Bowfinger

So you feel like doing nothing tonight, just want a film to make you smile? Here are four movies now on Netflix that I dare you to watch without grinning.

4. Bowfinger (1999)
Steve Martin, a conniving producer/con man down on his luck, forces paranoid action megastar Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy) into his film by stalking him and shooting his scenes without his knowledge. You in yet? Written by Steve Martin. Now?:)

Favorite moment: Carol (the amazing Christine Baranksi), who doesn’t know Kit is being manipulated, begins her scene with him by ambushing him at a restaurant, ranting about soybeans and aliens.

Bowfinger is not a comedy classic, but it’s a pointed satire on Hollywood—so silly and so fun.

3. Charade (1963)

Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, and Walter Matthau (1963) star in this lighthearted romance/thriller. Basically, you feel no worry for Regina (Hepburn), despite the danger she’s in, and will give only cursory attention to the mystery itself, despite its fascinating twists and turns. Instead, you’ll just enjoy the cleverness of the script and watching Hepburn and Grant having a blast together.

2. Money Pit (1986)

This updated version of Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) is hilarious whether or not you’ve ever been foolish enough to build a house. With Tom Hanks at his broadest, comedic best, and Shelley Long before her ego got too big for her. I know everyone else will claim the original better (Loy, the paint scene!), but Philip Bosco and Maureen Stapleton are so funny in it, and Hanks in hysterics makes me giggle every single time.

1. Begin Again (2013)

Not as brilliant as Once, but writer/director John Carney manages again to craft a story that’s moving and sweet and joyful without ever veering into sentimentality–or even romance. A celebration of music and collaboration as cures for what ails us, with charming performances by Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo. Quick warning: If you don’t want the fragile, soulful tunes in your head for the rest of the week, don’t watch.