Films For When You Need Some Goodness in Your Day.

Buddy comedies never go out of style, especially ones that don’t take themselves too seriously and deliberately poke fun at their stars. In this film, Nicolas Cage (played by himself) is invited to the birthday party of an opulent fanatic named Javi (Pedro Pascal). It’s there that he is tasked by a CIA operative for a mission that causes waves: to secretly get Javi to admit his involvement in several federal crimes, including the kidnapping of the daughter of a well-respected anti-crime politician. A constant parody of Cage’s legacy mixed with a heartfelt comedy about witless grown-ups always makes for a good time at the movies or with your friends on movie night.

Passion for art and people is often the focus of most feel-good movies. In this coming-of-age film, you are taken through the formative years of Sammy Fabelman as he falls in love with the art of filmmaking and the magic it evokes in his family. From humble beginnings, with only his camera, toys, and the support of his loved ones, he discovers what’s possible when you pour your heart into your craft. As we watch him through the years, we endure many of the parts of his life that shape him into the artist he is by the end of the film. For lovers of the craft, this is an essential viewing.

Sometimes, the stars don’t align, and you may feel like you’re not cut from the cloth of what you dream of. Little Miss Sunshine is a stark reminder that this is not true. This film follows the dysfunctional Hoover Family, who pile into a Volkswagen bus on a pilgrimage to California to support their daughter (Abigail Breslin) in fulfilling her wish to win the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. Through a series of mishaps, close calls, and heartfelt moments of bonding, this film’s heart is on full display and vies for the viewers most tender feelings. The star-studded cast includes Steve Carrell, Paul Dano, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, and more. Even if it’s not all sunshine, you can still feel this movie’s warmth even after the credits roll.

Sci-fi adventure can foster all sorts of feelings of excitement, danger, and in some cases, kindness. In this Korean film, we join young Mija (Seo-Hyeon Ahn) as she fights to protect a majestic, mysterious animal named Okja, for whom she has been its loyal caretaker for a decade. When the outside forces of the Mirando Corporation threaten the sanctity of Okja’s habitat and take it for themselves, we go on a journey that is filled with wonder, suspense, laughs, and the love for wildlife. You’ll be zipped around the world and cheer on Mija’s efforts as she meets others who share her goal to bring Okja home.

You sometimes have to endure some tough situations and ask the hard questions in order to find peace. C’mon C’mon challenges the viewer to look inward and reintroduce themselves to the things that they find meaning in. This story follows Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) as he travels the country interviewing children about their thoughts on the world – and their future in it. On his journey, he is tasked with caring for his young nephew Jesse (Woody Norman) and taking him along on the road. This affords the two of them quality time to gain an understanding of each other’s perspectives, feelings, and experiences, which causes Johnny to take a look at himself in an unexpected way. The feelings that this film fosters are hard to pinpoint in a few simple words. Sometimes, that’s what makes a film so impactful.