Welcome to the first edition of a post series where we’ll highlight a number of favorites, in no particular order, in a given category. Last time I talked about bringing forward a few favorites in the Groundhog Day genre. So let’s get into it.
Groundhog Day – I really gotta put respect on Groundhog Day itself with the first selection. It is not the first time loop story. I don’t even think it’s the best time loop story. But its success basically created the genre. I didn’t even call them time loop stories in the header of the post. Just think about when you’re describing a movie to someone else, “It’s like Groundhog Day meets..” There’s a reason, because the humor and charm of Bill Murray and the cast here had people looking at this plot device and becoming really introspective. It captured hearts and imaginations.
Edge of Tomorrow – This one is probably my personal favorite. Tom Cruise starts off the movie as the fully unlikable Major William Cage. I think that he plays against his natural charm initially draws viewers in and Emily Blunt’s hardened soldier persona mix well. The movie uses Cruise’s many failed attempts at first surviving and then later at being heroic both as humor and progression. We get a very visual view at his character’s progression. Plus, the action is super fun.
Palm Springs – Andy Samberg has me wishing for more movies with him in it in this comedy that may draw more from the spirit of Groundhog Day than any of the movies since. There is humor, heart, and a healthy dose of nihilism. Samberg’s character has resigned himself to a lifeless existence of always living. It’s only after someone else is caught in the loop with him that his outlook changes. More dramatic than you’d expect from a Samberg role while still funny.
Source Code – This one is a joy ride. On a train. Nearly the entire movie’s plot develops while Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Colter Stevens lives the same short commute on a passenger train over and over until the train explodes. The story uses this short commute instead of a singular day while also throwing in another wrinkle in the genre that I thought hit pretty hard.
Naked – This was an unexpected hit for me. I caught this on one of those lazy Netflix nights and was really glad I did. The strength of Naked is its comedy with Marlon Wayans absolutely killing the lead role, living his wedding day over and over. These movies often focus on the personal growth of the main character and this one really gives believable and relatable chunks of growth behind all of the silly situations and laughter-inducing scenes. I think I need to watch this one again.
Okay, so that’s the first Five Faves for the site. Do you like that idea? If so, what others should we do? What are your five faves in the category? Thanks for reading.
Junction Point 