How to Smile: In Different Media
Posted on April 13, 2022
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog all about how to cry in different media for some much-needed mid-term catharsis. Seeing as we’re at the end of the semester now, it seems fitting to do the opposite so I thought it would be a good time for some light-hearted happy recommendations to take you into the summer.
Songs
I Touch Myself Lime Cordiale Cover
It’s impossible not to bop along to this song whenever you hear it. The original song is already quite fun but this cover just takes it to the next level, imbues it with fresh energy, and it would be criminal not to highlight that awesome trombone solo. The vocalist sounds like he’s smiling through the lyrics and paired with the big band sound, this is just such a good time.
Love My Way – The Psychedelic Furs
Remember when everyone was obsessed with Call Me by Your Name and Timothée Chalamet and this song was everywhere? This song is so fun and refreshing and maybe because that movie takes place in gorgeous Italy during summer, I can’t help but associate it with the best parts of the season. You’ve probably heard this one before, but here’s a reminder to go listen to it again.
Image Credit: The AU Review.com
Movies
Little Miss Sunshine
A classic. Though this movie has many instances of dark comedy it’s filled with heart and humour that wraps up on a refreshing, lighthearted note which all works to make this so endlessly rewatchable. This movie follows a somewhat dysfunctional family on a road trip to a beauty pageant for their young daughter where, of course, general shenanigans and chaos ensue.
Eddie the Eagle
This is one of those movies that kind of fell off the radar, it’s not exceptionally beautiful cinematography-wise, the story isn’t majorly impactful but this movie is like a breath of fresh air. It’s just so freaking sweet, following the true story of Eddy the Eagle and his journey to the Olympics. With the same director and lead man as “Rocket-Man”- the Elton John biopic, I think you can get a sense of the general tone and feel of this fun movie.
Image Credit: Empire
Books
The House in the Cerulean Sea
This novel has been getting major buzz on book-tok, book-tube and any other book-social media hyphen, and deservedly so. This book got me out of a massive reading slump as it’s super easy to get into, the world is incredibly inviting, the characters so lovable, and the whimsy and imagination present in the story make this so much fun. The story takes place in a fantastical world following Linus Baker, a social worker for magical kids who is made to check in on a home with 6 dangerous magical children.
Good Omens
To be completely honest, I haven’t finished reading this yet, but I have watched the mini-series and so far tonally and story-wise the two are almost shot for shot, so let’s just say this serves as a double recommendation. This is a witty comedy with stand-out characterization (they’re just so fun and lovable) about a devil and angel working together to maybe stop Armageddon against the wishes of their bosses.
Image Credit: GoodReads
