Sunny Side Up: Feel Good Films

By Michael Lyons

“It’s the feel good movie of the year!”

One of the most over-used exclamations from film critics...but boy, one that we could used to be over-used right now.

Things don’t really feel good right now, that’s for sure, but maybe an escape to one of the many movies that do make us feel good would make us feel better, at least for a few hours.

Here is a brief list of some of Hollywood’s most familiar, and some seldom seen, feel good films:

“Singin’ In the Rain” (1952).  Donald O’Connor defying gravity through “Make ‘Em Laugh”; Donald, Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly gracefully tipping over furniture as they wish us “Good Morning” and Gene’s umbrella-spinning his way through the iconic title song.  This is, arguably, the greatest movie musical and one of the best films ever made and each time you watch it, it’s like a welcome visit from an old friend who makes you feel good.

“Pollyanna” (1960).  Walt Disney’s film adaptation of the novel about the title character, an orphan (Haley Mills) whose positive outlook on life helps change the perspective of the residents of a small town.  Considered for years to be Hollywood schmaltz, the name in the movie’s title has become synonymous with those who look at life through rose colored glasses.  But, quite honestly, we could use more Pollyannas right now.

“The Muppet Movie” (1979).  The Muppets “origin story” always makes us all want to find “The Rainbow Connection” and a home at “The Magic Store!”

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986).  Of all the John Hughes ‘80’s-teen-movies, this one about the title character (Matthew Broderick) who plays hooky on an adventurous day in Chicago has a joy of life unlike any other.  Shake it up, baby - twist and shout!

“The Fisher King” (1991).  Jeff Bridges is a “shock jock” and Robin Williams is Parry, an off-kilter homeless man in director Terry Gilliam’s film that unfurls like a good novel (thanks to an original script by Richard LaGravanese).  It starts off very dark, but little by little, the brightness of the film’s positive themes and messages shines through.

“Meet the Robinsons” (2007).  One of Disney Animation Studios most underrated films about a young, orphaned boy who travels into the future and in the process finds his true family and his true self.  With a recurring  and encouraging theme: “Keep Moving Forward,” this film focuses on a better world and a brighter future.

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019).  From just last year, Tom Hanks received a deserved Oscar nomination playing Mr. Rogers, in this true story of how he developed a friendship with a cynical journalist (Mathew Rhys), which changes the journalist’s life.  Like Mr. Rogers himself, this film asks the question: what would the world be like if you we took a more peaceful, positive perspective?  It would probably be as wonderful as Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

Take some time to feel good everyone and continue to be safe.

Sources: Wikipedia