As we head into our final exams all the studying and the stress can lead to what are probably some of the least favorite weeks of the whole semester. But as important as it is to lock in and get ready for finals, it’s also important to include a little laughter in your everyday life. And what better way to find that source of instant comedy than through these fun and care-free films.
“John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City” (2018)
In 2012, actor and comedian John Mulaney released his first comedy special with Netflix “John Mulaney: New in Town.” Since the release of that initial project, he has released seven other comedy specials with the platform, one of which is a live late-night comedy show where Mulaney is the host. While each of his stand-up performances have their own moments that make them shine, my personal favorite is his 2018 special “John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City Music Hall.”
If you’ve heard any of the Mulaney sounds that have blown up on social media platforms, like TikTok or Instagram Reels, chances are it’s from this special. In Mulaney’s stand-up set he talks about hilarious events in his childhood, his time working at Saturday Night Live and everything in between. If you are looking for something quick and funny this is the stand-up performance to watch. Available on Netflix, “John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City” and all of Mulaney’s other specials are sure to make your weeks a little lighter as finals approach.
“Shaun of the Dead” (2004)
What’s funnier than a horde of zombies? The answer is nothing, at least not when it comes to the apocalyptic comedy “Shaun of the Dead.” The movie centers around Shaun (portrayed by Simon Pegg), an electronics salesman that feels bored in his own life, when his neighborhood in North London is suddenly overrun with zombies. Working with his roommate, Ed (Nick Frost), Shaun must rise to the occasion and try to protect his girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield), and his mother, Barbara (Penelope Wilton). Full of funny moments, this isn’t your typical apocalyptic horror movie. Made to be a parody of the famous 2004 zombie film “Dawn of the Dead,” the movie makes a lot of comedic references to other films in the genre. Though I’ve never been the biggest fan of the zombie genre, this is one I can definitely get behind. Available to rent on Amazon, “Shaun of the Dead” is perfect for those who want to laugh at the undead as we head into dead week.
Delivering both the laughs and the lessons, this latest season was a hit.
“Superbad” (2007)
Centered around two best friends trying to make the most of their last weeks of high school before heading off in separate directions, “Superbad” is the perfect comedy for those looking to take life a little less seriously. The main part of the movie is focused on Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) whose plans to buy alcohol for a party hosted by Seth’s crush, Jules (Emma Stone). As the long day leading up to the party continues, not only do Seth and Evan’s plans for the party go awry but the two childhood friends are forced to face what life will be like once they leave high school.
Along with Hill, Cera and Stone, the cast of “Superbad” is stacked with plenty of other famous actors like Seth Rogen, Bill Hader and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Full of hilarious moments from an already funny cast, this movie is a great choice if you’re looking to watch something fun with your friends. “Superbad” is currently available to watch on Hulu so if you haven’t watched this masterpiece of a comedy, I highly suggest adding it to your list.
“Pitch Perfect” (2012)
A cappella proves to be a lot more vicious than you might think in this 2012 music comedy directed by Jason Moore. Set at the fictional college, Barden University, “Pitch Perfect” tells the story of college freshman Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) when she joins the recently disgraced, all-female a cappella group, the Barden Bellas. Diving headfirst into a world she doesn’t fully understand, Beca must help the rest of the Bellas win the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella and get back their lost recognition.
“Pitch Perfect” has been one of my favorite movies for years. Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow join Kendrick in this incredibly musically gifted cast leading to what is not only a hilarious performance but a super catchy one. Currently available to rent on Amazon, “Pitch Perfect” is a great film to help you escape exams and immerse yourself in a world where the only thing that matters in college is a cappella.
