Here’s what’s inside this week:
My pick: a family dramedy that swings from big laughs to waterworks
The rewind: two quirky dorks on a road trip, and one trampoline scene that gets heavy
Member Spotlight: Ben Whiting and the ramen movie he wants the whole club to see
Club picks: three from you
Let’s get into it!
🍿 My pick
The Hollars (2016)
Directed by: John Krasinski
Comedy · Drama
Runtime: 1h 29m
Starring: John Krasinski and Margo Martindale
Where to watch · Parents’ guide
It had me laughing out loud a bunch, but also had me in tears.
I really enjoyed this movie! It’s a fantastic, down-to-earth story that’s executed by a phenomenal cast and new director in John Krasinski—all I needed to consider watching this one.
If you’re not familiar with this one, here’s the gist:
John Hollar is a struggling artist in New York. When his mom needs surgery, he heads back to his Midwest hometown and lands right back in the middle of his family.
It’s in the same category as This Is Where I Leave You, This Is 40, and Dan in Real Life. I think just about anyone can relate to this movie, and I’d recommend it to anyone.
There’s a scene in the hospital where someone gets a haircut. It’s so incredibly sweet and heartwarming.
It brought tears to my eyes.
⏪ The rewind
Away We Go (2009)
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Comedy · Romance
Runtime: 1h 38m
Starring: John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph
Where to watch · Parents’ guide
If The Hollars leaves you wanting more Krasinski, this one’s the lighter follow-up.
Burt and Verona are expecting their first baby when Burt’s parents suddenly announce they’re moving to Belgium. So the couple hits the road, visiting friends and family across North America to figure out where they want to raise their kid.
Krasinski and Rudolph are huge quirky dorks, and yet you can’t help but love watching them together. It’s a very fun and sweet road trip adventure for a growing family.
There are some fantastic side characters in Allison Janney, Catherine O’Hara, and Jeff Daniels.
There’s a scene on a trampoline that gets real heavy and left me with a big, goofy grin.
🔦 Member Spotlight: Ben Whiting
Writing from: Manchester, UK · Ben on TikTok
Where I watch
Always try to be at the cinema, otherwise definitely on the TV. Probably alone when I find the time.
My comfort movies
Airplane!, The Naked Gun, Transformers (Michael Bay) or anything Wes Anderson!
A scene I’d rewind forever
The Tenet chase scene on the highway! Just insane filmmaking and so good.
A movie I want the whole club to see
Tampopo (1985) • Where to watch
Tampopo from Juzo Itami is one of the best ever. It’s hilarious, it makes you hungry for ramen, it’s a real underdog story, it’s got beautiful and inspired filmmaking. Such a good time.
My top 5 of all time
Heat (1995)
After Hours (1985)
Jaws (1975)
The Long Goodbye (1973)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
🎟️ Club picks
Thanks to everyone who sent in a pick this week.
I Love Boosters (2026) · 1h 45m · Where to watch · Parents’ guide
Submitted by: Laura B. on Substack: Keke Palmer, outrageous fashion, and a massive middle finger to capitalism got me pushing play faster than a booster clearing a designer rack. So many things to enjoy about I Love Boosters. It’s an absurdist capitalist critique bubbling over with creativity and heart, with a killer soundtrack, and laugh out loud scenes. Absolute bananas!
If I Go Will They Miss Me (2026) · 1h 29m · Where to watch
Submitted by: Chad C. (Cinema Sugar) on Substack: Saw it at the 2026 Chicago Critics Film Festival (now available on VOD). It’s a singular, achingly intimate story with a magical-realism take on the universal experience of fatherhood.
Maurice (1987) · 2h 20m · Where to watch
Submitted by: Hot Mess Girl on Substack: It was free on YouTube and, at the time, I thought Hugh Grant was hot. Everything. It’s just beautiful. The cinematography, the story itself, the acting. The scenes with the hypnotherapist. Acceptance of self. I also love period pieces.
Want your pick in a Thursday newsletter? Club picks are open to everyone, and it takes about a minute.
Thanksgiving is three weeks out, so let’s talk family movies.
🎬 What movie did your family watch over and over when you were a kid?
Drop a comment below with the title and one sentence on why. You can also drop it in the Club chat, where I’ve started a thread.
Until next Thursday, be kind, rewind.
— Gannon
I had not heard of The Hollars! It sounds like something I will really enjoy, thank you for the recommendation ❤️
Everyone should see ‘tampopo’ what a picture!