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May 4, 2007
Great Romance Movies
Every month Hollywood pumps out a number of romance movies, usually under the guise romantic comedies (you can call them rom-coms if you want to sound like you're in the know). They're easy to produce - they don't require a ton of money or fancy sets, and all they need is a couple of photogenic people to talk to each other for 90-120 minutes. Throw in some sidekicks for the guy and girl, a little fun-filled romantic montage in the middle of the movie, "Brown-Eyed Girl" playing on the soundtrack, and bada bing! Romance! I'm generalizing of course, and there are a number of great romantic comedies out there - thankfully I've seen waaaay too many of them, and I've decided this is as good a time as any to talk about them. Who's up for a little list of great date flicks for the perfect movie night in with your honey?
Notting Hill (see also Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually) - The Brits have an incredible knack for making movies which combine typically dry English wit and actually quite touching love stories. They usually star the ever-affable Hugh Grant, who's a perfect example of that combo. He practically sweats charm and class, but a the same time he's very self-deprecating and emotionally vulnerable. These British romances invariably end on a high note, which makes them a prime choice for date rentals. As good as Steel Magnolias was, it's probably best to keep things light and frothy when you've got a date movie on your hands.
Jerry Maguire - Cameron Crowe knows how to produce crowd pleasers (last year's Elizabethtown notwithstanding). This is another hit from the same man who produced the landmark date movie Say Anything. Tom Cruise learns that the price of love is far greater than whatever perks and privileges he may have gained as a sports agent. When you watch Mr. Cruise morph from obnoxious, heartless jackass to smitten star crossed lover, your heart will beat a little bit faster.
Annie Hall - Yes, it's throwback to the seventies. Yes, it stars and was directed by Woody Allen. However, when you go back in time and watch this little gem from '77, starring a very young Diane Keaton and a still-funny Woody Allen, you'll understand why people still talk about this flick. This is a bit more heart wrenching than the other movies mentioned above; it's Woody Allen's take on lost love after all. Bring some tissues.
I'm just scratching the surface here. Remember, romantic comedies are supposed to be fun and entertaining, but they don't have to be as cookie cutter as the terrible example at the beginning of this entry. The best ones will make you laugh AND make you feel for the characters. The worst ones star Freddie Prinze Jr.
Posted by Glen at May 4, 2007 2:46 AM
