BRIDGET MORRISON

First week activities at the University of Saskatchewan are fading into distant memories and students could all use a laugh to help lighten up the mid-September blues.

Have you ever read the same page in your textbook over and over again, yet somehow managed to retain absolutely none of the information? I know I have. So when your brain feels completely fried from all that studying, check out these light, mindless comedic films. No brainpower necessary!

My first pick is the 1968 classic film The Odd Couple. It was adapted from the play of the same title written by Neil Simon, who also wrote the screenplay for the film. In the starring roles are Jack Lemmon as Felix Ungar and Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison.

The plot is fairly simple. When Felix becomes suicidal over the approaching end of his marriage, his best friend Oscar, a divorced man himself, takes him in as a roommate. The only problem is the two have completely opposite personalities.

Felix is a high-strung neat freak and Oscar is a slob. As Oscar tries to help Felix through his issues, their friendship is put to the test through a series of hilarious personality clashes.

The film was nominated for numerous Academy Awards, as well as Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes in 1969. It was well-received at the box office and by critics. You can find The Odd Couple on DVD.

My second and third pick are both from the same writer, producer and director, John Hughes, who is best known for his work in the 1980s and early 1990s. For comedies, there are two standouts — 1986’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and 1987’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off follows Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), a high school senior who skips school and spends the day out exploring Chicago. His best friends Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara) accompany him. Throughout the day, the three friends employ hilarious and elaborate ruses to avoid being caught by their parents and school dean. Although this film didn’t win any awards, it sure is fun to watch.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles stars the incredibly funny Steve Martin and John Candy. Martin plays Neal Page, an ill-at-ease marketing executive who is trying to get home from New York City to Chicago for Thanksgiving. Candy portrays Del Griffith, an overly happy, chatty and clumsy man who ends up helping Neal — or trying to help.

That’s really all the movie is, and it’s enough. The aesthetically odd, yet somehow charmingly perfect, combination of Martin and Candy is more than enough to make you laugh. Watching them go through their hilarious misadventures together is pure mindless magic. You can find both of these films on DVD or Netflix.

The fourth film, to round out your comedy binge, is Mrs. Doubtfire. The film debuted in 1993, and is directed by Chris Columbus. It is based on the novel Alias Madame Doubtfire, written by Anne Fine.

The film stars the incomparable Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard/Mrs.Doubtfire and Sally Field as Miranda Hillard. After Daniel and Miranda split, Miranda is given custody of their children. Desperate to spend more time with his kids, Daniel disguises himself as a female housekeeper, Mrs. Doubtfire, who is soon hired by Miranda.

I’ve watched this film a number of times and it never gets old. Count on the diverse comedic talents of Robin Williams to get you laughing. Mrs. Doubtfire can be found on DVD or, probably, borrowed from someone you know — it’s a classic!

Whether these four comedies are a trip down nostalgia lane or brand new experiences, they all guarantee one thing to lift your stress — a lot of laughs. After all, isn’t it common knowledge that laughter is the best medicine?