Now is the time for a laugh or two. And Daily Info aims to provide, with our pick of comedies to be found across various streaming platforms.
Fighting With My Family – Netflix
Who would have thought that a true story about a family of wrestlers from Norwich would prove such an uplifting, universal story? And yet Stephen Merchant’s film is a sweet, endearing watch, able to use the artifice of the sport to build to a resoundingly upbeat conclusion. It helps that the cast is a wonderfully strange mix, with the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Nick Frost and Vince Vaughan all supporting Florence Pugh (who is as brilliant here as she is in everything).
I, Tonya – Netflix
From one sporting comedy based on a true story to another. I, Tonya uses a more scandalous narrative, following the rise and fall of competitive ice skater Tonya Harding. A cinematic tour-de-force, it manages to be simultaneously heart-breaking and hilarious, in no small part thanks to Margot Robbie’s stunning turn. It is also one of the most interesting on-screen explorations of domestic violence, managing to not be exploitative while giving a unique perspective.
The Big Sick – Amazon Prime
Also drawing from a true story, romantic comedy The Big Sick is based on its writers Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani’s own courtship. It’s a charming, likeable, spiky affair, with some great witty lines, and one of the strongest recent examinations of the life of a stand-up comic, as well as of the expectations different generations can place on each other.
Blinded by the Light – Amazon Prime
A similar theme is explored in Blinded by the Light. The film charts the writer Sarfraz Manzoor’s teenagehood in 80s Britain as he falls in love with the music of Bruce Springsteen. You don’t need to be a fan of Springsteen (although it helps) to enjoy this warm, affectionate look at loving a musician’s works, while its take on race relations feels powerful and timely.
The Big Lebowski – Now TV
The Coen Brothers are masters of the comedy genre, with pretty much all of their films, no matter how dark, having genuine laugh-out-loud moments. And one of their most successful entries in the genre is The Big Lebowski, with a cast packed with incredible character turns, including Jeff Bridges at his most wonderfully laid-back. This is a film that Daily Info has great affection for and knows you will all love.
O Brother, Where Art Thou – Now TV
From one Coen Brothers film to another. O Brother Where Art Thou is their take on Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, as a trio of escape convicts attempt to make it back to their leader’s home. It’s a wonderfully lyrical watch, a likeable silly film that also shows the duo’s craft in creating lived-in worlds. Their regulars pop up for great cameos, with George Clooney at his charming best.
Heathers – Shudder
Every generation has a brilliantly violent teen comedy and Heathers is the late 80s entry, as a good-girl teen decides to take down the cool kids who are tormenting her. There are iconic sequences and performances, with Winona Ryder and Christian Slater full of swagger in a film with such a big following that it has gone to inspire a decent Broadway musical.
Little Monsters – Now TV
Lupita Nyong’o really should be a titan of the silver screen, with the actress stunning in any film she is in. This is certainly the case in Little Monsters, with her turn as a kindergarten teacher elevating this zombie comedy whenever she’s on screen. It’s silly, rude and, for the most part, a hoot to watch. Plus Josh Gad gives a delightfully repugnant performance.
Extra Ordinary – Netflix
This charming Irish comedy has a touch of Kiwi flavouring to it (Taika Waititi would be proud). Following a driving instructor who is also a medium, it brings in tropes of the ghost and occult sub-genres of horror whilst remaining a delightful, character-driven affair, more interested in making us laugh than scaring its audience.