I am sure any girl is no stranger to romantic movies. All one has to do is take a gander at my netflix queue to see that is filled with every subgenre within the realm of romantic film. From the comedic to the dramatic, contemporary to classic, nothing makes me feel better that curling up to watch a lovey-dovey movie! And while we all have our picks (Nicholas Sparks for many of us), here are a couple of my standby favorites. (Note: these are contemporary movies, I'll do a separate post for my favorite classic films. I just need to narrow the list down. a litte.)
1) As Good as it Gets (1997)
Jack Nicholson, in my opinion, is one of the best actors EVER and he does not disappoint in this movie. Although romantic comedies are not his forte, his portrayal of an angry old man suffering from OCD is fantastic to say the least. This movie is sad and funny and awkward to watch at times. But it makes it that much more human which is a trait that is sometimes misssing from romantic comedies. Anyway long story short, Nicholson's character falls for Helen Hunt (no shocker) but in the most unlikely fashion. Greg Kinnear is great too. 2) Atonement (2007)
This is probably not a movie to watch if you are looking for a light-hearted comedy. But if want something with more emotional depth, then "Atonement" is a great movie to check out. It is a really facisnating story about perception and point of view. Superb acting by Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and espescially Saoirse Ronan (who is currently in The Lovely Bones). I must warn you, this is a period piece set during the Second World War so some of the images might be grotesque. But other than that, the cinematography is absolutely enchanting. You should also read the book! 3) You've Got Mail (1998)
One of the cutest movie ever! This is a guaranteed crowd pleaser-the perfect movie to watch when the family is over. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are wonderful together. (They NEED to make another movie together because I didn't like "Sleepless in Seattle" very much) I must like Greg Kinnear because he is also in this movie and is great as usual. Don't bother renting it though as they play it on E! every weekend. 4) P.S I Love You (2007)
I'll be honest. I was hesistant to watch this movie at first, but after my friends' incessant pleas for me to go and watch this movie, I finally saw it. I was one of the non-believers. I did not believe that Hilary Swank could be a lead in a romantic comedy (although this is a dramedy). I mean she's all gritty and hardcore, not necessarily the type of girl to be in these clean cut movies. But boy, was I proven wrong. I absolutely LOVED this movie. Yes, Gerard Butler did provide most of the comedic tone in the film, but Swank was fantastic in her own way. If you're like me and automatically judge a movie base on typecasting a particular actor. Don't do it for this one. Come on, give Swank a chance!5) Paris Je'Taime (2007)
As far as ensemble romantic movies go, this is one of my favorites. Paris Je'Taime features 18 short films that showcases a different point of view to love. It is set in Paris so the movie is in French and the cast is made up of mostly French actors. But there are the occasional Hollywood actor making a cameo (i.e Elijah Wood and Natalie Portman) so some of the short films are in fact, in english or maybe just silent. But I think watching foreign films is a treat as if I get a little reading with my movie, I won't feel so guilty! The only downside to this movie is that there is no form of continuity. When a short film ends (sometimes way too abruptly), then that is the end of that. Its spin-off (ish) movie, "New York I Love You" does offer some sort of connection for certain stories but for the most part, I was pretty disappointed with that movie.Honrable Mentions (and lazy descriptions):
10 Things I Hate About You: I could think of 10+ things of why I love this movie
Up in the Air: two words-GEORGE CLOONEY. and its a really well writtern movie
Love Actually: I think we all love this movie. Actually
Bridgette Jones' Diary: "I like you for just the way you are"
Across the Universe: Beatles music+Jim Sturgess singing them=perfection :)
Amelie: The French can create some innovative romantic movies. yay subtitles!
(pictures via google images. too many sources sorry!)
4 comments:
ah i want to see Paris Je T'aime so badly! im such a sucker for all things french/romantic. i think i'd love it
I usually don't like the hokey romantic comedies where I can predict the plot from a mile away (ok dang that makes me sound super cynical), but I do like the ones that are just ... classic in its own way.
I've always wanted to see all of Paris, Je T'Aime aussi! though it is a disappointment to hear that the NY version wasn't too great. :/
http://charmalade.blogspot.com
So, I have seen all of none of these; but, I have seen (and adored!) a few of your honorable mentions - 10 Things I Hate About You, and Bridget Jones' Diary.
I am dying to see both (500) Days of Summer and Paper Heart. Have you seen either of them? :)
yes i've seen both of them! (500) Days of Summer is probably the better of the two. I want to put that movie on my list now..
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