Ask Pappy #13: Am I Stuck in Comfort Films, or Holding On to What Feels Good?

Pappy Hull
Jan 25
2 min read

Reader Letter: Dear Pappy, I find myself caught in a repetitive loop where I keep rewatching the same handful of comfort films instead of ever hitting play on something new. My "Watch Later" list is miles long, filled with critically acclaimed masterpieces and modern hits, yet I always retreat to the same familiar scenes I’ve memorized by heart. Am I simply finding comfort in a chaotic world, or have I lost my sense of cinematic adventure for good?

Kid, if loving your comfort movies is a trap, then lock me up and throw away the reel.

I’ve got a stack of old favorites I revisit like postcards from a better time. Some folks keep photo albums — I’ve got The Iron Giant, Casablanca, and The Muppet Movie. Each one reminds me of who I was when the world felt a little brighter, a little slower, and popcorn cost less than rent.

Now, don’t let anyone tell you that nostalgia’s a bad thing. It’s not poison — it’s preservation. You’re not avoiding new stories, you’re revisiting the ones that built you. But here’s the catch: if you live in the past too long, the projector jams. The light burns hot, but it stops moving forward.

See, films are like friends. Some you outgrow, some you rediscover, and some never stop teaching you new things no matter how many times you visit. The trick is balance — rewatch your favorites to recharge, but keep a ticket ready for something unfamiliar. You never know when a new favorite’s waiting in the dark.

And don’t let anyone shame you for chasing comfort. The world’s tough enough — if an old movie helps you breathe easier, that’s art doing its job.

Just make sure you’re not hiding from the new out of fear. There’s still magic in the unknown. Sometimes the reel needs to turn a few more frames.

Stay kind, stay curious, and don’t spill the butter on your way out.

— Pappy Hull, The Popcorn Philosopher

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