Pleasantville

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Pleasantville is available in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Kanopy right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Tobey Maguire leads a cast with real comic timing. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Pleasantville earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Pleasantville from the crowd. Geeky teenager David and his popular twin sister, Jennifer, get sucked into the black-and-white world of a 1950s TV sitcom called "Pleasantville," and find a world where everything is peachy keen all the time. But when Jennifer's modern attitude disrupts Pleasantville's peaceful but boring routine, she literally brings color into its life. Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1998. The timing in Pleasantville is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Pleasantville is a strong candidate. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Tobey Maguire is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.