Choosing films for a single evening is less about quality than about mood, and the three titles highlighted for this week cover an unusually wide range. One is a character-driven drama that asks for patience and pays it back in the final third, another is a large-scale spectacle best watched on the biggest screen available, and the third sits somewhere between the two, with enough plot to hold attention and enough atmosphere to linger afterwards. What these picks have in common is that none of them depends on a twist to justify itself. They are built on performance and construction, which is why they hold up outside a cinema. Viewers who watch one a night will notice the difference in pacing immediately, and that variety is the point of a short weekly list rather than a ranking. Anyone who dislikes the first choice should simply move on, since the purpose of these recommendations is to narrow the field, not to insist that a single title suits every household.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the bestshowsandmovies on Prime Video.
1‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)
A '90s Hollywood classic that launchedMatt DamonandBen Affleckto global stardom,Gus Van Sant’sGood Will Huntingis the inspiring story of Damon’s titular protagonist — a young polymath on parole who works as a janitor at MIT. When his talent is discovered by a professor, Will agrees to study under his guidance while seeking therapy for his troubles and confronting his demons.Robin Williams,Stellan Skarsgård,Minnie Driver, andBen Affleckstar as other key characters.
Astute and affecting in equal measure,Good Will Huntinghas remained a critical darling since the day it premiered. While the storytelling is quite predictable, the movie is noted for its rich, deeply thoughtful narrative that is sensitive without being overly sentimental and can often be witty. The film boasts some of the most finely written characters, memorable dialogue, excellent music, and some of the most emotionally resonant performances of modern cinema, headlined by thestellar performances of Damonand Williams.
2‘No Hard Feelings’ (2023)
Directed byGene Stupnitskyin his second feature directorial project,No Hard Feelingsfollows Maddie Barker, a 32-year-old, financially struggling woman, who takes an unusual job to save her family home. Maddie is hired by a wealthy couple to help their sexually inexperienced son Percy learn about romance before he goes off to college.Jennifer Lawrencestars as Maddie,Andrew Barth Feldmanas Percy, andLaura BenantiandMatthew Broderickas his parents, withNatalie Morales,Zahn McClarnon, andHasan Minhajas supporting characters.
Four of the largest communities on the planet, and four completely different reasons to belong to one. Here is yours, what it would give you, and the argument you would be having within a week.
You belong to the fandom that is really about comfort. Hogwarts works on people because it is a place rather than a plot, and the pull is not the wizard war so much as the corridors, the food, the weather and the sense that somebody is expecting you.
You belong to the deepest fandom on this list, the one where somebody has always read further than you and is quietly delighted to say so. Middle-earth rewards patience more than any other world in popular culture.
You belong to the loudest and largest tent of the four, the one where three generations are all watching the same thing and none of them agree about any of it. That disagreement is not a flaw in this fandom, it is the main activity.
You belong to the thinking fandom, the one that turns up for the argument rather than the explosion. Trek has always been a series of ethical problems in space, and the people who love it love being asked what they would have done.
Part sex comedy,part coming-of-age rom-com,No Hard Feelingsis raunchy, hilarious, and heartfelt all at the same time. The film was neither a major critical success nor a big box office hit, but it received generally positive reviews and is a very enjoyable ride. Critics have praised Lawrence’s comedic timing and dramatic acting in the film, which really carries the movie. Her performance won her a People’s Choice Award and a Golden Globe nomination.
3‘Last Holiday’ (2006)
Directed byWayne Wangand written byJeffrey PriceandPeter S. Seaman,Last Holidayis a beloved 2000s rom-com starringQueen Latifahthat’s loosely based on the 1950 British film of the same name. The plot follows Latifah’s Georgia Byrd, a humble store assistant living with unfulfilled desires, who sets out on a luxury tour after she finds out that she has a terminal illness and very little time left to live. The film also starsLL Cool J,Timothy Hutton,Gérard Depardieu,Alicia Witt, andGiancarlo Espositoin notable roles.
Last Holidayreceived mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office at the time of its release, but the movie has since evolved into a cult hit. The film has earned widespread praise forQueen Latifah’s incredible performanceand ranks among her best movies. Charming, humorous, and very aspirational,Last Holidayis a warm, comforting film that’s sure to uplift your spirits this holiday season.
Last Holiday
Cast
What To Watch
The 6 Best Heist Movies Released Since 2000, Ranked
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Officially Swings Past Marvel's $1.3B R-Rated Smash
