برچسب: That

  • The Fantastic Four: First Steps + Ralph Ineson | What Does That Nature Say To You | The Green Ray (1986)

    The Fantastic Four: First Steps + Ralph Ineson | What Does That Nature Say To You | The Green Ray (1986)


    Orange background with white text "TRUTH & MOVIES" podcast logo. Three film stills below: woman in kitchen, man by lake, person in red jacket with flowers.

    On Truth & Movies this week, we discuss The Fanastic Four: First Steps and spoke to its star Ralph Ineson. We then review the latest Hong Sang-Soo film, What Does That Nature Say To You and finally, for film club, revisit The Green Ray.

    Joining host Leila Latif are David Jenkins and Kambole Campbell.

     

    Truth & Movies is the podcast from the film experts at Little White Lies, where along with selected colleagues and friends, they discuss the latest movie releases. Truth & Movies has all your film needs covered, reviewing the latest releases big and small, talking to some of the most exciting filmmakers, keeping you across important industry news, and reassessing great films from days gone by with the Truth & Movies Film Club.

     

    Email: truthandmovies@tcolondon.com

    BlueSky and Instagram: @LWLies

     

    Produced by TCO



    Source link

  • 12 Old SNL Sketches That Wouldn’t Fly Today

    12 Old SNL Sketches That Wouldn’t Fly Today


    Here are 12 SNL sketches they wouldn’t do today, thanks to changing standards of what’s funny. As the show marks its 50th anniversary, we look back on things that were funny then but might not fly now.

    Some SNL sketches and characters — like the Dana’s Church Lady, above — hold up incredibly well. In fact, SNL brought her back this past season.

    But not every Saturday Night Live sketch stands the test of time because what the general public considers OK is always changing. And evolving technology — people no longer have to send letters or call NBC, they can just gripe on X — can create a very fast, very public sense that objections to a given joke or setup are snowballing, which makes everyone involved in the show more hesitant to run the risk of doing something potentially offensive to someone, somewhere.

    Let’s take a dip into the past and remember some SNL sketches that some would prefer to be forgotten.

    Pat

    NBC

    Perhaps the most infamous of SNL characters is Pat. The “It’s Pat” SNL sketches were all built around a single joke: Nobody could tell if Pat was a man or a woman. They’d poke and prod around, trying to find the answer, but they never would.

    You can probably deduce why Julia Sweeney’s Pat character would be missing from modern SNL sketches.

    Remarkably, there was a Pat movie, probably the worst movie ever produced based on an SNL character, which is really saying something.

    Uncle Roy

    NBC

    Buck Henry was primarily known as a great comedy writer whose work included The Graduate and Get Smart. He was also a staple of the early seasons of Saturday Night Live, hosting a total of 10 times between 1976 and 1980.

    He also had his own recurring characters, including three appearances as Uncle Roy — a predatory babysitter. The sketches are, obviously, very uncomfortable.

    Anne Beatts was one of the writers on the Uncle Roy sketches. A veteran of National Lampoon, she was famed for her brazenness, a necessity to be a female comedy writer back in the 1970s.

    Ching Chang

    NBC

    Dana Carvey had some incredible SNL sketches and countless great recurring characters: Garth. Church Lady.

    Then, there’s Ching Chang. We don’t even like writing the character’s name out.

    There is no malice in Dana Carvey’s Ching Chang character, but he’s hard to watch now. There’s a reason they didn’t make the Best of Dana Carvey collection. Let’s just focus on all the good Carvey characters, like Church Lady (above).

    Lyle, the Effeminate Heterosexual

    NBC

    Hey, Dana Carvey returns! This one is less dicey, but does feel like something that would probably be avoided now, given the potential for it to stir controversy. Like many Saturday Night Live characters, this is a one-note premise, and it is right there in the character’s name.

    Carvey plays Lyle, and basically everybody assumes he’s gay because of his mannerisms. These could have been really iffy, but the “game” of the scenes is that everybody who assumes he’s gay is totally fine with it, including his wife.

    Much of the comedy comes from Lyle’s surprise and shock that anyone could think he’s gay.

    John Belushi’s Samurai

    NBC

    A white guy could be a samurai. Tom Cruise did it in a movie! However, John Belushi was not simply playing a samurai who was white in all his various sketches about a samurai who runs whatever business. No, in the samurai SNL sketches, Belushi is playing a Japanese samurai.

    That means, in addition to his traditional garb and hairstyle associated with samurai, Belushi is doing gibberish Japanese. He appeared in many sketches, mostly involving Buck Henry. Henry was a fan of the original sketch and asked to do a samurai sketch every time he hosted.

    That’s even though one time Belushi hit Henry with his sword and cut his head open.

    Robert Goulet

    NBC

    Will Ferrell played Goulet, the famed crooner, a few times. He’s a very Ferrell style person to play. There was no inherent issue with Ferrell’s Goulet impression. No, it is one particular time that Ferrell played Goulet that would not fly today.

    The joke in one of the Goulet SNL sketches was that he was crooning famed rap songs such as “Thong Song.” A couple of the songs in the sketch, though, contained the N-word. And Ferrell said it. Live from New York.

    Famously, Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor did a sketch that involved the use of that word, but it was 1975, Pryor was central to the sketch, and it was actively about racial prejudice.

    Canteen Boy

    NBC

    We will stump for the infamous iteration of the Canteen Boy sketches not being problematic, if only being fitfully funny and a smidge lazy. Adam Sandler played Canteen Boy several times, but only once was did it spark offense — so much so that it was referenced in Alec Baldwin’s monologue the next time he hosted.

    Canteen Boy is a classic Sandler character in that he is almost an anti-character. He’s just an odd assistant scoutmaster who has a canteen. Baldwin, in one sketch, played the scoutmaster who, well, makes sexual advances on Canteen Boy. Canteen Boy knows what is going on, and he flees and summons animals to attack Baldwin’s scoutmaster.

    Still, the idea of a sexually aggressive scoutmaster upset people. Modern SNL sketches tend not to make jokes about this kind of thing.

    Jazz Man

    NBC

    Billy Crystal was only on Saturday Night Live for one season, the infamous 1984-85 season when a show that was on the ropes was trying to right the ship. That included bringing in people like Crystal who were already famous.

    In fact, Crystal had previously appeared on Saturday Night Live, and the first time he did he brought his Jazz Man character into the mix.

    The Jazz Man is one of the wilder recurring characters in comedy. Crystal has brought it out time and time again, including into the new millennium. It’s one of multiple characters Crystal plays in blackface. At least when he plays Sammy Davis Jr. he’s doing an impression of a real person (not that it inoculates him, of course). With the Jazz Man, he’s just doing a stereotypical jazz guy. In, you know, blackface.

    David Paterson

    NBC

    Paterson was the governor of New York for a couple years, and SNL is a New York-based show. Fred Armisen played Paterson several times on SNL. Given their respective racial makeup, that was already not ideal. However, Paterson is also legally blind, and Armisen’s impression of Paterson leaned heavily into that.

    Armisen’s Paterson was a squinting, bumbling klutz. That would be questionable if Armisen was just playing a generic blind guy, but he was playing a real person who was legally blind. He turned Paterson into Mr. Magoo.

    The real Paterson was bighearted enough to appear next to Armisen doing his impression one night — part of Armisen apologizing for the broad caricature.

    Vinny Vedecci

    NBC

    Bill Hader is a fantastic impressionist, and he loves old-school archetypes. There’s a reason why he did a recurring Vincent Price sketch. One of his other recurring Saturday Night Live characters was Vinny Vedecci. Vedecci was the host of an Italian talk show, and he was boorish and brash. He also spoke largely in gibberish Italian. You know, that classic patter of Italian that isn’t actually words.

    We include this one because Hader himself has said he would not do Vedecci again. An Italian woman told him that she did not like the sketch, because it sounded so much to her like a gibberish version of her father.

    Hader had seen it in his head as a riff on classic comedy tropes, but this changed his perception.

    Nude Beach

    SNL Sketches
    NBC

    We end with a sketch that only occurred once, and personally we have no problem with it, but it raised huge objections at the time.

    We’re talking about a beach sketch written by the indelible Conan O’Brien alongside the also great Robert Smigel. Matthew Broderick was the host when it finally aired, and Dana Carvey features prominently again. The sketch takes place at a clothes-free beach, and even the amount of skin in the sketch feels like it might not be tried today.

    However, when writing the sketch, O’Brien and Smigel had a goal: “Penis” is a clinical, medical word that refers to an organ of the male body. O’Brien and Smigel set out to use it as many times as they could — more than 40 times in all.

    Reportedly, well over 40,000 complaints were registered with NBC. We doubt the show would ever poke the bear this way again.

    The Sharon Stone Airport Security Sketch

    Dana Carvey Doesn't Apologize for 1992 Sharon Stone Sketch on SNL
    NBC – Credit: C/O

    Last year on his Fly on the Wall podcast, Dana Carvey playfully apologized to Sharon Stone for a 1992 SNL sketch in which he played one of several airport security employees who try to get her to undress — supposedly “for security reasons.”

    Besides the sexual harassment joke, Carvey played the character as Indian. Carvey joked on the podcast that “we would be literally arrested now,” for attempting to do the sketch today.

    But he later clarified that he was just joking when he apologized to Stone, noting that when the sketch aired, “the whole audience went crazy, you do the sketch like six times with the read-through and the rehearsals, and she was such a sport with it. So there was no reason to apologize.”

    He also noted that he’s done imitations of all nationalities and doesn’t apologize. But the modern SNL would never go for the sketch today.

    Liked These Old SNL Sketches That Wouldn’t Fly Today?

    NBC

    You might also like this list of the 12 Best Saturday Night Live Sketches or this list of 15 Best SNL Characters.

    Main image: SNL. NBC



    Source link

  • Little Home Improvements That Make All the Difference — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    Little Home Improvements That Make All the Difference — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    When it comes to making your home feel more comfortable, stylish, or functional, sometimes it’s the smallest changes that have the biggest impact. You don’t always need a full renovation to refresh a space. Thoughtful, affordable updates can transform your everyday living experience in subtle but meaningful ways. From lighting tweaks to sensory touches, here are a few ideas to consider.

    Get the Right Fit with a Lamp Shade Reducer Ring

    Lamps are one of the most versatile ways to alter the mood of a room, but finding the perfect shade to match your existing fittings isn’t always straightforward. A lamp shade reducer ring solves the common problem of mismatched fittings between lamp bases and shade openings. These handy little rings allow larger European-style shades to fit standard UK lamp holders, giving you more freedom when choosing a new shade.

    Instead of having to replace your lamp entirely or settle for limited designs, a reducer ring opens up your options, making it easy to experiment with style, colour, or fabric. It’s a small detail, but one that can quickly update a room without major cost or effort.

    Create a Welcoming Atmosphere with Home Diffusers

    Fragrance plays a powerful role in shaping the atmosphere of your home. A carefully chosen home diffuser can add a constant, subtle scent to any room, enhancing both comfort and cleanliness. Whether you prefer calming lavender in the bedroom or a zesty citrus blend in the kitchen, diffusers are a simple yet effective way to set the mood.

    Many modern diffusers are elegantly designed to fit with a range of interior styles, from minimalist glass bottles to rustic ceramic vessels. Reed diffusers require no electricity and last for weeks, making them both practical and decorative. They’re an excellent finishing touch to create a space that feels thoughtful and well cared for.

    Upgrade Your Switch Plates and Handles

    One of the most overlooked improvements in the home is the hardware we use every day—light switch plates, door handles, and cabinet knobs. Replacing these small elements with modern, coordinated alternatives can lift the feel of a whole room. Brushed brass handles, matte black switches, or even ceramic drawer knobs can turn functional fittings into eye-catching details.

    These updates require minimal tools and time, yet they bring a polished, cohesive look to spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways. It’s a great way to refresh your home with very little disruption or expense.

    Use Mirrors to Expand Space and Light

    Another clever improvement is the strategic use of mirrors. Placing mirrors in the right spots can make small rooms feel larger and lighter. Positioning a large mirror opposite a window, for instance, maximises natural light and visually expands the space. Decorative wall mirrors can also act as art pieces, adding depth and interest.

    Whether you opt for a full-length mirror in the hallway or a collection of smaller ones in a living room, this trick works in almost every setting. It’s simple, stylish, and incredibly effective.



    Source link

  • 13 Shameless ’90s Comedy Movies That Just Don’t Care If You’re Offended

    13 Shameless ’90s Comedy Movies That Just Don’t Care If You’re Offended


    These shameless ’90s comedy movies don’t care if you’re offended.

    They just want to make you laugh, no matter what. But at the same time, a lot of them smuggle in some smart observations, too.

    Think we missed a great ’90s comedy movie? Let us know in the comments.

    There’s Something About Mary (1998)

    Funniest Comedies
    Twentieth Century Fox – Credit: 20th Century Fox

    What’s in Mary’s hair (above) will be enough to keep some people from liking this movie not matter what. There’s also plenty of bathroom and private parts humor (notably in the spectacular opening sequence) that the sensitive won’t be able to endure.

    And if they get through that, the movie takes the radical approach that people with disabilities should be very much in the mix when it comes to the jokes — not as the butt of them, but taking and throwing shots along with everyone else.

    All that said, There’s Something About Mary, like a lot of Farrelly Brothers movies— and ’90s movies — has a very big heart underneath all the gross-out jokes.

    Friday (1995)

    New Line Cinema – Credit: C/O

    The blunt talk of Craig (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker) will turn off a lot of people, but come on: Friday is funny. And we love the setup of goodhearted Craig getting pulled into trouble with Big Worm (Faizon Love) by partaking in the smallest possible share of Smokey’s stash.

    When it gets to the big face-off between Craig and Deebo (Tommy Lister Jr.), Friday left-hooks you with a pretty stellar message about gun violence and what it really means to man up. S

    ure, it’s better to settle your problems with words. But if that’s not an option, fists are a lot less likely to kill.

    Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

    New Line Cinema

    There are so, so many dicey jokes in Austin Powers — it’s a movie gloriously packed with innuendo and overt gross-out jokes.

    But because the movie knows the jokes are silly and gross and stupid, it feels smart, and we feel smart laughing at it. It’s paying homage to decades of James Bond-style wordplay.

    Also, the scene where Austin refuses to bed Vanessa — “’cause you’re drunk, it’s not right” — has aged very well. We once saw it with a crowd of millennials, in 2017, and the line got an applause break. Yeah baby!

    Kingpin (1996)

    MGM

    The second Farrelly Brothers movie on our list would probably offend Amish people, if their beliefs allowed them to see it.

    They’re missing out on a lot of racy humor, most of it courtesy of Claudia (Vanessa Angel), as well as an absolutely terrific but filthy joke involving a bull.

    Woody Harrelson’s reaction to the best line in the movie — delivered by an Amish character, no less — is maybe his finest moment onscreen, a masterwork of understated acting. And you’ll never look at a milk mustache the same way again.

    It’s also on our list of the 7 Sexiest Movies About the Amish.

    Fear of a Black Hat (1994)

    The Samuel Goldwyn Company – Credit: C/O

    Starring  Rusty Cundieff, who also wrote and directed, Fear of a Black Hat is a sharp satire of constantly shifting hip-hop trends that reacted to them almost as quickly as they happened.

    The film, which premiered at Sundance, traces a political/gangster rap group called NWH (the H is for hats) that splinters into various other genres, including desperate diss tracks, P.M. Dawnesque philosophizing, and C&C Music Factory-style dance music.

    The movie’s love for hip-hop is obvious — you can’t satirize something this mercilessly without knowing it very well. We love this movie.

    Clerks (1994)

    Miramax – Credit: C/O

    Clerks is a Kevin Smith movie, so of course it’s loaded with coarse jokes — none rougher than a sequence in which Dante (Brian O’Halloran) laments the sexual history of his girlfriend (Marilyn Ghigliotti).

    Meanwhile Dante’s ex, Caitlin (Lisa Spoonauer) has a horrific, mistaken identity encounter with an elderly customer at the store where Dante, well, clerks.

    The iffy moments weren’t too offputting to keep the Library of Congress from adding Clerks to the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The film, made for an initial budget of about $27,575, helped usher in the indie film boom of the ’90s.

    Freeway (1996)

    Republic Pictures – Credit: C/O

    Matthew Bright pitch-black Freeway, starring a young Reese Witherspoon, is one of our favorite movies from the 1990s because of its relentless, almost grindhouse commitment to sensationalism. It’s making fun of the tabloid trash of the ’90s even as it perfects it.

    In this very twisted update on Little Red Riding Hood, Witherspoon plays an illiterate runaway trying to get to her grandmother’s house after her mother is arrested for sex work. Her Big Bad Wolf is Bob (Kiefer Sutherland), a supposed good samaritan who is actually a serial killer.

    One of the many pleasures of the movie is its exquisite casting: Besides the excellent leads, it features Dan Hedaya, Amanda Plummer, Brooke Shields and Bokeem Woodbine, among others.

    The Nutty Professor (1996)

    Paramount – Credit: C/O

    If you’re not much for what the kids (the really small ones) call potty talk, you’re not going to like The Nutty Professor, Eddie Murphy’s update of a squeaky clean 1963 Jerry Lewis movie of the same name.

    The film won Best Makeup at the 69th Academy Awards thanks to Murphy’s portrayal of not only rotund professor Sherman Klump, but also the members of his extended family, who are prone to rude noises.

    The movie also makes many, many jokes about Sherman’s weight, and though we’re rooting for Sherman, and against the people who mock him, it can be hard to watch — especially if you’ve struggled with your weight.

    Chasing Amy (1997)

    Miramax – Credit: C/O

    The plot of this Kevin Smith movie would be a non-starter today: A lesbian woman (Joey Lauren Adams) starts dating a heterosexual guy (Ben Affleck). Many people have found a lot wrong with the film — besides a premise that many find objectionable, it’s raunchy throughout.

    But it also has its strong defenders: It was pretty advanced, for a mainstream comedy of its time, in its presentation of gay characters.

    And filmmaker Sav Rodgers has made a new documentary, Chasing Chasing Amy, about how it led to his own queer coming out.

    The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

    Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

    Some people will flat-out reject the whole vibe of this deliciously demented Halloween movie (or is it a Christmas movie?) directed by Henry Selick, from the mind of Tim Burton. It’s about the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, who grows bored with simply crushing it every year at Halloween and decides to branch out into Christmas.

    It’s full of genuine scares — the clown with the tearaway face in the first moments is a good gauge of whether kids can handle the movie — but it never tones down the darkness, decay, or worms.

    Because of its total commitment to goth atmospherics, the people who love it — many of whom aren’t even in kindergarten yet — absolutely love it. And the people who don’t can go watch a million less thrilling holiday movies.

    As an added bonus, the film features a murderer’s row of voice talents, including Danny Elfman, who did the music, Paul Reubens, Catherine O’Hara and Chris Sarandon.

    American Pie (1999)

    Universal Pictures – Credit: C/O

    The surreptitious surveillance of Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth) hasn’t aged well at all, and the movie treats the situation too lightly for many modern audiences. (Plenty of people knew it was wrong in 1999, as well, including, to the movie’s credit, some characters in the film).

    But that’s only one of the potentially offensive things in American Pie, which also features, of course, a very upsetting scene between a young man (Jason Biggs) and a pie.

    South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999)

    Paramount – Credit: Comedy Central

    South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut seeks out sympathy for the devil: We’re supposed to root for Satan himself as he tries to escape an abusive relationship with Saddam Hussein.

    There’s also lots of violence against kids and flagrant anti-Canadian propaganda. But of course, Canadians were too nice to get offended.

    But the best thing about the movie is Satan realizing that he doesn’t need anyone — not even Saddam Hussein — to complete him. What he needs is a little time alone.

    Liked This List of Shameless ’90s Comedy Movies That Don’t Care If You’re Offended?

    Comedies That Don't Care If You're Offended
    Credit: United Film Distribution Company

    If so, you just might also like this list of ’90s Movies Only Cool Kids Remember.

    Or this video of ’80s Movies Only Cool Kids Remember.

    Main image: Kingpin. MGM.

    Editor’s Note: Corrects main image.



    Source link

  • 12 Classic Movies That Bombed at the Box Office

    12 Classic Movies That Bombed at the Box Office


    These classic movies bombed at the box office despite being recognized today as stone-cold classics.

    We’re defining a movie as a bomb if it failed to make double its budget back in box office returns. A movie generally needs to make at least double its budget to turn a profit, given that the studio must pay for marketing expenses, and share a film’s take with theaters.

    As for what makes a movie a classic — that’s entirely subjective. But we tried to find films around which there’s a wide general consensus.

    Citizen Kane (1941)

    RKO – Credit: C/O

    For years, Citizen Kane reigned as the greatest movie ever made to many, and probably by general consensus. Before you see it, you feel like it could never live up to the hype… and then it does. Orson Welles truly earned the blank check he then used to make half-baked, overly ambitious passion projects for the rest of his life. You make Citizen Kane, you get to do that.

    Of course, you may know the story. Citizen Kane is a thinly-veiled riff on the life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who could be described as “not chill” about the idea of a thinly veiled biography/critique. Hearst did his best to destroy Citizen Kane, and in some ways he unfortunately succeeded. Box office reporting in the early 1940s was even less transparent than it is today, but fortunately Citizen Kane is one of the most-researched, most-discussed movies in history.

    From what we glean, the movie made only $1.5 million off of a budget of just over $800,000. It would have been far more widely seen, we suspect, if not for the efforts of Hearst (and/or people seeking favor from him) to bury the film.

    Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

    Paramount – Credit: C/O

    Gene Wilder is the Willy Wonka to many, despite Tim Burton making Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and Timothee Chalamet starring in a Willy Wonka prequel.

    For the multiple generations raised on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as a classic, it’s easy to assume it was a hit and has always been considered a must-see. But that is not at all the case. The film failed to grab a golden ticket, initially earning just $4 million at the box office on a budget of $3 million.

    It would take time before the idiosyncratic musical was able to grab the general public.

    It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

    RKO – Credit: C/O

    You know It’s a Wonderful Life as a holiday classic. It’s been airing during the Christmas season for decades. The movie is cultural wallpaper.

    But would you believe it basically derailed Frank Capra’s career? It’s true. One of the most successful directors of all time bet his reputation on It’s a Wonderful Life, and he lost that bet.

    Capra had started his own production company, Liberty Films, but it ended up only producing two films, in part because It’s a Wonderful Life was so unsuccessful. The movie made $3.3 million, which was only a couple hundred thousand over the budget. Capra’s dream of being a studio magnate died on the vine. He never made another notable movie, in our opinion.

    We will also note there is a misnomer that It’s a Wonderful Life became so popular because its copyright lapsed and networks didn’t have to pay to air it. It’s true that in 1974 National Telefilm Associates lost the copyright to the movie due to a clerical error.

    But because it was based on a pre-existing work, networks still had to pay royalties to air it, and since 1993 one company or another has enforced copyright on the movie thanks to a 1990 Supreme Court ruling.

    It’s also on our list of Black and White Films That Feel Strikingly Modern.

    Blade Runner (1982)

    Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

    Ridley Scott is both prolific and acclaimed, and Blade Runner is now considered one of the best sci-fi movies ever made. It got a sequel 37 years after its release, thanks entirely to its legacy.

    And yet, despite starring Harrison Ford near the height of his Han Solo/Indiana Jones era, Blade Runner arrived to a lukewarm reception.

    The theatrical cut made $41.8 million on a $30-million budget, thought it has earned more thanks to many recuts and re-releases.

    Clue (1985)

    Paramount – Credit: C/O

    Honestly? Even as longtime Clue fans, dating back to the days when it was a staple of Comedy Central, we’re surprised just how popular the movie has become.

    Clue seems to be one of the most-popular comedy films of the 1980s, thanks to constant twists, a fascinating structure, multiple endings, and a stacked cast that includes Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd and Colleen Camp. It even has a cameo by the Go-Gos’ Jane Wiedlin.

    It’s better than any adaptation of a board game should be. In the ‘80s, though, Clue was greeted with utter apathy. It made $14.6 million worldwide on a budget of $15 million. When we hear that well we feel flames… flames on the side of our face.

    Heathers (1989)

    New World Pictures – Credit: C/O

    In hindsight, Heathers was always destined to be, at best, a cult classic. It’s a pitch-dark comedy about teens on a killing spree. Even though we really like Heathers, we also fully understand it not having broad appeal. But it’s hard to argue with its artistic merit — it’s a pitch perfect pitch dark satire of the typical ’80s teen movie.

    That being said, Heathers truly bombed. Winona Ryder was fresh off Beetlejuice, and Christian Slater was a teen heartthrob. Even so, a movie that only cost $3 million to make did not make its budget back. Heathers made a mere $1.1 million. That was fully domestically, as it didn’t get an international release.

    Why were so few people interested? May we suggest a lot of people had brain tumors for breakfast?

    Fight Club (1999)

    20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

    Fight Club is one of those movies that always seems to be in some state of exhausting discourse. First there were the super fans who didn’t seem to get the movie at all, which begat a lot of people who cast aspersions on anybody who liked Fight Club and then… ugh, we’re exhausted already.

    Let’s skip all that. What we have here is a dark satire from David Fincher that cost around $65 million to make. It was no cheap indie flick, a bold swing given the nature of the plot. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt loved it.

    But perhaps because of its dark and unrelenting subject matter (and very dark humor) the movie made only $101.2 million worldwide.

    In retrospect, of course, its recognized as one of the most influential movies of the last 25 years.

    Office Space (1999)

    20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

    Office Space is the comedy equivalent of Shawshank Redemption, a movie that became beloved through repeat television airings. The difference is that while Shawshank Redemption wasn’t a blockbuster, it made plenty of money, and was also a Best Picture nominee. Office Space? It made $12.2 million off of a budget of $10 million. The film has made almost that much in DVD and VHS sales over the years.

    With all due respect to Shawshank Redemption, a favorite of many and one time most-popular movie on IMDb, Office Space has had more cultural legacy. It is the defining cinematic work reflecting white-collar office life. It led to Swingline making red staplers. It probably ended T.G.I. Friday’s asking the waitstaff to wear “flair” on their uniforms.

    Office Space hit people in their bones, but not until they found, after its theatrical release..

    Dazed and Confused (1993)

    Gramercy Pictures – Credit: C/O

    Richard Linklater’s 1990 Slacker is one of the most important independent films ever made, kicking off the ’90s indie boom and putting Austin, Texas on the way to becoming the film hub it is today.

    Dazed and Confused mined Linklater’s Texas teenage years to tell an indelible slice-of-life story. It helped solidify him as one of the perhaps the best-ever director of hangout movies.

    Linklater also showed an eye for talent: Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, and Matthew McConaughey are just a few of the then-unknowns that he cast in Dazed and Confused. However, given the movie’s cast, and its many adoring fans (literal books have been written about), it is easy to believe it was a hit.

    Yet on a budget of $6.9 million, Dazed and Confused brought in only $8.2 million. It’s OK: Gen Xers would go one to watch it countless times at home, and Linklater’s next film, the also excellent Before Sunrise, made ten times its $2.5 million budget.

    Helping to launch the careers of Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck, among others, Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused is a Gen X classic about the cuspers, or busters, who, like Linklater, fall somewhere between Boomers and Gen Xers.

    Quentin Tarantino has called his “favorite movie of the 90s” and “maybe the only movie that three different generations of college students have seen multiple times.” The party at the moontower has never stopped. Alright alright alright.

    The King of Comedy (1982)

    20th Century Fox

    Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro followed up their 1980 masterpiece Raging Bull with the $19 million King of Comedy, which earned a mere $2.5 million, making it one of the biggest misses of their careers.

    In a wild turn, Todd Phillips’ Joker — which Phillips has called an homage not only to King of Comedy but also to Scorsese and De Niro’s Taxi Driver — earned more than a billion.

    Joker borrows so heavily from King of Comedy that Phillips enlisted De Niro to play a role in Joker much like the one Jerry Lewis played in King of Comedy.

    The Thing (1982)

    Universal – Credit: C/O

    Released the same year as King of Comedy, John Carpenter’s The Thing is now recognized as a masterful work of sci-fi horror, celebrated for truly unnerving atmospherics and practical effects.

    Audiences in 1982 were slow to catch on. Made for $15 million, it earned just $19.9 million domestically.

    The Shawshank Redemption

    Columbia Pictures – Credit: C/O

    This lovely Stephen King adaptation earned only $29 million in its initial release on a budget of $25 million.

    Tell that to the legions of people who have caught it on TNT while flipping through channels and almost always stuck around. It’s a subtle, kindhearted charmer, but has enough of an edge to keep viewers on the edge of their easy chairs

    .Is it a classic? Well, IMDb lists it as the No. 1 movie of all time.

    The Big Lebowski (1998)

    Gramercy Pictures

    An eminently quotable movie so beloved that it spawned a Lebowski Fest and countless last-minute Halloween costumes, The Big Lebowski is among the best regarded films in the Coen brothers astonishing collection.

    Yet somehow it earned just over $19 million domestically on a budget of $15 million.

    If you don’t think it’s a classic, well, that’s just like your opinion, man.

    Like This List of 12 Classic Movies That Bombed at the Box Office?

    Credit: C/O

    You might also like this list of Gen X Movie Stars Gone Too Soon or this list of ‘90s Movies Only Cool Kids Remember, including Dazed and Confused.

    Main image: Clue. Paramount.



    Source link

  • 12 Shameful Movies That Glamorize the Devil

    12 Shameful Movies That Glamorize the Devil


    Shame, shame on the following movies for making the devil seem glamorous and cool.

    The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

    Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

    In this adaptation of a John Updike novel of the same name, an unlikely coven of New England witches played by Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon unwittingly open the door to the devil himself, played by Jack Nicholson. OK, technically he’s called Daryl Van Horne, but come on: Van Horne?

    The role finds Nicholson at his most endearingly devilish. He soon enters into complicated relationships with all three of the women.

    Shame! Shame!

    Devil’s Advocate (1997)

    Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

    This 1997 melodrama finds Al Pacino playing the devil as high-powered lawyer John Milton, who, well, bedevils a promising new hire played by Keanu Reeves — as well as his innocent wife, played by Charlize Theron (above).

    Milton is immensely charming and seductive at the start, then gets more brutal and nasty as things descend into total chaos.

    Shame!

    Angel Heart (1987)

    Tri-Star Pictures – Credit: C/O

    Pacino’s pal Robert De Niro played the devil 10 years earlier, in the form of a ponytailed smoothie called Louis Cyphre who hires a private investigator Johnny Angel (Mickey Rourke) to track down a missing singer in this Southern Gothic/noir.

    Soon a young woman named Epiphany Proudfoot (Lisa Bonet) enters the picture, and things get very disturbing.

    De Niro’s decision to play Louis Cyphre as restrained and cautious is quite unsettling and effective. He’s perhaps our greatest actor.

    Shame!

    Also Read: The 5 Sexiest Movies About the Amish

    The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)

    RKO Radio Pictures – Credit: RKO Pictures

    Walter Huston’s soft-spoken, diabolical Mr. Scratch (above) has an energy and charisma that seem impossible to resist. He rigs a trial against statesman and attorney Daniel Webster, as they take a wild and twisty tour through American history. It’s a challenging and ambitious story of what it means to be American.

    Shame on this film for ruining America’s wholesome 1940s image… and for glamorizing the devil.

    Oh God! You Devil (1984)

    From the trailer for Oh God You Devil. Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

    The third film in the Oh God! series — following 1977’s Oh, God and 1980’s Oh God! Book II — finds the irresistible George Burns, who played God in the first two films, doubling up to play both God and his old nemesis, the devil. His mission: To buy the soul of a struggling rock musician.

    With all respect to Gracie, Burns and Burns also make quite the comedic duo.

    Shame on George Burns. Shame!

    The Prophecy (1995)

    Dimension Films – Credit: C/O

    Another handsome devil movie: This time Viggo Mortenson plays a philosphical, manipulative version of Lucifer, pushing buttons and trying to protect his own interests amid a complex war between angels and humankind. He’s a carrot-or-stick type of devil, charming with an invitation, but also happy to just drag people to the bad place.

    Also, is it us or does Mortenson’s devil look a little like DeNiro’s Louis Cyphre?

    Anyway: Shame!

    Also Read: 10 Sex Scenes Somebody Should Have Stopped

    Constantine (2005)

    Warner Bros. Pictures – Credit: C/O

    No one’s saying Peter Stormare’s version of the Satan is a nice guy, but he is pretty cool in Constantine, showing up as he does, barefoot in a white suit, slowing down time and walking through shattered glass like the mysterious, sultry star of a ’90s R&B video.

    Needless to say: shame.

    The Story of Mankind (1957)

    Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. – Credit: C/O

    This very weird, ambitious courtroom drama finds Mr. Scratch — played by a beguiling Vincent Price, above — arguing before a Great Court of Outer Space that humankind is more evil than good. His magnificent cravat, needless to say, gives him an unfair advantage.

    Price was one of the earlier screen actors to figure out that a smooth-talking devil is scarier and more interesting than a raging one. You catch more souls with honey than vinegar, we guess.

    Anyway, shame.

    Bedazzled (1966)

    20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

    Peter Cook is a swingin’ ’60s devil in the original Bedazzled, in which he offers seven wishes to a nebbishy lad played by Dudley Moore.

    The most amusing aspect of the film — and most stories about deals with the devil — is seeing how he’ll technically fulfill his end of the bargain, while making things infinitely worse.

    Given that this version of Bedazzled is best known for a seduction scene with Raquel Welch, someone wisely said: Hey. what if the whole movie were a big seduction? Which brings us to the next film in our gallery.

    (Oh, and also: Shame.)

    Bedazzled (2000)

    Hurley
    20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

    The most glamorous of all movie devils, Elizabeth Hurley spends this superior remake of the 1966 Bedazzled tormenting the hapless Eliot (Brendan Fraser) while adopting a variety of amusing guises and costumes. She’s absurdly charismatic as a tech-savvy, high-fashion devil who uses computer programs to exploit her targets’ weaknesses.

    It may be Hurley’s best role — pitch-perfect as she is as Vanessa in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, she’s mostly playing it straight to Mike Myers’ Austin.

    In this one, she owns all the diabolical amusements.

    Shame! Shame! Shame!

    Little Nicky (2000)

    New Line Cinema – Credit: C/O

    With his prosthetic horns and pointy ears, Harvey Keitel is a watchable curiosity in this very broad, not-great Adam Sandler comedy.

    He plays the devil (often referred to as Your Evilness) as a hard-working, coolheaded, basically decent guy trying to hold everything together while juggling his difficult job and demanding dad (Rodney Dangerfield). Keitel, masterful actor that he is, glamorizes the devil by making him seem harmless.

    And also, the voice that Adam Sandler does throughout the movie: Shame!

    Enjoyed This List of Shameful Movies That Glamorize the Devil?

    Rear Window. Paramount. – Credit: C/O

    You might also like this list of 12 Rad ’80s Movies Only Cool Kids Remember. Or cleanse your soul with this list of 1950s Movies That Are Still a Total Delight.

    Main image: Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled, the inspiration for this whole gallery.



    Source link

  • Daisy-May Hudson: ‘I want to make films that…

    Daisy-May Hudson: ‘I want to make films that…



    In 2013 Daisy-May Hud­son was study­ing for a degree in Eng­lish and Dra­ma in Man­ches­ter. At the same time, her fam­i­ly back in Essex were being evict­ed from their home, out­priced on the rental mar­ket and forced to go through the social hous­ing sys­tem. Hud­son rushed home, picked up a cam­era and decid­ed to film their expe­ri­ence which result­ed in her acclaimed doc­u­men­tary Half Way. For her first fic­tion­al fea­ture film, Lol­lipop, Hud­son draws from her real-life expe­ri­ence and the women who have inspired her along the way.

    LWLies: Your film has many the­mat­ic lay­ers to it and one of those is a beau­ti­ful trib­ute to the com­plex­i­ties of moth­er­hood. Can you talk me through the many moth­er char­ac­ters we meet and how you decid­ed to por­tray them in the film? 

    Hud­son: Mol­ly was inspired by these women I met out­side the Hous­es of Par­lia­ment who were protest­ing to have their chil­dren back after they had been removed by social ser­vices. Also anoth­er moth­er who became an advi­sor to the film who also had her chil­dren removed. They were these Lioness women who were so deter­mined by that unbreak­able bond between a moth­er and child. I’m also real­ly inter­est­ed in gen­er­a­tional trau­ma and the mir­ror­ing of moth­er and daugh­ter rela­tion­ships. Mol­ly is so deter­mined to be a cycle break­er but she ends up falling into some of the same cycles that her mum went through. She par­ents her moth­er just like her daugh­ter par­ents her. And of course, Ami­na, they just have this mag­i­cal con­nec­tion that hap­pens on screen but also off screen when Idil and Posy get togeth­er. They have this abil­i­ty to see each oth­er beyond their roles as mothers.

    I loved Ami­na and Molly’s ride or die friend­ship. In your writ­ing of female friend­ship what were the most impor­tant things for you to depict? 

    I think there’s a mag­i­cal thing that hap­pens when we allow our­selves to be seen and it takes coura­geous vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty. When we do it there’s this depth of con­nec­tion where we can meet with some­one that is trans­for­ma­tion­al. That’s what hap­pens with Mol­ly and Ami­na. They start by hid­ing and fear of show­ing the dark­est parts of our­selves. Ulti­mate­ly, they show those parts, and they fall in deep­er love, a deep­er sis­ter­hood. The thing I’ve always felt about Mol­ly is that she had always been in sur­vival mode and Ami­na pro­vides a safe space where she can put down her guard. She can lean back into love. That soft­ens her and enables her to start lov­ing her­self and mak­ing new choic­es and then show­ing up to life in a dif­fer­ent way. Ami­na real­ly feels this deep grat­i­tude for Mol­ly because she actu­al­ly feels seen as a woman beyond all expec­ta­tions. That was so heal­ing for Ami­na, but also for Idil in real life.

    You’ve been very care­ful not to paint any of the peo­ple we meet in your film as vil­lains. The social hous­ing sys­tem was some­thing you and your fam­i­ly expe­ri­enced first-hand so can you talk to me about the things you drew from real life? 

    The thing we came up against as a fam­i­ly was the lim­i­ta­tions of the rules. You may be speak­ing to a human being but they are work­ing with­in this frame­work. When I was research­ing for the script, I was meet­ing real­ly gen­uine peo­ple who went into the job because they cared and want­ed to make a dif­fer­ence. Then they get lim­it­ed by this red tape… par­tic­u­lar­ly this dehu­man­is­ing lan­guage that they are trained to say. I remem­ber when we were home­less, we kept being told, in due course.’ It’s this pur­ga­to­ry basi­cal­ly. It was real­ly impor­tant to me that there was no bad­die or good­ie because I don’t think peo­ple go into a job to become bad guys. Also I think we’re just one choice away from being on the oth­er side of the table. When we were cast­ing I want­ed to find peo­ple that looked like Mol­ly, or could be Molly’s friend or aun­tie… that’s the thing about work­ing class com­mu­ni­ties you can be on any side of the table just try­ing to do your best and do right by your family.

    What are the guid­ing fac­tors for the type of cin­e­ma you want to make? 

    I want to make films that crack people’s hearts open in the most beau­ti­ful way. For me human­i­ty is about expe­ri­enc­ing this full spec­trum of emo­tion. That can be the deep­est grief but the high­est heights of joy. I think that’s what you expe­ri­ence in Lol­lipop.



    Source link

  • 10 Iconic Movies That Help with Depression and Anxiety — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    10 Iconic Movies That Help with Depression and Anxiety — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    Feeling low, worried, or mentally drained? Sometimes, the most comfortable support does not come from a self-help book or medical session, but from a quiet evening with a powerful film. Believe it or not, movies can offer more than a distraction. They can be an emotional lifeline.

    According to Health Central, cinema has the unique ability to mirror our emotions and gently guide us through them. Whether it’s a heartfelt drama that validates your pain or a feel-good comedy that brings a much-needed smile, movies can help us cope and even heal. Watching movies that help with depression allows you to see your struggles represented on screen, validating your feelings and reminding you that you’re not alone.

    These films often explore important themes like human connection, hope, and inner strength, helping you process your emotions more gently and thoughtfully. In this blog, we will take you through 10 iconic movies that help with depression and anxiety. We will also find out how movies support mental welfare and why they become an essential tool in the self-care routine of many people.

    So, catch your favourite snacks, settle, and search for the treatment power of storytelling through the film!

    Essential Points Discussed: 

    Here’s what you’ll learn in this article: 

    1. Movies can offer a powerful emotional release, helping the audience process feelings linked to depression and anxiety.

    2. Watching relatable characters overcoming struggles reminds people they are not alone and healing is possible.

    3. Lighthearted or humorous films provide a healthy escape from stress and can temporarily lift mood. 

    4. Thoughtful storytelling in movies can encourage hope, promote resilience, and even motivate people to seek support.

    How Can Movies Help with Depression?

    WHO has stated that, approximately 3.8% of people experience depression, including 5% of grown-ups, 4% among men and 6% among females, and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. 

    Movies can be powerful tools for emotional support, especially during difficult times. 

    While they aren’t a substitute for professional treatment, movies that help with depression can provide comfort, understanding, and even healing. Whether you are feeling nervous, isolated, or emotionally drained, the right film can help lift your spirits. Whether it is the story of flexibility, a character that you relate deeply to, or a light-hearted comedy that makes you laugh again, the right film can be a form of informal therapy during difficult times.

    Here’s how movies can help when you are struggling with depression, anxiety and loneliness. 

    1. Emotional Validation and Connection

    One of the most comfortable aspects of watching movies about depression and loneliness is the feeling of connection they provide. These films often portray characters that face equal emotional conflicts, such as isolation, grief, or anxiety. Seeing your experiences reflected on the screen can be incredibly valid – it reminds you of how you feel alone. 

    This can cause emotional resonance to create a sense of sympathy and connection that helps you to process your feelings more effectively. Students suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression often struggle with their writing projects. In such situations, they prefer to reach out The Academic Papers UK to get plagiarism-free dissertation help. They have expert writer who can handle your long writing projects, and enables you calm your nerves to experience a smooth educational journey. \

    2. Stories of Hope and Resilience

    As per Psych Central, good movies that help with depression often tell the stories of victory over personal development, recovery, and adversity. Seeing the characters navigate the challenges and be strong on the other side, motivates the audience to catch hope in their lives. 

    These stories show that it is okay to struggle, and this treatment is possible. From small indie dramas to larger biopics, these films provide powerful reminders of human power and perseverance.

    3. A Healthy Escape from Reality

    Sometimes, a temporary escape is the only one that the mind needs. Movies on Netflix that help with depression are easily accessible and provide immersive experiences that allow you to overcome your thoughts for some time. This type of mental break can be a useful way to reset and recharge. Running into another world – even for just two hours – can provide space to breathe, calm your brain, and return to your life with a clear perspective.

    4. Mood Uplift Through Laughter

    According to Well Power, laughter really can be good medicine. Funny movies to watch when depressed offer a healthy dose of humour that can temporarily boost your mood. Comedies provide a mental break from intrusive thoughts and overwhelming feelings. They stimulate the release of endorphins that offer genuine relief from sadness or anxiety. When chosen thoughtfully, a light-hearted film can bring joy and laughter, even in the darkest moments. 

    Comedy infiltration provides a mental break from ideas and heavy emotions. They stimulate the release of endorphins for real relief from the natural feel-good chemicals, offering relief from anxiety. When chosen thoughtfully, a light-hearted film can bring happiness and laughter, even in the darkest moments.

    5. Encouragement to Reflect and Heal

    Many movies that help cope with depression are deeply introspective, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own emotions and life circumstances. Films with rich emotional storytelling can stir something within, making space for healing and personal insight. By watching a character grow and change, you may be inspired to do the same, whether it’s seeking help, talking to someone, or taking small steps toward self-care.

    Many movies that help cope with depression encourage the audience to reflect on their feelings and life circumstances. Films with rich emotional stories can stir within something, making it make place for treatment and personal insight. Seeing a character growing and changing, you can also be inspired to do so. 

    List of 10 Best Movies That Help with Depression and Anxiety 

    Finding comfort in cinema is a common way of dealing with the emotional climb, and the best movies that help with depression often do more than provide entertainment. They uplift, heal, and connect with the audience. These films have the power to reflect real-life struggles, offering a sense of hope, humour, or solidarity. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, feeling isolated, or simply need a mental break, a good film can create a meaningful difference.

    According to Talk Space, movies that help with depression and anxiety focus on the characters overcoming personal fights, giving the audience a glimpse of flexibility and recovery. Others, such as good comedy or up-to-date stories, create a sense of lightness and distraction, reminding us that small happiness also matters. If you are searching for movies on Netflix that help with depression, then you are in luck because there is a rich selection of titles that inspire true stories, from heart-wrenching plays to true stories.

    These good movies that help with depression often highlight topics such as human connections, purpose, and the importance of self-acceptance. Seeing your feelings on the screen can be deeply valid, and many times, surprisingly, treatment. And if you are just looking for a laugh, funny movies to watch when depressed offer a temporary escape and remind you of the mild side of life.

    Below is a carefully curated list of 10 movies that can lift your spirits, validate your feelings, or simply give your mind a break when you need it most.

    1. Inside Out (2015)

    Sometimes, the best way to comprehend mental and emotional health is through a child’s eyes. Pixar’s masterpiece Inside Out gives human-like personalities to sentiments like happiness, sorrow, anger, worry, fear and contempt. The movie encourages us to accept feeling bored or unhappy, and shows that experiencing sadness is essential for healing, growing, and moving forward.

    This icnic and robust drama film based on animation, adventure,  and comedy genres. This light-hearted film deeply helps you seek clarity and power when you are struggling with emotional health issues. It validates that despair and gloom have a role in emotional well-being and promotes healthy emotional expression.

    2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

    This is one of the best movies that helps with depression, stress and anxiety. Stuck in a rut, Walter Mitty daydreams of experiences and adventures until one day, he embarks on a real voyage of discovery. This movie is visually attractive and emotionally uplifting. It communicates to anyone who feels like life is passing them by and reignites the intrepidity to pursue meaning, purpose, and maybe even bliss and joy. 

    This movie is based on the genres of  Adventure, Comedy, Drama, while also encourages breaking free from anxiety-induced dormancy and welcoming the unknown with joy.

    3. Good Will Hunting (1997)

    Will, a janitor at MIT with outstanding and amazing intellect, conceals himself behind a wall of anger and irony due to deep-seated trauma. With the help of an empathetic and understanding therapist role played by Robin Williams, he starts to heal, feel and grow. 

    This powerful and eye-catching story touches on mental health, misuse, and the restorative power of kindness. This piece also validates the significance and value of therapy and human connection in healing emotional injuries and traumas.

    4. Amélie (2001)

    This iconic and award-winning movie that can help with depression, sets the stage in Paris to help the audience know the significance and value of human deeds in living a sound and meaningful life ahead. Amélie is a whimsical tale of a timid and shy young woman who discovers joy in assisting and helping others. 

    The film is filled with colour, pleasure, charm and a sense of delicate magic that makes the ordinary feel special. It reminds spectators that small acts of kindness can change lives, starting with your own. The visually rich and unconventional storytelling can ease worried minds and restore amazement.

    5. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

    The pursuit of happiness is a classic moral piece which is based on the true story of Chris Gardner. He struggled with loneliness and homelessness while trying to provide a better life for his son. 

    Will Smith’s raw, heartfelt performance depicts the grit it takes to endure hard times with dignity. This showcases that even the darkest times can lead to better days, healing wounds and smiling faces, inspiring resilience, hope, shine and growth. Students can write research papers on such thought-provoking themes and perspectives to assist people struggling with such emotional health issues. 

    6. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

    This offbeat road trip movie follows a dysfunctional family supporting their youngest member’s dream of entering a beauty pageant. Filled with humour, awkward moments, and surprising depth, the film explores themes of failure, self-worth, and unconditional love. 

    This iconic masterpiece reminds you that perfection doesn’t exist and shows how even a messy family can bring healing. Your loved ones can offer real happiness, help you grow, and give you a place to rest when life gets tough.  

    7. Paddington 2 (2017)

    Are you struggling with gloom, sadness, and nervousness for so long? If yes, then watching this comedy film can ease your anxiety. Paddington 2 is a delightful film that radiates kindness, optimism, and charm. 

    It’s wholesome, funny, and filled with warmth, perfect for when you need a comforting escape. Its pure-hearted tone and gentle humour offer a cosy mental break during emotional low points. By watching this movie, you can cope with your everyday emotional health issues, disturbing your focus, clarity, and purpose. 

    8. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

    This powerful film chronicles the life of mathematician John Nash, who struggles with schizophrenia. With love, determination, and the help of those who believe in him, he learns to live with his condition and reclaim his identity and dignity. 

    It brings awareness to mental illness while showing that life can be meaningful, even when challenges don’t disappear. This movie that helps with depression allows you to learn self-care coping ways, mindfulness and therapeutic techniques to treat yourself in a better way. 

    9. Julie & Julia (2009)

    When life feels stuck, tedious and senseless, sometimes cooking, making, or just doing something new or creative can help. This dual-narrative movie tracks Julie Powell as she cooks her way through Julia Child’s cookbook while haggling with job pressure, stress and personal distrust and doubts. 

    Meanwhile, Julia Child’s own journey of self-discovery reminds spectators that it’s never too late to start life again. This type of approach facilitates finding joy in little actions and achievements and chasing personal desires as a path to recovery.

    10. About Time (2013)

    This romantic dramedy isn’t just about time travel. It’s about enjoying and appreciating the present. When Tim learns he can revisit past moments, he ultimately realises the value of living each day fully with a better hope and passion. It’s a gentle reminder to savour life’s little pleasures. Combining light romance with deep themes of mindfulness and gratefulness, ideal for nervous, anxious and hopeless minds. 

    Being a student struggling with such issues such as homesickness, loneliness, sadness, and despair is quite common. Such troubles can affect your mental state, physical health, as well as your educational journey. In case you are planning your thesis but feeling low, and unmotivated, acquiring services from the best dissertation writing agencies in the UK can help you complete your project. Meanwhile, you can book an appointment with a psychologist to better diagnose and treat your condition. 

    Can Movies Help with Depression?

    Absolutely, movies can be more than just entertainment; they can serve as a powerful emotional escape and even a form of informal therapy. When you are feeling overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, watching the right film can provide comfort, catharsis, and a sense of connection. Certain movies that help with depression offer relatable characters, uplifting stories, and emotional release, helping viewers feel less alone in their struggles. 

    Whether it is a hearty drama that validates your pain or a good comedy that brings a very important smile, movies can help us face, reflect, and even heal. Movies that help with depression often depict subjects of flexibility, hope, and change. These stories remind us that difficulty is a shared human experience – and that even in the dark moments is light. 

    According to Collider, streaming platforms such as Netflix have made it easy to access films on Netflix that help with depression. From Indie Gems to Classic Comedy, countless titles are available that talk about mental health, loneliness, and recovery topics. For those who feel isolated, movies about depression and loneliness can offer an emotional bridge, allowing you to reconnect with your feelings and see a way forward.

    Laughter is a natural stress reliever, and the right comedic film can feel like a comfortable friend in difficult times. Finally, while films are not a replacement for professional help, they can be a valuable part of your self-care routine. When you are depressed, our list of 10 life-changing movies to watch when you’re depressed aims to guide you to the title that calms, inspires, and supports you.

    What Is the Best Movie To Watch While Depressed?

    The Pursuit of Happyness is often recommended. This is an inspirational story of perseverance and hope that you can increase your mood during difficult times.

    Can Movies Help Depression?

    Yes, films can provide emotional relief, verification, and even negative ideas to provide treatment, motivation, and a temporary escape. Movies that help cope with depression often explore themes of resilience, hope, and transformation. These stories remind us that hardship is a shared human experience and that there’s light even in the darkest moments. 

    What Is the Movie About Struggling with Mental Health?

    A Beautiful Mind examines the challenges of living with schizophrenia and mental illness, which offers a moving illustration of flexibility and love.  

    What Movie to Watch When You Are Down?

    Inside Out is a great choice. This emotionally insightful yet light-hearted piece is perfect for moments when you feel less. This iconic movie offers relatable characters, uplifting anecdotes, and emotional release, allowing viewers to feel less isolated in their struggles and journeys. 

    Does Watching Sad Movies Help?

    Surprisingly, yes. Sad movies can provide emotional release, help you process emotions, and remind you of other similar struggles experienced by other individuals. On the other hand, humour also plays a significant part. Funny movies to watch when depressed cannot solve the underlying issues, but they can lift your mood and help you reset mentally. 

    Final Thoughts

    Although films cannot be a cure for depression, they can offer a very important spirit of comfort, hope, and emotional release. When you are feeling stressed or disconnected, turning to cinema can be a powerful form of self-care. The right film can validate your feelings, raise your mood, and slowly remind you that you are not alone in your struggles. 

    Movies that help with depression go beyond simple entertainment – they encourage emotional bridges and spark introspection and treatment. Whether it is a heartbreaking story of flexibility, a laughing comedy, or a cool reflection on loneliness, each film has the ability to calm the mind and soul. Remember, healing looks different for everyone. If you are ever uncertain as to whether you are depressed, then see our list of 10 life-changing movies to watch when you are depressed again. Remind you that these stories show that better days are possible, and even small moments of relief. And when in doubt, press the game. Sometimes, treatment begins with a story.



    Source link

  • Metal Roofing That Goes the Distance — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    Metal Roofing That Goes the Distance — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    If there’s ever been a time to think twice about what’s overhead, it’s now. Roofs don’t just sit quietly atop buildings, they take the brunt of the weather, guard against fire, and help regulate indoor temps when energy bills creep higher. So, when durability and performance are top of mind, more people are turning to an often underappreciated hero of home and commercial protection: the metal roof. And behind every solid structure is a dependable metal roof supplier that knows how to deliver more than just panels, they deliver peace of mind.

    Why Choose Metal?

    Let’s be honest, the idea of a roof that can last for 40 to 70 years feels like a relief. That kind of lifespan means fewer repairs, less maintenance, and no need to start planning the next replacement anytime soon. But the appeal goes beyond durability. Metal roofs stand strong against high winds, resist fire, and offer energy-saving benefits that put money back in your pocket over time. It’s not just about looking tough, it’s about actually being tough, rain, shine, or storm.

    Windproof and Worry-Free

    In areas where gusty winds are more common than calm skies, the value of wind-resistant materials becomes crystal clear. Metal roofs, properly installed, can withstand wind speeds that would send other materials flying. Shingles might lift or crack, tiles might shift, but metal panels hold their ground. This isn’t just marketing talk, it’s the result of real-world performance, tested time and again in some of the most unforgiving conditions.

    Fire-Resistant by Nature

    Fire resistance isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when choosing roofing materials, but it should be. Especially in regions where wildfires are a risk, having a non-combustible roof can make all the difference. Metal roofing systems don’t catch fire or add fuel to the flames, giving both residential and commercial buildings an added layer of safety. When every second counts, having a roof that won’t ignite can mean everything.

    Cooler in Summer, Smarter All Year

    Here’s where things get even more interesting. Metal roofs aren’t just strong, they’re smart. Many are designed with reflective coatings that bounce back the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them. The result? Cooler indoor spaces during the summer months and less reliance on air conditioning. That translates to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Plus, some systems are even compatible with solar panels, offering more ways to go green.

    Style That Doesn’t Fade

    It’s easy to imagine metal roofs as cold and industrial, but that’s a dated image. Modern metal roofing comes in a range of styles, colors, and finishes that complement everything from contemporary homes to classic farmhouses. Whether it’s standing seam profiles or metal shingles that mimic slate or tile, there’s no need to sacrifice curb appeal for function. This is one case where beauty and brawn absolutely coexist.

    The Investment That Keeps Giving

    There’s no denying that metal roofing often has a higher upfront cost compared to traditional shingles or asphalt. But take a step back and do the math. The longevity alone offers serious value. Add in the reduced maintenance, energy efficiency, and potential insurance discounts due to fire resistance, and the return on investment becomes more than clear. A metal roof doesn’t just pay off in performance, it pays off in long-term savings.

    Working With the Right Supplier

    Not all metal roofs are created equal, and neither are the suppliers. The right metal roofs supplier does more than sell material, they act as a partner in the process. That means offering guidance on the best materials for your specific environment, ensuring delivery timelines are met, and providing customer support that actually supports. Whether it’s a homeowner tackling a remodel or a contractor managing multiple builds, having the right supplier can make the difference between smooth sailing and costly delays.

    What to Look for in a Metal Roof Supplier

    Start with reputation. Look for suppliers with a proven track record, solid reviews, and references that speak to both product quality and customer service. Next, consider product selection. The best suppliers carry a range of options, from budget-friendly panels to premium finishes. Also important: their knowledge. A supplier who can answer technical questions, provide install advice, and help navigate code compliance is worth their weight in steel.

    Installation Matters More Than You Think

    Even the best metal roofing material won’t perform properly without a proper install. A good supplier often works hand-in-hand with trusted installers or can recommend certified professionals. From underlayment to fasteners, every piece plays a role. And when it’s done right, it’s not just functional, it’s flawless.

    Sustainability Without Sacrifice

    Environmental responsibility doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance. Metal roofing is one of the most sustainable options available. It’s often made from recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of its life. That’s a far cry from asphalt shingles that end up in landfills. For anyone building with the planet in mind, metal offers a smart, sustainable solution.

    Versatility Across Projects
    From rural barns and cabins to urban homes and commercial warehouses, metal roofing fits a wide variety of projects. It’s versatile enough to suit different architectural styles and durable enough to handle varying climates. That kind of flexibility makes it a go-to choice for builders who need one solution that works across the board.

    Peace of Mind Starts at the Top

    There’s a sense of comfort that comes with knowing the roof overhead can take whatever the weather throws at it. That comfort is what metal roofing provides. It’s not flashy, it doesn’t make noise about how tough it is, but it proves itself in the quiet confidence of lasting protection. Whether it’s wind, fire, sun, or time, it holds strong.

    Final Thoughts

    If the roof is the crown of any structure, then choosing the right material is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about performance, value, and protection that doesn’t quit. Metal roofing, backed by a trusted supplier, offers all that and more. For anyone building new or upgrading what’s already there, this is the kind of investment that pays off every single day it’s overhead.

    Protect what matters, and let the roof do its job, quietly, reliably, and for decades to come.



    Source link

  • Crafting Websites That Work — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    Crafting Websites That Work — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    Have you ever wondered why some websites are more successful than others? A good website isn’t just about looking pretty, it needs to function smoothly and deliver a clear message. Whether you’re starting a small business or growing an existing brand, knowing how to design, develop, and deploy your site properly is key.

    In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to help you build a website that works. From visual design to coding to launching, we’ve got you covered with simple, easy-to-understand tips. Ready to start building something great?

    Plan Before You Begin

    Before you dive into creating your website, you need a clear plan. This includes knowing who your visitors are and what you want them to do. Are they looking for information, products, or services? Think about your goals and how your website will help you reach them.

    Start by listing your site’s main sections. For example, you may need a homepage, an about page, service pages, and a contact form. Make sure the site map is simple and easy to follow. The easier it is to use, the better your visitors will respond.

    Don’t forget to consider your marketing plan early on. A smart website design should fit into your overall goals for business advertising. If your plan includes online ads or social media campaigns, your site needs to support those efforts.

    Crafting the Perfect Design

    Design is more than colors and shapes, it’s how people feel when they use your site. A clean and simple layout helps users find what they need without feeling overwhelmed. Good design makes a great first impression and encourages visitors to stay longer.

    Use colors and fonts that match your brand’s look. Consistency builds trust. Make sure buttons, menus, and images are clear and useful. Try to guide users through your site with well-placed visuals and strong headlines.

    Also, keep mobile users in mind. More people use phones to browse than ever before. A mobile-friendly design means your site works on any device, big or small. That’s a big part of successful brand marketing, making sure your site reaches everyone.

    Design shapes your website’s look and feel. Good planning and layout create an inviting space for exploration. A smart website design and development process starts with effective visuals that communicate clearly.

    Development Made Simple

    Once your design is ready, it’s time to build your website. This step is called development. Here, your ideas and designs become real. Developers use code to turn your visual plans into a working website.

    You can use tools like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify to make building easier. Or, if you want something custom, you might work with a web developer who writes the code from scratch. Either way, it’s important to test each feature as you go.

    Be sure all buttons, forms, and links work properly. Speed matters too, a slow website can push visitors away. Keep it light and fast so your users don’t get frustrated. Simple and clean code helps your site run smoothly.

    A well-built website allows customers to explore, learn, and connect with you. It also enhances your advertising by ensuring everything functions as intended.

    Getting Content Right

    Content is what fills your website. It includes words, images, videos, and more. Your content needs to be clear, helpful, and easy to understand. Visitors come to your site with questions, your content should give them answers.

    Start by writing simple and short paragraphs. Use headlines to guide readers and make it easy to scan the page. Make sure your message matches your marketing plan. That way, your content supports your ads, social media, and other campaigns.

    Don’t forget images. High-quality pictures and videos can make your site more exciting and professional. They also help show off your products or services in action. Just make sure they load quickly to keep visitors engaged.

    Your content should always reflect your brand’s voice and values. It’s a powerful part of your brand marketing, showing customers who you are and what you stand for. Good content builds trust and helps turn visitors into buyers.

    Always check your grammar and spelling. Clear, mistake-free writing makes a good impression. Great content, when matched with a strong layout and fast performance, keeps your site useful and attractive.

    The Power of Testing and Feedback

    Before you launch your site, it’s time to test everything. Testing helps you catch problems early. Look at your site on phones, tablets, and different browsers. Make sure the layout looks good everywhere.

    Ask friends, team members, or even a few customers to try your site. Their feedback can help you find things you missed. Maybe a button is hard to see or a page takes too long to load. These small details matter.

    Use free tools to check how fast your site loads and whether all your links work. If your contact form doesn’t send messages, that could mean lost sales. Fix any errors before your site goes live.

    Testing shows if your site supports your marketing goals. Are users finding the right pages? Are they clicking key offers or signing up for updates? An effective test phase ensures your website design delivers real results.

    Time to Deploy and Launch

    Now that your site is built and tested, it’s time to launch it! Deployment means putting your site on the internet so others can visit. You’ll need to choose a web host and connect your domain name. This part may seem technical, but many platforms guide you through it step by step.

    Make sure your launch goes smoothly. Share your new site on social media, in emails, and through ads. Let your audience know what’s new and why they should visit. This is a great time to use your brand marketing skills to build excitement.

    Double-check your links, contact forms, and mobile view after launching. It’s normal to find small issues and fix them quickly. Launching is not the end; it’s the beginning of a new chapter for your business online.

    Start Building a Successful Website Today

    Building a great website takes careful steps, from planning and design to development and launch. Each stage plays a key role in making sure your site works well, looks great, and supports your business goals.

    By following a smart content strategy, designing with users in mind, and testing before launch, you can create a site that brings real results. Websites are powerful tools; when done right, they help grow your brand and connect with your audience.

    Want more tips and insights? Explore our other blog articles on business, design, tech, and more!



    Source link