Top 10 Comfort Movies

By Nell Minow

Bad cold? Feeling a little flu-ish? Crawl into bed, get lots of rest, drink lots of fluids, and settle back with some cinematic chicken soup and some motion picture penicillin--also known as comfort movies.

The setting for the ideal comfort movie should not be too hot or too cold as that can be a distraction to those with fevers or chills. The plot should not be too complicated or too exciting in case you doze off a little. And while it does not have to be a comedy, it does have to be upbeat and cheerful because laughter can decrease blood pressure and boost your immune system. That means a comfort movie can not only help you get better faster; it is good preventative medicine. So pull up the covers, pop in some DVDs and enjoy these prescriptions from Dr. Movie Mom.

Nell Minow blogs as Movie Mom.

'Galaxy Quest'

Rated PG for some action violence, mild language and sensuality (Ages 9-adult)

This delightful comedy hilariously but affectionately skewers television sci-fi, its stars, and its fans. The fast, funny, and fresh script has a terrific premise: the actors from a long-cancelled "Star Trek"-like television show find that real-life aliens have replicated their ship and brought the series to life. Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shaloub, and Sam Rockwell play the actors and Justin Long is one of the devoted fans. The story unreels in a tightly constructed farce that is filled with surprises that include first-class special effects and some great adventure along with the laughs. The more you know sci-fi, the funnier it is. And since you have the extra time, pair it with the hilarious documentary "Trekkies" for a perfect double-feature.

'Charade'

Not Rated (Middle school-adult)

Director Stanley Donen out-Hitchcocks Hitchcock with this glossy thriller-romance starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant and set in Paris. Best of all, after you've watched it, you can watch it again listening to the deliciously witty commentary from Donen and screenwriter Peter Stone. It is almost as much fun as the movie itself, especially when there is a close-up of Hepburn and they stop in the middle of whatever charming anecdote they were discussing to just stop for a second, take a breath, and ask, "Isn't she beautiful?" Yes, she is. (Next time you get sick, take a look at Donen's other romantic thriller, the almost-as-entertaining "Arabesque" with Sophia Loren and Gregory Peck.)

'Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion'

Rated PG-13 (High school-adult)

This happy mash-up of romance, drama, low comedy, and high drama works because it is all tied together by Tyler Perry's open-hearted conviction. The sincerity of his commitment is the through line that keeps the audience connected to the story and the characters. In addition, the crazy-quilt shifts in tone and genre are well suited to a story of a large extended family where, at any given moment, characters are facing a broad variety of financial, spiritual, moral, psychological, and work-related challenges -- even the dreaded math problems that Madea refers to as "Al Jarreau." She might not know the word "algebra," but if there is an extended family member who has a problem with it and -- this is the important part -- is ready to be helped, Madea will find some way and some one who can give what is needed and is powerful enough to help clear your sinuses.

'The Magnificent Seven'

Not rated but cowboy shoot-em-up violence (Middle school-adult)

This classic western based on a classic Japanese film ("The Seven Samurai") is the story of seven gunslingers-for-hire who take on the bad guys that have been terrorizing a small village. Steve McQueen and Yul Brynner lead an all-star cast that includes Charles Bronson and James Coburn. The gunmen are tough, cool outsiders, their speeches brief and ironic. They know they have more in common with the bad guys than they do with the peasants they are protecting. But they also know that while they are not suited for the quiet life, it is important enough to them that they will risk their lives to keep the villagers safe. Gorgeous actors, great gunfights, and some important lessons about what matters most make this a "magnificent" tonic.