Movies To Beat The January Blues

Culture
Movies To Beat The January Blues
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The Christmas tree and decorations are down, it’s still chilly outside, and you’ve already broken your New Year’s resolutions. January can be tough for many of us, and if you’re feeling a little deflated after the revelries of December you aren’t alone. We think film can be a great way to uplift and inspire, especially at times like this, so we’ve put together a round-up of movies to chase the blues away. Whether it’s the joy of singing and dancing, romance, or having a good laugh, these are the films that will bring a smile to your face and refresh you for the year ahead.

By Victoria Luxford

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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La La Land (2016) – “Here’s to the ones that dream, foolish as it may seem…” Damien Chazelle’s Oscar-winning ode to Hollywood’s Golden Age embraces the many small but important dreams that gather like stars in Hollywood. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling play performers whose ambitions bring them together, before pulling them in separate directions. That might not sound cheery, but the sheer joyous nature of them pursuing their dreams is inspiring, moving, and magical thanks to numbers like City of Stars and Another Day of Sun. A must-see for any cinephile.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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Big (1988) – Before he won an Oscar, or won our hearts as Sheriff Woody Pride, Tom Hanks spent much of the 1980s being the star of high concept comedies. One of the most notable was Big, a movie about a 13-year-old boy who thinks all of his problems would be solved by being “big”. A wish at a carnival fortune-teller machine turns him into a grown-up (Hanks), and hilarity ensues! What could have been a very throw-away story is actually a touching film about reconnecting with your inner child and the joy of the world around us. If nothing else, the simple pleasure of the famous ‘giant keyboard’ scene can’t help but bring a smile to your face.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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Soltera Codiciada/How To Get Over A Breakup (2018) – Many Hollywood movies teach us that the only way to fulfilment is to be with a special someone. However, this gorgeous comedy from Peru offers the counter point that the most important thing is to love yourself. Gisela Ponce de León plays a writer who is suddenly and unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend. We follow her through the hilarious messy attempts to emotionally rebound, including creating a blog where she goes through the steps of a break up. Funny and cathartic, if you entered the new year solo it’s a reminder that you’re wonderful just the way you are.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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Paddington 2 (2017) – If you have anything less than a joyous grin while watching this masterpiece of family cinema, you might want to check your pulse. The Paddington movies are a great example of films that revel in the virtues of being good. Paddington Bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is a naive but well-meaning young bear who is taken in by the Brown family, and this sequel sees him chase after a very special book he got for his aunty for her birthday. Featuring a comic masterclass from Hugh Grant as the hammy villain, there is nothing that lifts the spirits like a Paddington adventure.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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Legally Blonde (2001) – If you’re looking for a role model who never lets life get her down, look no further than Reese Witherspoon’s Elle Woods. The breakthrough role for the Oscar-winning actor sees her play an ‘airhead’ student who enrols in law school after her boyfriend dumps her for a smarter woman. Uplifting, funny, and thoughtful, it’s a film about never limiting yourself to the box life puts you in. You’ll also fall in love with Elle’s relentlessly positive outlook, and classic life lessons like “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands”.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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The Mitchells Vs The Machines (2021) – Few films have really nailed our modern obsession with devices like this animated film from the makers of Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse. We follow a family making one last road trip together, trying to reconnect as their relationship has drifted due to mobile phone use. However, when those devices rise up to take over the world, they have to work together. Fun, ridiculous, and featuring the most adorable family dog in cinema, it’s a reminder to unplug and embrace those that matter beyond their comment section.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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The Castle (1997) – We go Down Under for the utterly charming story of The Kerrigans, a family who live in a small, self-built property next to an airport (literally on the edge of a runway). Despite the noise and poor construction, they love their home, and so take the government to court when they try to vacate the clan from their land. Relentlessly positive, this is a film that makes you appreciate the little things. You’ll also fall in love with The Kerrigans, particularly Michael Caton as the inexhaustible father, Darryl.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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Rush Hour (1998) – What happens when a Hong Kong cop who doesn’t say much is partnered with an American cop who can’t shut up? That’s at the centre of this hilarious 90s action movie, the start of a trilogy starring icon Jackie Chan and comedy great Chris Tucker. You might think it’s Tucker who brings most of the laughs, but the combination of Chan’s physical comedy and Tucker’s verbal gymnastics make for a thrill ride that never drops below delightful. See this if you want to laugh solidly for ninety minutes and forget your troubles.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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Julie and Julia (2008) – Comfort food and comfort movies go very well together, so you might want to have some of your favourite dishes on hand for this whimsical story. Amy Adams plays a blogger who idolises real life TV chef Julia Child (Meryl Streep), with the two women’s dreams unfolding in different time lines. It’s a feast of uplifting moments, such as the adorable connection between Child and her husband (Stanley Tucci), or Adams sincere performance as a woman trying to finding happiness in the recipes. Playful and endearing, it’s a gentle hug of a movie from two of the finest actors in the business.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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The Lego Movie (2014) – Any film that literally sings “Everything Is Awesome” at you is definitely an uplifting movie! The film, set in a world of construction bricks, follows an optimistic young man named Emmett (Chris Pratt) who must save his colourful world from the evil Lord Business (Will Ferrell). This is a movie about the joy of play, whether you’re a young child or a grown-up who has lost touch with their sense of fun. The message of the film should be embraced with both arms, as well as the hilarious take on Batman from Will Arnett that spawned his own movie!

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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My Octopus Teacher (2020) – A big hit during lockdown, this South African documentary charts the life of a truly unique friendship. We follow a diver who, by chance, meets an octopus with whom he shares a special connection. Coming at a pivotal point in his life, the animal teaches him about the importance of living every moment, and helps him become a better father. There may be a few tear-jerking moments in this, but ultimately this is a very special story that will leave you with a sense of what’s possible from life.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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The Artist (2011) – A French movie about the silent era of Hollywood, The Artist became an awards season favourite before taking home Best Picture at the Oscars. Filled with a playful sense of performance, love, and comedy, Jean Dujardin’s award winning turn as the silent movie star resisting ‘The Talkies’ takes its inspiration from Singin’ In The Rain and shares that same fulfilling energy. Over a decade on, it will still bring a smile to the face of the hardest hearts, and convince those in a difficult moment that it’s always worth giving your dreams another try.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) – How far would you go to impress the person you love? Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan embarks on a journey of transformation as a husband who turns himself into a charismatic dancer to impress his wife (Anushka Sharma). Light and energetic, it shows the importance of finding your sparkle, but also how it is always important to stay true to yourself. Khan throws himself into the dual roles, forming an adorable bond with Sharma as well as songs that will have you dancing along.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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The Greatest Showman (2017) – “Ladies and Gents, this is the moment you’ve waited for…” Is this biopic about circus impresario PT Barnum historically accurate? No. Is it particularly well-plotted? Also no. Is it crammed with spectacular musical performances that will have you leaping out of your seat? Absolutely! Hugh Jackman’s passion project is not without its flaws, but the sincerity of its message about believing in yourself despite the odds is infectious. Combined with excellent support from Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Zendaya, it has become a singalong favourite for a very good reason.

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Movies To Beat The January Blues.
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Jerry Maguire (1996) – Show us the funny! Tom Cruise may not seem the type to be down on his luck very often, but this mid-90s romantic drama was considered something of a comeback for him. He plays a self-absorbed sports agent who is fired when he tries to make his industry more ethical, and starts from zero by making the right choices with his one remaining client (Cuba Gooding Jr) and a secretary who adores him (Renée Zellweger). There are so many quotable moments, but what often gets forgotten is the humour woven throughout Cameron Crowe’s Oscar winner. Throw in one of the most memorable make up scenes of all time, and you have a movie that will complete you!

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Movies To Beat The January Blues

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