THE SECOND

AUNT LISA LIST.

Nearly two years ago I posted The Aunt Lisa List. It was a collection of ‘nice’ movie recommendations dedicated to my aunt (who is a nurse practitioner) in an uncertain, stressful and frightening time. I never imagined that these many, many months later times would be just as nerve-racking and scary. And I certainly never imagined that I’d post a second edition of this list. But, sadly, it seems needed. Not just for my frontline-working aunt, but for everyone. So here are another batch of ‘nice’ movies to help you unwind and, hopefully, put a smile on your face and/or hope in your heart.

With special appreciation for all the frontline workers out there, especially Aunt Lisa.

This movie is nothing without Garbo and her arc. There’s some dumb plot about a necklace and plenty of political commentary in it, but both are useless. However, watching the character of Ninotchka, and Greta herself, literally learn to laugh is one of the greatest pleasures the screen has ever known. I defy you not to match her joy as she slowly but surely comes to enjoy and embrace life and all its little pleasures… such as foolish hats.

Guys… this movie is called “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”… and it’s about salmon fishing in the Yemen. I don’t know why that tickles me so, but it does. Ewan is charming. So is Blunt. It’s all too cute with a sweet message about the virtues of swimming against the current - pun intended. I’ll have you know that this movie was nominated for three, count ‘em three, Golden Globes. Including Best Picture. Damn straight. Oh, and it’s directed by Lasse Hallström. Who doesn’t love that guy?

If you know anything about Tig’s life, you’ll smile watching her cut carrots. Which makes her job as a comedian both easier and harder. Because she doesn’t have to work that hard to make you laugh - you’re already half way there. But this also means that if the belly laughs don’t occur… you're left thinking she’s not as funny as you thought she’d be. Or as she used to be. Not to worry, Tig. You always bring the seriously funny and we leave satisfied. She’s past the tragedy that defined her act for so long in this special and well into living the too-good-to-be-true life, so watching it is especially uplifting.

Cheesy? Yes. Corny? Yes. Catchy? Hell yes. Look, I understand - to a lot of people this movie is a nightmare. It represents everything they hate about big Hollywood fluff. A simple still photo from it is like visual nails on a chalkboard. Even people who normally like musicals will run away from this one. I get it! I was once in that headspace, too. But I’ve since rid myself of such cynicism and given into this sort of thing, and very specifically this movie. Because it’s fun. Simple as that. Fun fun fun. And fun is fun to have. I could use a little of it in my life. So could you (probably). So wrap that feather boa around your neck and dance like a queen. The sequel is also lots of fun, but be warned - it’s also a tearjerker.

So many Hayley Mills movies could be on this list, but what better one than this? Pollyanna has become such a ‘thing’ that it’s easy to forget that she’s an actual character and a damn well written one. She’s all cheer and sunshine, love and faith, lollipops and kittens… until the dark side of life hits her directly. Then all her admirable attributes go out the window (at least for a time) and she’s not so adorable anymore. It’s the ultimate example of learning how to take your own advice and how generously privilege provides optimism, almost to the extent of ignorance. Anyway, this movie tastes like a peach. Mills won a juvenile Oscar (‘member those?) for it, her debut role.

I saw this movie. Once. I thought it was fine. I guess. But every time I see a list online touting feel-good, guilty pleasure or uplifting movies, this is without fail on it. Everywhere I look I’m constantly reminded of how beloved it has become. And just because it’s not necessarily my thing doesn’t mean I fail to understand why it’s everyone else’s. So here it is. Actually, now that we’re here and all - I’m realizing I would happily rewatch this. Dammit Reese! You’ve done it again.

This documentary tells the charming, inspiring story of Young@Heart, a chorus of senior citizens who cover rock songs new and old. Everything from the Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated” to Coldplay’s “Fix You”. They tour around with one goal: spread joy. At one point in the movie they even perform at a prison, much to the delight of the inmates who welcome them with open arms. Now, any touching movie about seniors this old is bound to include a death or two, so be braced for that. Still, I couldn’t help but include it.

There are three things going right here that make this movie just good enough…

1. There’s a thin line between cute and cutesy, which is to say between tolerable and insufferable. This movie lands comfortably in the tolerably ‘cute’ category.

2. Jennifer Garner.

3. A lot of movies have tried this formula, “Big” obviously being most successful. So on the surface this may merely appear to be next off the assembly line, trying to recapture that “Big” magic. But the closer you inspect this thing the more you’ll find that it’s greater than the sum of its parts. It comes off as fresh rather than a rip-off.

Rarely do you find a remake that is on par with its original. These movies line up against the light pretty perfectly, both in hitting narrative beats, warm tone and overall quality. Sure, there are definite differences. Spencer is more of an old curmudgeon whereas Martin plays his usual in-over-his-head nice-guy role. But both are well oiled Hollywood flicks; heartfelt and humorous.

This movie features a lot of verbal abuse, so you might wonder why it’s on this list. I’ll tell you why - because the main character, brilliantly brought to life by Sally Hawkins, has enough positive zest for the bright side of life to counteract any negativity around here. We should all take a page out of Poppy’s book. Her approach to life is simple: don’t take anything too seriously and have fun. Google defines ‘happy-go-lucky’ as “cheerfully unconcerned about the future”. What a lovely thing to be, especially right now.

Long before Gilligan and the gang took their three hour tour, there was this tale of Carole Lombard and her prissy pals getting stranded on an island along with a singing sailor. Once settled, they come across a nutty husband-and-wife research team who live on the not-so-deserted isle. Ethel Merman is one of the pals, Bing Crosby is the sailor and Gracie Allan and George Burns are the scientist pair. C’mon - why aren’t we watching this right now? Did I mention Bing sings while brushing a bear? Or that just prior said bear jets around a yacht’s deck on roller-skates? All kidding aside, Gracie wears a really pretty dress in this. And she delivers the funniest punchline of her career while playing an accordion.

Indispensable “Family Ties” writer Marc Lawrence is probably best known for co-writing “Miss Congeniality”, which is great pandemic viewing in its own right. But he made his feature directorial debut with this - one of my all-time favourites of the genre. It’s a classic rom-com set-up. But, as we know, that’s only half the battle. Not only does this line ‘em up exactly how you want, it knocks ‘em down in similar fashion. You get what you came for; total Hollywood satiation. And there’s an actual arc to Grant and Bullock’s relationship, starting as strangers, then boss & assistant, then bickering like siblings and finally falling in love. Its progression feels natural, which is rare in these cookie-cut pictures. It’s endearing and romantic. Which I believe can (mostly) be attributed to two things: in their own right, these stars are at the peak of their guilty-pleasure powers. And together? They showcase irresistible chemistry.

It’s like “Some Like It Hot”, except the duo on the run are women so they disguise themselves as men… disguised as women. Well, drag queens. So they’re pretending to be men pretending to be women, but they’re actually just women to begin with. Get it? Ha! Anyway - this was written and stars Nia Vardolas, and whatever came after “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was destined to be deemed a failure, as this was. But unfairly so. It’s an appropriate hoot, and Debbie Reynolds makes an appearance playing… (wait for it)… Debbie Reynolds!

Lucy and Desi go on their honeymoon in a huge trailer… and everything you’d expect to happen happens. You don’t have to be a fan of the show to enjoy this movie. It was directed by Vincente Minnelli (like, at the height of being Vincente Minnelli) and is my favourite of the few movies this infamous couple made together. Their usual relatable patter is on full display, as are Ball’s comedic abilities. There’s a moment when she goes flying out the trailer door and into a ditch of soupy mud that still kills me (although her wonderful stunt double Alice Broderick probably deserves a lot of credit for this gag’s great execution). Arnaz plays a character named Nicholas aka Nicky in this. Listen closely - I swear Lucille calls him ‘Ricky’ a time or two. And Madge Blake is in it! Playing someone’s aunt, no less! Well, now you have to watch it.