Top 5 Feel Good Movies to Watch on Netflix

December 14, 2016

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Emma Giallongo ’20 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
The past few weeks have been tough for a lot of people. From too many final projects to stressful travel plans to, perhaps, upsetting elections results, most people can relate to the strenuous, fast-paced semester that is almost fully over. It’s time for everyone to have a chance to relax a forget about whatever they find troubling. So to help with that, compiled here are the top five feel good movies to watch on Netflix this month.
5. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer in 13 Going on 30. Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.

This early 2000s film begins with a birthday party for Jenna Rink (Christa B. Allen) who is turning 13. She invites the most popular kids in school and ends up getting burned when they play a cruel prank on her. Thanks to her best friend, Matt Flamhaff (Sean Marquette), and his magical gift of “Wishing Dust,” Jenna wishes to skip through all the drama of her awkward teenage years, and wants to be “30 and flirty and thriving.” She wakes up to find herself just that, 30, with a boyfriend, and a successful career as an editor at Poise Magazine.
Starring Jennifer Garner as Jenna and Mark Ruffalo as Matt, this comedy is sure to make the viewer happy, sad, and excited for the outcome of Jenna’s story as she tries to fit in with her fellow 30-somethings, even though she still has the mentality of a 13-year-old. Everyone can relate to the feeling of being a kid and not fitting in. Jenna copes with this literal event through slumber and dance parties and the occasional 80s reference – mechanisms you’ve probably used in the past as well.
4. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

The Emperor's New Groove. Photo Credit: Buena Vista Pictures. — The Emperor’s New Groove. Photo Credit: Buena Vista Pictures.

David Spade and John Goodman star in this hilarious Disney film about a spoiled Emperor Kuzco (Spade) who is accidentally transformed into a llama by his devious advisor, Yzma (Eartha Kitt), and her airhead lab assistant, Kronk (Patrick Warburton). Kuzco teams up with one of his citizens, Pacha (Goodman), and the two must work together in order to get Kuzco back to normal and back to his rightful place on the throne.
The result is a funny, sarcastic film full of silly fourth-wall breaks, visual gags, and a catchy soundtrack that’s sure to make the viewer bop along happily. It’ll make you want a bond like that which Kuzco and Pacha achieve by the end of the film, and you’ll also probably want to speak to squirrels with Kronk. It’s worth the watch, if only for the classic origin of the “Pull the Lever Kronk!” meme.
3. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, and Matthew Broderick in Ferris Buellers Day Off. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

The 80s were a classic era for feel good movies, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is no exception. Matthew Broderick stars as Ferris Bueller, one of the most popular kids at his high school who fakes an illness to skip school for the 9th and final time this school year, so he decides to make it count and get his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara) in on the charade. Trouble arises, however, when Ferris’ principal, Mr. Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), suspects Ferris and the others of skipping school without real excuses.
The film includes sweet rides, clever pranks, and a sweet lip syncing session through downtown Chicago on a parade float. If you’re bored or upset about whatever’s happening in your life right now, this is a great movie for viewers who want to escape the stress of this month and, instead, join a hilarious, fourth-wall breaking teen as he escapes his own boring day-to-day life. However, be warned, Mr. Rooney is a very creepy guy and he’s not a great role model for those of you going into teaching someday. Just saying.
2. Forrest Gump (1994)

Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures.

This heartwarming film follows Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a developmentally delayed man from Georgia who has lived a very full and exciting life, unbeknownst to him. A majority of the plot is told by Forrest as he waits for the bus to visit his childhood friend and past lover, Jenny (Robin Wright). He tells his life story leading up to that very moment on the bus bench to anyone who is willing to listen.
The story contains tales of disability, love, heartbreak, the Vietnam War, Olympic ping-pong matches, and shrimping. It’s an emotional roller coaster, but one that will leave you feeling pleasant and maybe even refreshed after watching. Forrest Gump is a movie that can always be enjoyed, no matter what the occasion and is worth watching over and over again.
1. The Princess Bride (1987)

Robin Wright and Cary Elwes in The Princess Bride. Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

This comedy will never cease to be funny. At first, it is masked as a classic fairytale, as a grandfather (Peter Falk) visits his sick grandson (Fred Savage) and begins to tell him the story of “The Princess Bride.” The story follows Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) who must marry the pompous Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), as her actual true love, Westley (Cary Elwes), has been murdered at sea by the Dread Pirate Roberts. Or so she thinks. Meanwhile, the Dread Pirate Roberts, the expert swordsman, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and the giant, Fezzik (André the Giant), try to rescue Buttercup from her unwanted marriage to Humperdinck.
What follows are hilarious trials and rescue missions and one-liners that are sure to stick with viewers for a long time. If you love adventure, romance, and sassy grandchildren, then this is the film for you. It is a fantastic blend of comedy, sentiment, and action, and is sure to leave a positive impression on you. Iconic lines you’ve probably heard before include: “Never, never go in against a Sicilian,” “As you wish,” and “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” It’s a must watch classic for viewers who need a good laugh.
Hopefully, these films will brighten up your day and leave you wanting more. The movies are all very enjoyable and will lift the spirits of those who decide to partake in their feel good purposes.

December 14, 2016

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