We all have those films we pop on the TV when we’re sad, sick or lonely. They may not be good, but they do the job at entertaining, distracting or even comforting us when life is just a tad grey. No not one of the 50 shades, I’m talking when you’re blue. Not Eiffel 65 “Blue” either. In this list you’ll find films that DO NOT highlight acting or performances. In fact much of the acting in these films is downright abhorrent. But these films aren’t on this list for their talent. No sir, they’re here because you can’t help by smile when the credits start rolling.

5. Mallrats (1995) 

Podfather Kevin Smith’s second attempt at film making. And it’s much campier than his first: Clerks. Is it as loved? Not really. It’s more inline with the humour that he’s known for nowadays; just with an almost PG filter. This is a buddy flick where two guys sulk at a mall when they’re coincidentally confronted with lady troubles on the same day. This film is also set in the same “askewniverse” as Clerks and Chasing Amy.

What makes Mallrats a great comfort film is the fact that it’s incredibly simple. boy(s) have girl(s.) Boy(s) lose girl(s.) Boy(s) get girl(s) back. All while having supporting characters Jay and Silent Bob run around in B-scenes keeping the chuckles coming. Bonus: BEN AFFLECK.

4. Kindergarten Cop (1990)

Arnold Schwarzenegger was in his prime, before   Jingle All The Way. Directed by Ivan Reitman, Kindergarten Cop follows Arnold, a no nonsense bad ass cop as he gets stuck playing the role of kindergarten teacher while investigation a ruthless killer who may be after his estranged family.

This flick is deserves a place on this list because it reveals Arnold’s tender maternal side without the stupidity of Junior. It’s ridiculous and a good time. Props to Arnold for saying words like arithmetics. Bonus: Ferret.

 

 

3. Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997) 

Unlike Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, this flick didn’t have a bazillion dollar budget. Many have just called it a longer episode that at least remained in canon with the series. Another good point considering the first film was forgetting by the show’s producers.

Turbo follows the usual Power Rangers formula: New bad guys arrive, Better powers and suits are needed. Some rangers are replaced like kleenex. However, this time the new Blue Ranger is Justin, A LITTLE KID. My child mind blew a breaker.

Why is this a good comfort film? It’s super heros in spandex and giant mecha-cars fighting a big lava monster with an evil pirate-empress who’s boobs are about to pop out!

2. Grind (2003)

Before Adam Brody exploded on the scene with The O.C. He starred this little skater boy fun film. Adam and his buddies decide to take off after high school graduation and try to be pro-skate boarders for a summer. Little known fact: Brody starred in Sausage Factory earlier in his career. You’ll thank me later.

Good times and great memories follow in Grind. It’s a plain good time. No deep lessons or complex stories. Just guys going big or going home.

 

 

 

1. 10 Things I hate About You (1999) 

Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz and JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT! Holy crap is this film pact to the brim with talent of the early 2000’s! Loosely based of off William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of The Shrew,” 10 Things I Hate About You follows a ragtag gang of high schoolers as they scramble for love and such during prom season.

This one holds a dear and special place in my heart as I once caught the flu in the middle of JULY while I was painting my room. I was out of commission and could barely move. The one thing the kept my sanity was this film. It played a total of 18 times that week on Canada’s CityTV. I believe I managed 9 FULL views while stuck on the couch. I have watched this film almost every time I have fallen ill since then.

Is it any good? Yes actually. It’s not bad at all. You get a glimpse at all these cat’s talent. Is the story good? No. But it’s simple and fun. I wish my prom was as hectic as theirs!

So there you have it! My Top 5 Comfort Films! What are yours?