Helen Murdoch with a selection of movies to cure the winter flu blues…
It’s that time of year again where everyone in the office is coughing and spluttering, you start work in the dark and leave in the dark and you can’t remember the last time you could breathe normally. Having recently been hit in the first round of the winter flu, it got me thinking about the best films to cheer yourself up and take your mind off that shaky, sick feeling we all know too well…
The Expendables and The Expendables 2
The combination of 80s action Gods, cringe worthy one liners and nonsensical dialogue from Stallone are a sure fire way to ease this season’s suffering. Both films are simple to watch, require barely any brainpower and are such good fun that it’s difficult not to find yourself laughing at the various antics of Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis et al. The Expendables films are pure adolescent joy and will have you giggling into your Lemsip throughout. With the casting buzz around The Expendables 3 brewing, it looks like the whole trilogy will become essential to any sick day.
The Avengers
In my mind no one can combine comedy, action, and drama like Joss Whedon. The Avengers is a great movie to watch when you’re desperately trying to battle the flu because it’s a fun adventure with lots of laughs and heartbreak on the way. From the excellent ‘Doth Mother know you weareth her drapes?’ line, to Hulk beating up Loki and the sadness of Coulson’s death (although this may be slightly ruined by Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), The Avengers has it all. It’s not taxing on your flu weakened brain and the ensemble cast hit each note just right.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
If you’re feeling like you’re a second or two away from death’s door, Anchorman is a sure fire way to cheer you up. One of the most quotable films of all time, Anchorman delivers laugh after laugh and will make you forget that you’ve not slept for 48 hours and can no longer breathe without sounding like a smothered horse. What’s essential when you’re feeling unwell is the ability to be able to drift into a movie and forget the pain you’re feeling. The hilarious jazz flute solo will do just that and you’ll spend the afternoon giggling about Sex Panther and Brick killing someone with a Trident. Anchorman is comedy at its finest and the perfect antidote to the flu.
Some Like it Hot
Every now and then you need a classic to get you through the tough times. When you’ve been unable to sleep for a few days and can no longer be bothered to communicate with anyone you live with, settle down for a cross dressing adventure with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe. The film has everything from gangsters, music numbers, cross dressing and witty banter that will calm you down and aid you in your transition back into society. There’s a reason why Some Like it Hot is considered one of the greatest films of all time and that is because it delivers on every level and I’m yet to find someone who doesn’t like this film.
Speed
In my opinion Speed is one of the greatest actioners of all time (I’m probably alone in this but bear with me). Whenever I’m feeling unwell and just need to put on something to distract myself from my own misery, I enjoy watching Speed and revelling in the absurdity of the plot, Dennis Hopper’s hammy villain and Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves’ chemistry. It’s an easy watch and one that you don’t need to pay too much attention to which is always good when you’re spending every other minute blowing your nose. Speed is essential viewing whilst you’re unwell because you know exactly what’s going to happen and it’s packed full of thrills and great action set pieces.
What is your essential film when you’re off with the flu? Let us know in the comments below…
Helen Murdoch
Originally published September 26, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
