2020 has been insane, and it’s only March. Regardless of your viewpoint, I know there are a lot of people who are missing the movie theaters dearly right now. For years, theaters have always been a place of sanctuary for me. So not having the ability to go these past two weeks has really got me down. For the time being, here are some of my favorite movies on three different streaming services that can keep me upbeat.
The Pacifier (Disney+)
I wanted to start this binge list off with an utter bang. The Pacifier might not be on most people’s comfort list of movies. But for myself, it’s one that always leaves me laughing in tears. Vin Diesel plays Shane Wolfe, a lieutenant in the Navy Seals who goes from dangerous missions to babysitting a group of kids of all ages. Along the way, there are plenty of fantastic, truly comforting laughs. You get to see tough guy Shane go through all of the new parenting phases, learn the intricacies of picky kids, and build a bond that he never thought he’d get after struggling with his father.
Getting to see Vin Diesel struggle with babies, kids, and teenagers is one thing. Getting him to struggle with duck, and doing a nighttime dance just made this so much more hysterical. While some of the jokes are more on the crude side, this family film always leaves me smiling. The play at the end takes the cake!
Late Night (Prime)
I’ve talked about the importance of Late Night before, and I wanted to take the opportunity here to speak on it again. The movie is about a woman trying to break into an industry dominated by men. It is heartwarming to see Molly (Mindy Kaling) succeed after having such a difficult time getting her team members and manager Katherine (Emma Thompson) to trust her. Seeing her succeed after her hard work on the big screen really spoke to me. To be quite frank, I heartily recommend this film to anyone who asks, because I want myself, as well as other females in my situation, to be understood. Breaking the norm is hard. Late Night proves it, making you think about newly diverse squads and harassment in a new light.
Mrs. Doubtfire (HBO)
Mrs. Doubtfire is one of those movies I was unsure about watching as a kid but was really satisfied when I finally did see it. Simply put, it is a classic that tackles the enormous issue of balancing family during the heartbreak of divorce. Challenging issues are addressed best with laughter, and Robin Williams backs that up with his performance in this film. From its approach to comedy to the cast, Mrs. Doubtfire lets you leave your worries from the very beginning. It’ll help bring a smile to your face no matter what 2020 has brought to your mind.
The Apple Dumpling Gang (Disney+)
The Apple Dumpling Gang is one of those weird “hole in the wall” films. Despite that, it’s one of the classics I grew up with. This is one of those movies filled with klutziness that makes me feel more at home with myself. Don Knotts and Tim Conway lead a comedy-western that’s so bizarre, you’ll do a double-take at how oddly the events fit with Western lifestyles in 1879. While the film is fairly predictable, sometimes the biggest things we can do to help us forget our troubles is to laugh at the craziness of others. The cinematography has aged so well, you wouldn’t realize The Apple Dumpling Gang is 45 years old.
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (Prime)
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is different from the rest of these films, in the fact that it’s a sequel and a reboot at the same time. Despite this fact, if you’re craving something different from your typical reboot, you might genuinely appreciate this film. Although its narrative has many parallels with its predecessor, 2001’s Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, it explores fatherhood in a way that actually argues for the existence of reboots. There are several cameos that benefit from knowing the background of director and star Kevin Smith, but it could still be appreciated. More importantly, it has a ton of heart, with several performances making this one of my top films in 2019. If only all reboots managed to revitalize a franchise in such a heartfelt and delightful way.
Do you have any movies you’d like to recommend while we stay at home? Let us know in the comments below, and happy binging! –Katie Gilstrap
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