With “Staff Picks,” we aim to share some of the favorites from YR Media’s staff producers. The list is written and curated by staff at YR Media that helps produce the content with all our young journalists and artists. This week’s “Staff Picks” is a curation of feel-good movies that might bring you an extra laugh or two.
The Goonies (1985)
In 1983 Astoria, Oregon, a ragtag bunch of kids decide to chase local tales of pirate treasure. Bad guys decide they want to spend time chasing said kids because that’s just what bad guys do. A super classic Jeep Cherokee XL, bullets, death pianos, slick shoes, diamonds, bros on baby bikes; this movie has everything you need for an adventuring fun time. Recommended by Brigido Bautista
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
I would be hard-pressed to find a Robin Williams film that I couldn’t watch on repeat (RIP to that great man). Mrs. Doubtfire takes the cake as one of my favorite feel-good movies. This 1993 family classic is set in San Francisco and features Williams’s whimsical, comedic genius and his infamous goofy impersonations. I think what always stood out to me about this film, aside from how hilarious it was to see Williams dressed up as a woman, was the fact that Williams’s family found a way to stay connected despite the rough transition. My parents split up when I was young, and to see the dynamic of a divorced family navigating the twists and turns of a new family structure always made me feel hopeful while giving me a good laugh. I also just played it for my 9-year-old cousins and they loved it, proving that Williams’s comedy is timeless. For those who haven’t seen it — you’re crazy. Second, you are missing out on a phenomenal scene where Robin Williams gets made up in drag by Harvey Fierstein. Don’t miss out on a classic. Recommended by Maya Drexler
Dumb & Dumber (1994)
The 26-year-old film is a great reminder of slapstick comedy from the early ’90s. It highlights my affinity for Jim Carrey’s comedic genius. I remember discovering this film in the early 2000s with my earliest memories of channel surfing coming to a screeching halt often to watch the made-for-TV edit that ran on cable. The comedy stands the test of time, notably, the carefree approach and downright silliness makes it one of my favorite films. I find myself in tears watching Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels evade tension-filled situations often resulting in the best scenes. Quoting one-liners with my family has been a long-running tradition, not to mention the awesome memories that come with them. The feel-good nostalgia from this comedy alone offers a much-needed laugh in this current era of “Social Distancing.” Recommended by Oliver “Kuya Beats” Rodriguez
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
In the 5th movie of the famous “Harry Potter” series, our hero and his friends take on Dolores Umbridge and the standardized education system. With confidence only rivaled by Matilda, Harry, Ron and Hermione band together against school authority figures reminiscent of the out-of-control principals and teachers we all encountered at least once growing up. Nothing like watching a bunch of young ambitious students stick it to the education system. Recommended by Maeven McGovern
Superbad (2007)
Honestly, I’m a sucker for anything Michael Cera, Seth Rogan and Jonah Hill. Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) are best friends near the end of their high school career. They’re tasked with bringing alcohol to a party, so they enlist their friend Fogell on a mission to get a fake ID. Being young is about experiencing the world and getting into random and dumb missions with your friends. Watching Seth, Evan and Fogell end up in one awkward interaction after another brings tears to my eyes. This coming-of-age comedy is a film you can always throw on for some laughs. Recommended by Yared Gebru