September's Watch List is all about one of my favorite words: Hygge. Hygge, a verb/adjective of Danish origin, is all about comfort. It is difficult to translate easily into English, as it can be both a descriptor of atmosphere, a request for quality time with a friend, or the goal of a weekend in. Put most simply, hygge means to feel comfortable. And to experience or create a safe, comfortable, and relaxing atmosphere.
And what could be more hygge than a comfort-watch movie? That's the idea behind the September Watch List.
The Parent Trap (Nancy Meyers, 1998): When Hallie Parker and Annie James (identical twins separated by their parents' divorce) meet for the first time at camp, they discover the truth about their relationship and come up with a plan to switch places to reunite their mother and father. Starring Lindsay Lohan, Lindsay Lohan, Lisa Ann Walter, Elaine Hendrix, Julian Sands, and Natasha Richardson.
Defending Your Life (Albert Brooks, 1991): Do you believe in love after death? After Daniel dies in a (highly relatable Barbra Streisand Broadway album-related) traffic accident, he finds himself in Judgement City, where the newly deceased will prove they've lived a life of courage to advance through the universe. There he meets Julia, and he begins to finally feel alive. Starring Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks.
The First Wives Club (Hugh Wilson, 1996): After years of helping their husbands get ahead, three friends have been dumped for younger women. But they put their heads together to hit their exes where it really hurts: their wallets. Endlessly quotable and starring Diane Keaton, Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and more.
Paddington 2 (Paul King, 2017): Paddington, now happily living with the Browns in London, takes on odd jobs in order to buy the perfect birthday gift for his treasured Aunt Lucy. But when it's finally time to purchase it, it is stolen. Starring Paddington, Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, and more. And any serious cinephile will tell you that this is... a perfect film.
Matilda (Danny DeVito, 1996): Matilda Wormwood is a brilliant little girl entirely unappreciated by her appalling parents. When she is finally sent to school, she is confronted by a sadistic headmistress. But thankfully, her teacher, Miss Honey, sees her potential and treats her with kindness. Fed up with her and her classmates' mistreatment, Matilda discovers a special gift that may help her. Starring Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Pam Ferris, and Embeth Davidtz.
