Four Films That Bring Me Joy

In the early 2000s, I would eagerly await my father's return home from work, hoping his hands were occupied with a Blockbuster DVD or VHS tape. Each evening felt like a minor holiday, and the thrill of unwrapping was palpable – films like The Goonies, Stand By Me, and Harry Potter became cherished escapes for my friends and me.

Although both entertainment options have faded into the void of irrelevance, my love for film remains constant. It's a language of connection and curiosity and transcends the physical. The same films that once sparked excitement or fear have become sources of profound reflection in my own life.

Here are my top four comfort films, not listed in any particular order, and why they hold such a special place in my heart:  

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Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022):

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The film takes a stab at many genres, which is neither here nor there – it is the multiverse. The film depicts the life of the main protagonist, Evelyn Wang, who is an immigrant laundromat owner and feels estranged from her life and family. Suddenly, she enters many different and eccentric realities. In one sequence, she is kicking assailants' butts; the next, she is in a world where all people have hot dogs for fingers.

The film blends absurdity and beauty, reflecting on the complexities of our own lives. Its dynamic storytelling, unconventional transitions, and raw emotional climax are all examples of life as we know it. Its approach to nostalgia and aesthetic design makes it an exciting yet comforting must-watch.

Amélie (2001):

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In the Montmartre district of Paris lives Amélie Poulain, a quirky waitress with a playful grin. She finds a box of childhood valuables from a previous tenant, kickstarting her journey in enhancing the lives of her neighbors anonymously. Her acts of kindness are further demonstrated throughout the movie, like decorating her neighbors' apartment to resemble their childhood home and helping a grocer find a lover. 

The film provides a warm, fuzzy feeling and reminds me that despite life's challenges, which sometimes feel all-consuming, one can find solace by bringing joy to others.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014):

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Wes Anderson's film takes place in an imaginary country known as the Republic of Zubrowka. It follows an eccentric concierge and his loyal lobby boy. Between stolen paintings and a murder mystery, the film mixes adventure with the quirky charm of the hotel itself.

Every scenario is like a painstakingly put-together diorama, from the fast-paced chase on snow-covered slopes to the elaborate dinner scenes. The humorous dialogue and whimsical atmosphere fuel my appreciation for detailed art and multi-layered storytelling.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006):

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Little Miss Sunshine follows a dysfunctional but lovable family as they pile into a beat-up yellow VW van to drive across the country for Olive’s beauty pageant. The van becomes this perfect symbol of how mismatched they all are, yet how they still move forward together.

The film digs into family tensions and the need for acceptance, all building to Olive’s hilariously awkward but heartfelt dance routine. That moment says everything—it’s messy and totally sincere, just like the family’s support for her.

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Where change is constant, it's comforting to know some things stay the same. Movies have been that for me -- providing an escape, happiness, just like my father bringing home DVDs and VHS tapes back all those years ago.