Maxine’s new novel Things Are Looking Up is out now! https://amzn.to/3vnJcq9
Sometimes when I’m feeling a bit low, under the weather, or even just a bit ‘meh’, there’s nothing like snuggling on the sofa with some warm and fuzzy escapism on the telly for a couple of hours.
If I can stream it, all the better (as I don’t have to move from the blanket cocoon I will then have made) but I do like to have my faves on DVD too for those moments when the streaming channels oh so rudely delete these delights from their offerings.
So, in no particular order, here are my top ten choices for Watching Yourself Happy.
- Julie & Julia – I absolutely love this film and have watched it over and over. It’s a real ‘go to’ when I need a pick me up. The acting by all is stellar and the writing, and seamless entwining of the two stories is just brilliant.
- Dan In Real Life – this was one of those films that one discovers by accident and falls totally in love with. Steve Carell is excellent as a single dad who’s raising three daughters alongside his job as ‘agony uncle’ for a paper. Most of the film is set in the family’s summer house as they close it up for the winter and the whole dynamic between all the different relations is just wonderful.
- Confessions of a Shopaholic – I must admit I’m more a fan of Sophie Kinsella’s standalones than the shopaholic series but I absolutely love this adaptation of the first couple of books. It’s fun, daft and a great feel good film.
- Leap Year – this was a more recent discovery in the last couple of years. Not quite sure how I missed it. Amy Adams is always good (see Julie & Julia) and I love the setting of Ireland. The mishaps, misunderstandings and hate to love storyline is a winner for me.
- Sabrina – An older one but a goodie. I love the scenes of Paris plus it has a beautiful soundtrack.
- North & South – The delectable Richard Armitage as Mr Thornton is always a delight in this adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s Victorian novel. I’m surprised I haven’t worn this out I’ve watched it so many times.
- Persuasion– As with many Jane Austen books, there have been several adaptations but this is my personal favourite with Rupert Penry-Jones and Sally Hawkins, full of drama and emotion.
- Sense & Sensibility – Yet another Jane Austen. Humour, heartbreak and the best Colonel Brandon in my opinion.
- Northanger Abbey – One of the most amusing of Jane Austen’s books, this is a fun adaptation and JJ Field as Henry Tilney gets it spot on, making a very appealing character who one takes to immediately.
- Emma – One of the most adapted of Austen’s books and while I loved the last incarnation – Miranda Hart is the best Miss Bates I’ve ever seen – this older one is my preferred choice as Mark Strong as Mr Knightley is just the best. His exclamation when he finds out Frank has gone all the way to London just to get his hair cut cracks me up every time!
So, there’s my top ten. Are any of your favourites here? I’d love to here what you think and for you to share some of your recommendations for Watching Yourself Happy with me.
Happy Watching!
