That groundhog should be sued for malpractice for just how not spring-y it still is outside. As a nation—nay, a hemisphere—we are still slogging through the disgustingest time of the year. The only way out of this mess is to stay inside and binge on unadulterated, straight-up feel-good cinema. After extensive research and surveys, I’ve compiled a greatest hits of feel-good films that will soothe your cold and soggy soul.
Tag Archives: On the couch
On the Couch: An Unfinished Song
I’m grateful for films like An Unfinished Song, a new British comedy starring Terence Stamp at his craggiest. Grumpy old men get such a bad rap because they’re loud, scary, and very often don’t smell so fresh. But there are some very good reasons these dudes are grumpy, and even better reasons for why we should embrace them and their grumpitude.
On the Couch: Oscar Contenders
I’d like to take a step back from the aggressive glamour of Oscar season and examine these Best Films of The Year (according to one particular group of people) from a specialist’s point of view. These films have issues, y’all. For those of us who have hustled out to see them, we’ve been exposed to a whole host of disorders. Not to worry, though—for every Best Picture nominee there is a sure-fire antidote.
On the Couch: Anti-Valentine’s Day Movies
Last week we indulged in our mushier side, but now we’re reaching deeper into the dark recesses of our cold, black hearts. It’s your turn, you the majority of the population who, coupled or not, resent, dread, and roll your eyes at the mockery that is February 14th. Luckily for all you lonelyhearts, there is no shortage of films out there that remind us of just how great it is to be single—or rather, of just how nightmarish it is … Read More
On the Couch: Valentine’s Day Movies
‘Tis the season of drugstore candy, 10pm reservations, and ill-advised lingerie impulse-buys: Valentine’s Day. This year, I’ve decided to tackle this emotional minefield of a holiday in two parts. First, we’ll get good and mushy with a love-laden list of romantic, sexy, heartwarming films to get you lovers prepped for an epic day of roses and kissy-face. Next week, on the actual holiday, we’ll turn the spotlight on opposing forces…
On the Couch: Supporting Characters
Supporting Characters is a comedy about twenty-something bros, neither of whom is terminally ill. It’s so rare to see a film that actually delves deep into male friendship. Normally, we save that mush for the ladies (with all their emotions and lady-part problems). Guys, you don’t know what you’re missing out on. Hop on the couch with me for a while and witness these marvels of male bonding, and I’ll try not to get my emotions all over you.
On the Couch: Mama
Mothers and daughters: Lordy, where do we start? After listening to your problems for about five seconds, any good shrink will tell you there’s a three-hundred percent chance your mom’s got something to do with them. Especially if you’re a daughter. May these five films tide you over until your next therapy appointment. Or at least until your next cocktail.
On the Couch: My Best Enemy
We’ve all gone through a friends-with-someone-you-hate scenario. It’s a natural instinct we can’t seem to evolve out of. You know what I’m getting at: frenemies. Maybe someday we’ll either come up with a better portmanteau, or just grow up and give up on frenemies in general. But if these five films are any indication, I wouldn’t bet on it. Put up your feet and watch them with the one you love to hate.
On the Couch: I Am Not a Hipster
You are a hipster. You know how I know? You’re standing there, six string in hand, whining about the fact that someone’s calling you a hipster. Though some might have you believe this is a recent phenomenon, it’s just the latest incarnation of a very old problem—witness these telltale symptoms from films that predate the trucker hat era. The jeans may have changed, but the mustaches remain the same.
