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Recommends:
Movies to watch…
Christine
I admit it – I do enjoy watching a sappy romantic comedy once in a while, even one that stars Cameron Diaz. Unfortunately, these types of films have become so formulaic that they eventually meld into one big pot of mutual attractions, frustrating misunderstandings, cheeky sidekicks who are far more interesting than the leads, and a grand ending that defies all logic and many laws of the universe.So in the midst of yet another Failure to Launch and The Break-Up, which films are worth considering when you're in the mood for love? Here are some of my picks.
NOTTING HILL (1999): Before there was Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride and The Mexican, and before there was Hugh Grant in Mickey Blue Eyes and Two Weeks Notice, there was Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in Notting Hill, a little unassuming British film that ends up being one of the most romantic of its year.
With a pretty straightforward, almost throwaway romantic comedy script, Notting Hill would have probably been relegated to the 2-for-1 DVD rack at HMV in a matter of weeks were it not for its wit and genuineness. There's no slick urban backdrop, no female actress with the whole MAC line of cosmetics thrown on her face, and no Will Smith playing matchmaker while falling in love. Instead, the film is rife with self-deprecating British humour, a lovable cast, and two leads that have genuine chemistry.
Grant plays William Thacker, a humble divorcé who has as much luck in love as he does running his fledging bookstore. William is awkward yet strangely charming, bringing Grant back in true form. And Roberts plays Anna Scott, a mega-watt star in the prime of her career (…in other words, she plays herself). A chance meeting between William and Anna sparks a tentative relationship, but the road to happy endings is rampant with problems and misunderstandings. As we watch William and Anna navigate through the travails of love, we can't help but root for them, especially when the usually grating Anna delivers the heartbreaking line, "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her."
Notting Hill brings Hugh Grant the leading man glory he achieved in Four Weddings and a Funeral, while Julia Roberts handles Anna Scott's wounded character with confidence. Other highlights include a very funny scene involving a press junket, a breakout role by Rhys Ifans as William's crude roommate, and a cameo by Alec Baldwin and a twelve-year-old Mischa Barton. But even despite these extra touches, Notting Hill stands on its own as a romantic comedy worth curling up with.
Other Favourites
LOVE, ACTUALLY (2003): This is an ensemble piece that speaks volumes about love without overindulging in its all-star cast, which includes Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, and Liam Neeson. Love, Actually is sweet, touching, and at times laugh-out-loud funny.THE NOTEBOOK (2004): Forget red-hot couple-of-the-moment Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams – the most touching scenes in The Notebook are the brief snippets shared between James Garner and Gena Rowlands. Dry eyes beware – this is a tearjerker all the way.
NEVER BEEN KISSED (1999): It's hard to believe that Drew Barrymore could have ever had a crush on Jeremy Jordan or been related to David Arquette, but this 1999 flick stands as a testament that stranger things have happened in the Hollywood development department. Nevertheless, when Drew's nerdy Josie finds confidence, love, and fashion sense, you'll be cheering in your seat. ¤ C.Ho.
Michelle
When you think of a traditional romantic movie, what comes to mind? Perhaps everything from such classics as Casablanca to Titanic pops into your head. Well, one of my favourite love stories of all time is Bram Stoker’s Dracula (directed by Francis Ford Coppola, 1992). Not very traditional is it? Yes, on the surface it might look like a scary, horror film, but once you dig deep you will find an utterly seductive romantic tale.
This movie is based on Bram Stoker’s book; however, director Francis Ford Coppola took creative license and gave it titillating new life. This absolutely sensational looking film (the set design and costumes are a big draw to this movie) is essentially about Dracula’s inability to die because he mourns the death of his one true love. He lashes out and in turn is cursed to walk the earth forever in thirst of human blood. His life changes when he spots a picture of a woman that he believes is the reincarnation of his long lost wife. Like all good husbands, he decides to pursue her and make her his again. Of course blood and carnage ensue.
Dracula is played by Gary Oldman, and in my humble opinion, he’s way sexier than Keanu Reeves (he plays Jonathan Harker). Doctor Van Helsing, who believes in Dracula and realizes that he must be stopped, is played by Anthony Hopkins. Winona Ryder plays Wilhelmina “Mina” Murray, the woman that Dracula lusts after, and Jonathan Harker’s fiancée.
Besides the very attractive cast of actors, what I love the most about the film is the fact that Dracula refuses to die because of his love for his wife. I want a man like that! Once he sees a picture of Mina, he turns into a man possessed and begins his journey to find her.
The hottest scene in the movie for me is probably the most innocent. I looove the scene where Mina spends a day with Prince Vlad of Székely (Dracula transforms himself into a dashing young man) and they get to know each other a bit more. Their date is fairly chaste, but it’s oh so sensual when he charms her over a glass of absinthe. Yo, it’s over for me! It’s way too sexy for words!
You can go with the classics for Valentine’s Day or anytime that you want to snuggle up with your boo, but if you haven’t seen this movie, I suggest that you find out for yourself how hot it is! ¤ Michelle