With the world in such a heavy way right now, I’ve needed an escape lately. These four films (OK, 3 films and a comedy special) were all so funny and enjoyable to me (surprisingly so) that I wanted to share them here in case you’re also in need of a good laugh. And since we subscribe to Netflix and Amazon Prime, all of these movies were basically free. (We did cough up $.99 for one rental.)
Also, I always recommend checking out Common Sense Media to get an idea of the movie’s content and if it is something you deem appropriate for you and your family before watching. I give some context to the movies below, but I think it wise to do your own due diligence about violence, language and sexual content in these movies beforehand. That being said, I think most of the movies below are, or would be considered rated R.
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The Lovebirds
Some movies are funny in a bemusing, what-am-I-watching-? sort of way and some movies are lough out loud funny. This movie was laugh out loud funny. After I watched it, I made my husband watch it with me just so I could see it again. The plot itself is funny sure, but it’s really the two lead actors and their chemistry that makes this movie so hilarious. Issa Rae (of HBO’s Insecure) and Kumail Nanjiani (of The Big Sick) were so, so good together, no doubt they did a lot of ad libbing. For my more conservative viewers there is a lot of cussing and one sex scene that was well–not exactly graphic, but well again check out Common Sense media beforehand.
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My Spy
My kids love a good action movie, and as we were searching through the movie hub trifecta–Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+–we came across the Trailer for My Spy on Amazon Prime. We didn’t even get through the whole trailer before all of my kids agreed to watch it (a feat in and of itself!) and going in with somewhat lower expectations, I was so surprised at how funny this movie was! Another laugh out loud hit. And while there are some recognizable faces, this one didn’t have any major star power behind it, but the acting and chemistry between the main characters was great. Admittedly I’m finding that kids movies are pushing the envelope these days about what is acceptable for kids to see on screen (more swearing, even coming from kids–and a little more violence) so again be sure to check out Common Sense Media before hand to get an idea if you think this movie will be a good fit for your family, but my girls loved it so much they watched it again the next day. (OK, so did I.)
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Douglass by Hannah Gadsby
A couple of years ago the stand up special Nanette by Australian comedian (previously unknown to American audiences) Hannah Gadsby hit Netflix and exploded into public consciousness. For a couple of weeks I saw it everywhere, “Watch Nanette… Watch Nanette.” And I did. 3 or 4 times and I was elated and eviscerated every time. But was it comedy or was it social commentary? WHO CARES. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think. And it was one of the most brilliant performances I’ve ever seen. Which is why I was so hesitant to watch Douglass–the dreaded sophomore album. As Gadsby herself admits in the trailer, “Had I known how wildly popular trauma was going to be in the context of comedy, I might have budgeted my s&*# a bit better. But I went and put all my trauma eggs in one basket like a f#%*&@ idiot and now here we are!” So yeah, what else did she have to say? Turns out a lot, especially in regards to her new-ish Autism diagnosis. I consider Douglass to be more straight comedy as opposed to Nanette, but just as intelligent, human, eviscerating, bold and yet compassionate. Another must watch.
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Extra Ordinary
Remember how earlier I said some movies are funny in a bemusing, what-am-I-watching? kind of way? Extra Ordinary is kinda like that… but still with moments where I laughed out loud. It is unlike any movie I’ve ever seen. It’s a Horror RomCom hybrid (why not?) and if that doesn’t sound bizarre enough, then throw in some levitating virgins, a small town ghost hunter turned driving instructor and a man who coughs up ectoplasm and you’re starting to get the idea. It’s got a bit of a b-movie vibe at times, and while I don’t usually do horror at all (or any movies that deal with Satanism) the fact that it’s a comedy and these things are being presented in a very over-the-top, ridiculous sort of way, made it just fine for me. And it’s actually very light on the horror, if that’s helpful. You might recognize SNL alum Will Forte, but since this is an Irish film, everyone else was new to me. I particularly loved the lead Maeve Higgins, who delivers dead-pan with the best of them. It’s so bizarre, but so enjoyable to the very, very end. (This was $.99 when we rented it the other day, but it looks like the price has gone up.)
What did I miss? Anything super funny that you’ve watched lately?
Not a movie, but a show… my husband and I are currently obsessed with Taskmaster. British comedians doing really wacky shit and we love it. My nephews (6 & 9) and my brother-in-law introduced us to it. It’s fine for kids, aside from a few naughty words here or there, and they bleep them out. It is seriously one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. We’re watching it on youtube (free) but I’m sure it’s also available elsewhere.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m always excited for a new show too.
A movie I really enjoyed: “The Farewell” (streaming on Amazon). It was beautifully acted and was just a lovely watch altogether. Plenty of gentle humor, too. Awkafina is a phenomenal actress. Younger kids would probably not be too into this movie — maybe older teens because it’s a gentle family drama. Thanks for the recommendations!
p.s. next up for us is “Peanut Butter Falcon” and “Basketball or Nothing” (for parents and 3 teenagers).