When you want to set aside complex thoughts for a while and just hold the remote, pay attention. We have selected 5 ‘must-watch’ comedy films that will surely blow away stress and fill your heart with warmth.
1. I Feel Pretty (2018) – Self-Esteem Boost! Magical Comedy
“The moment I believed I was pretty, the world began to change!”
Co-directed by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, and starring Amy Schumer alongside Michelle Williams, this film became a hot topic. Scoring a high rating of 9.03 on Naver, it tells the story of ‘Renee’ (Amy Schumer), who, filled with appearance insecurities, suffers a head injury and becomes deluded into thinking she has become a stunning beauty. Armed with overflowing confidence, she approaches work and love with a completely different attitude. The film humorously and charmingly delivers the message that ‘loving oneself is true beauty.’ It shows how much can change when the way we see ourselves changes, instilling a refreshing and positive energy in viewers.
2. Old Dads (2023) – The Rebellion of Dads Struggling to Adapt to Changing Times
“The Struggle of ‘Latte Dads’ to Keep Up with Today’s World”
American comedian Bill Burr takes on both the direction and lead role, with Bobby Cannavale and Bokeem Woodbine co-starring, depicting the tight-knit friendship among middle-aged dads. Struggling in a world led by millennials, three middle-aged dads find themselves in constant trouble with the demanding preschool regulations and young CEOs. This comedy, with a Naver rating of 9.05, is filled with sharp humor stemming from generational differences.
Rated unsuitable for teenagers due to its bold and straightforward expressions, it received mixed reviews, with some saying it’s overly aggressive towards political correctness (PC) culture. However, it’s also a realistic piece that makes one consider the necessity of understanding between generations through the process of ‘old-school’ dads accepting the changes of the times.
3. The Terminal (2004) – The Delightful Survival Story of a Man Trapped at an Airport
“A Fairy Tale of Our Times Revealing the Meaning of Waiting”
Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones, this film received a high rating of 9.00 on Naver. ‘Viktor Navorski’ (Tom Hanks), arriving from a small Eastern European country, finds himself stuck at JFK Airport in New York after a coup in his homeland causes his nationality to disappear. Isolated in the airport terminal, he navigates his life with unique innocence and diligence, building connections with the airport staff and fostering love.
This film, inspired by the true story of an Iranian exile, clearly shows the power of a ‘must-watch’ combination. Blogger ‘Som Bong’ praised it by saying, “The episodes of an upright and naive young man stood out. I watched it alone at home laughing heartily,” and “Tom Hanks’ performance of not speaking English was very impressive.” The warm humanity unfolding in the confined space of an airport offers audiences deep emotion and healing.
4. The Internship (2013) – Middle-Aged Men’s Challenge at Google
“Two Middle-Aged Men Dive into Google, Bridging the Generation Gap with Laughter!”
Directed by Shawn Levy of the <Night at the Museum> series, and featuring comedic masters Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn in the lead roles, this film tells the story of two middle-aged salesmen, ‘Billy’ (Vince Vaughn) and ‘Nick’ (Owen Wilson), who, having lost their jobs overnight, challenge themselves in an internship program at the dream job ‘Google.’ Rated 8.19 on Naver, the film is continuously filled with laughter as they compete with 20-something geniuses in the heart of the cutting-edge digital world.
Shot at the actual Google headquarters, earning the nickname ‘Google employment promotional film,’ the film naturally blends the message of intergenerational communication and harmony with delightful humor. The process of the out-of-touch ‘middle-aged men’ venturing with the younger generation and understanding each other delivers cheerful energy throughout.
5. Hustle (2022) – Adam Sandler’s Heartfelt Sports Drama
“An Explosive Passion for Dreams Unfolds on the Court!”
Directed by Jeremiah Zagar and starring comedy master Adam Sandler, taking a serious turn, this film received rave reviews with a Naver rating of 9.14. It follows NBA scout ‘Stanley’ (Adam Sandler), once successful but now sidelined, as he discovers the hidden gem ‘Bo Cruz’ (Juancho Hernangómez) in Spain, and embarks on a journey together to try entering the NBA.
With the real-life NBA player Juancho Hernangómez in a leading role, the film maximizes realism. Comments like, “Except for the downside of the predictable plot, NBA fans have no choice but to give it a 10 out of 10,” and “Watched delightfully, thanks to the comfort Adam Sandler provides,” testify to the fact that the passion for dreams and the strong chemistry between the two men outweigh the shortcomings.
