Over lunch, a conversation with a friend who was once a prominent figure in indie film industry, sparked a realization that I had overlooked. We discussed our favorite movies, shared nostalgia for closed down restaurants, and eventually came to the question, “Seen anything you liked?” My friend’s answer surprised me – a film called Wonka. It captivated him with its charm and unexpected bonus of great music. On the other hand, my recent favorite was Drugstore June. Though not yet released, I had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of it. With its small-scale production and humorous storyline, it fell right into the beloved genre of off-center charmers that turn our worlds upside down. This genre includes iconic films like Bringing Up Baby, What’s Up Doc?, and Clueless, to name a few. Esther Povitsky portrayed the endearing protagonist while Nick Goossen directed the film, both having contributed to its screenplay.
A Comedy Comeback
The conversation ultimately led to a startling realization: the two highest-grossing movies of 2023 were, surprisingly, comedies. Barbie and The Super Mario Bros. Movie combined their domestic ticket sales, amounting to an astounding $1.2 billion. One would need to cast their mind back to 1988, when Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Coming to America graced the top spots, generating approximately $384 million in combined sales, to find a similar occurrence. Moreover, following closely behind these successful comedies were Good Morning, Vietnam, Big, Crocodile Dundee II, and Three Men and a Baby. It became clear that my friend and I were not alone in our preference for lighthearted entertainment. In the present day, when we watch a movie, we do not seek to rebuild society or address historical injustices on-screen. Above all, what we yearn for is enjoyment, laughter, and an escape from the burdensome pressures of a society that increasingly feels uncomfortable with itself. Be it Wonka, Drugstore June, Barbie, or Mario, we desire anything and everything, big or small, that brightens our lives for a few hours.
A Plea for Fun
Considering this perspective, it seems fitting to express a wish for the upcoming Golden Globes ceremony, in which Penske Media, the owner of Deadline, has a stake. Let the event be fun, full of laughter, and reminiscent of a bygone era. Let us rejoice as we did in 1988. After all, the challenges of our world can wait until the morning.