Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there is bound to be a barrage of relationship-themed movies that begin to hit the airwaves. Whether on the television, internet streaming, or on the $5 DVD rack at your local store, now is the time. And even though I am not girly when it comes to several areas, I am when it comes to movies. I do not watch violence. I am not a big fan of pure adventure. I never watch horror. I like to feel good after watching a movie. “Remember the Titans” is one of my all-time favorite movies.
But, when it comes to my default movie genre, I will pick romantic comedies every time. I love the concept of “love” and enjoy watching others enjoy it as well. When I was sick a few weeks ago I streamed a constant play of movies as I laid in bed. One after another. Great movies all about falling in love. Corny? Maybe. But they make me happy. Plus, sometimes it is fun to remember those crazy dating days. They were fun and “new love” can be exciting and full of emotions. Not that “aged love” cannot be. I love my husband more today than yesterday. And that happens daily.
So what are my favorite chick flicks? Well, I know a few that have special meaning or have simply been through the ringer with me so I cling to them. Others may be cliche. Whatever the reason may be… here are some of my favorite chick flicks.
5 Favorite Chick Flicks
(in no particular order because I could not decide)
- Steel Magnolias – Ok. I know it’s not just me. I cry every single time I watch it. Every time. I know what’s going to happen. I prepare for it. But each and every time I still cry. I mean, the movie came out 24 years ago and I have watched it several times over each of those years. It is a classic. The actresses are brilliant. The acting superb. I laugh and cry and then laugh some more. A must-see on my list for sure. Funniest moment: “Hit this! Go ahead M’Lynn, slap her… We’ll sell t-shirts sayin’ “I SLAPPED OUISER BOUDREAUX!” Hit her!“
- Hope Floats – I believe this will always be a personal classic due to its timing. It fit well into my life at the time and I felt an instant connection. Plus, Sandra Bullock? One of my all-time favorite actresses… still to this day. And, ummm… Harry Connick, Jr. Yeah. That is all. Together I enjoyed watching the chemistry between the two of them and absolutely adored Mae Whitman. One of my most used movie quotes ever: “Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome.”
- A Walk in the Clouds – I am not sure why this one tops my list, but if I see that it is on I must stop and watch it. I think the young, innocent Keanu Reeves gets me every time. His admiration for Aitana Sánchez-Gijón’s character is adoring and his sweet gentleman-like characteristics win over my heart. Oh how I wish it were really like that. Well, the way men treated us more so than the way the entire relationship went down. Best advice from Don Pedro Aragon: “Talking between men and women never solves anything. Where we think, they feel. They are creatures of the heart.”
- The Holiday – I think the fact that Jude Law is in this one surely draws my attention to it. I adore his name. Seriously! I wanted to name my second son, Jude. Only… we only ever had one son. So there’s that. But, the plot is plausible enough and it shows that men have emotions as well. In fact, my husband sheds a tear each time he watches it. Why? Because Jude Law does. Best movie mantra: “You’re supposed to be the leading lady in your own life.”
- The Notebook – Honestly, the entire list could have been filled with Nicholas Sparks movies. I am a huge fan. I am counting down to Safe Haven. But, the timeless romance between Noah and Allie is too much to turn away from. I love the way Noah courts her. The way Allie denies the feelings she can finally no longer hide at some point. But mostly, I LOVE the way Noah loves her from beginning to end. He never gives up on her. Not in love or life. He is always there for her. THAT is the relationship I want… and know I will have. And my husband; this is his favorite. Hands down. He bawls every time and holds me a little closer afterwards. How can I fight that? Of course this movie is on my list! Too many great quotes from Noah to pull just one but this one is heartwarming… really:
“I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who’s ever lived: I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.”
I think that pretty much covers it. There are a few honorable mentions worth listing though:
- Pretty in Pink
- Sweet Home Alabama
- The Proposal
- 27 Dresses
- Beaches
Ok… seriously. I’m done this time. Your turn!
About Staci
I have only seen Steel Magnolias on your top honors list…LOVE IT!!
“My colors are blush and bashful. I have picked two shades of pink. One is much darker than the other.”
“Looks like the sanctuary has been hosed down with Pepto Bismal”
laura recently posted..Movie Night Reviews- John Carter
What a fun post! I have only seen two of these…The Notebook is definitely a favorite of mine! I think I’d also put Sweet Home Alabama in my top 5.
Kecia recently posted..Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey presents Dragons is Coming to Atlanta
Mine are almost all “sleeper” movies–but I love them & have all but worn out my VHS copies. (Hummm, maybe ask for DVD copies as my V-day gift??) In no order:
1. Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998) Drew Berrymore, Dougray Scott, Anjelica Huston. My all time fav version of Cinderella ever!! fav quote gives ending away (no not the expected happy ending, but best punch-line of movie).
2. French Kiss (1995) w/ Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline, Timothy Hilton. Funny, sarcastic, surprising. All sorts of quotes: “Likes zthiz!” (sp) & when Meg’s character’s has a fear of flying: “I hate Paris in the spring time, I hate Paris in the summer…”
3. Mrs. Winterbourne (1996) w/ Ricki Lake, Shirley MacLaine & Brendan Fraser- fun, romantic, simple & early for Ricki & Brendan but goes with the romantic heart.
4. Greencard (1990) w/ Gerard Depardieu, Andie MacDowell. Sleeper movie, modern arranged marriage… Fav line “I’ll write everyday and it will say the same thing, ‘when are you coming, charee?”
5. The Truth About Cats and Dogs (1996) Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman, Ben Chaplin. Funny, sweet, ” updated and gender-reversed variation on Cyrano de Bergerac.” Can’t think of a quote of the top of my head.
Runners Up:
1. Undercover Blues (1993) Kathleen Turner, Dennis Quaid. Romance w/ action/adventure. While this is an action/adventure, it is also a story about a married couple who happen to also be spies/CIA ops on baby leave. They are also VERY much in love through out the movie. It is so much fun to watch! Lots of great lines, but my fav is still:
“Kill the light”…(bang)…”ha, ha, ha…I meant turn it out…” said with what sound like one actor surprising the other in this scene!
If you can handle R movie and like action/adventure:
2. Speed (1994) Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper. Total action, adventure with only romance on the side. But I must have seen this 4 time in the theater, once in the drive in (great that way!), and have worn out the VHS. I always get mushy at the end and think they ruined it w/ Speed 2 (worst squeal ever). Fav quotes: “I can’t believe they’re giving you a medal for shooting me.” “But Harry, you told me to…” and “I’ve done extensive research on this and relationships based on intense situations never last.”