthetic drug from spreading throughout a high school, they must pose as students themselves.
Don’t Think, Just Watch
Several films have come out about adults forced to relive their adolescence. Here, we see that perspective from both sides of the popularity spectrum. Hijinks and slapstick humor are the primary driving force rather than a sophisticated plot that requires devoted attention.
3’White Chicks' (2004)
White Chicks
White Chicksis a comedy starring brothers Shawn and Marlon Wayans. They play two FBI agents who get stuck chauffering two heiresses from the airport to an important Hamptons weekend event. After an accident injures the ladies, they refuse to leave their hotel. Fearing for their jobs, the agents decide to pose as the ladies themselves.
A Thousand Reasons to Love This Film
This film is about as deep as a kiddie pool, but it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. While the Wayans brothers drive much of the humor with their slightly horrifying prosthetics, it’s actor Terry Crews' performance as a lovestruck athlete that shines.White Chicksis crass andnot everything ages well, but it’s a 2000s classic.
2’Baby Driver' (2017)
Baby Driver
Baby Driveris an action film written and directed by Edgar Wright and starring Ansel Elgort. A guy named Miles, aka Baby, works as a getaway driver to criminals, though his true passion is music. While trying to get away from this path, he’s pulled into a series of fatal heists that threaten him and his girlfriend.
Where Did the Hype Go?
This film did well at the box office and received good reviews, yet disappeared soon after. Many of the actors in the ensemble cast are known for taking on dramatic roles, but this one is pure fun. Sure, Baby is a well-rounded character with a Tragic Backstory, but viewers are glued to the screen for the impactful action sequences.
1’Wingwomen' (2023)
Wingwomenis a French film based on a graphic novel. Carole and Alex are best friends and thieves who work for a mysterious figure. They try to leave the business when Carole discovers she’s pregnant but are attacked by individuals working for their boss. They agree to one last job and recruit race car driver Sam to help.
An Underrated Trio
Mélanie Laurent does triply duty starring in the film as Carole, writing the screenplay, and directing. She’s had a successfully multifaceted career and it shows.Wingwomenis fast-paced, beautifully shot, and the chemistry of the three leads exudes off the screen.
