What makes a movie romantic? What is it that draws us in and keeps us glued to our seats, mindlessly munching buttery, artery clogging popcorn as we wait, breathlessly, for that final ‘aw’ inspiring scene? That moment we know our time was well spent because we finally got our happily-ever-after fix.
The lead actor and actress have to be believable, for one thing. Some very talented people in the industry would be ill-cast in a romance. Can you imagine swooning over someone like PeeWee Herman? Of course I never thought Adam Sandler had it in him either until I saw him in 50 First Dates. And speaking of Adam Sandler, all I can say about his performance in Reign Over Me is…wow!!! Well, well worth your time to watch!
But back to the subject at hand…
The guy can’t be a jerk. Or if he is, he has to be changed by the end of the movie. Same for the woman. Sometimes, when we’re talking movies like Kate & Leopold we can only hope the guy doesn’t change. Not even a little. Leopold was perfect, start to finish and I think if we ladies could find a real-life Leopold to give lessons to ‘normal’ guys, we’d all be happier. Maybe we could get Hugh Jackman to be the instructor. Hugh Jackman would make me very happy.
But let’s get to my top three for today (and that top three could change in an instant, as soon as I remember other romances I love).
In third place, and I’m surprised I’m including this at all, is A Walk to Remember. Usually I prefer a different sort of ending, but I’ll be good and not give away too much, for those who haven’t seen it yet. Let me just say I’ll be watching it periodically for years. Or until my DVD wears out.
I wanted to post a specific scene but every video was embedded (which is extremely annoying!). So I had to settle for the trailer.
It’s really a toss up for second place. Both star Sandra Bullock. She is one of my very favorite actresses and I own more of her movies than I can even remember.
The Proposal shot to the favorites list the moment my daughter and I saw it at the theater. What’s not to like about this romantic comedy? I mean, c’mon. It stars Ryan Reynolds. It has some of the funniest scenes I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching, most notably the ‘chant’ scene with Betty White. However, please note that this movie is not suitable for all ages.
And the top spot goes to…My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend. I’ve loved this movie since first seeing it maybe two years ago. In fact, I loved it so much I watched it three times in as many days. The ending is absolutely fabulous!
So now that I’ve shared with you some scenes from a few of my favorite romantic movies, I hope you’ll share your top three picks with me. Chances are they will make my favorites list, too.
I love “A Walk to Remember!” One of my favs. Great picks Kristy. Sometimes, you just have to have some sweet romance! 🙂
Thanks, Karen! And yes, sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. Now I just need to find what my daughter did with the A Walk to Remember DVD. 😀
I have seen Reign Over Me, but it’s been so long I don’t remember how it ends. I know Adam Sandler was goofy in The Wedding Singer, but that’s one of my favorites by him. He was good in Spanglish and 50 First Dates, too.
I’ve seen The Proposal and My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend. The Proposal was hilarious in places. 🙂
Let’s see… My favs…
I really like Megamind. I know it’s primarily for kids, but it was fun to watch the main characters fall in love while Megamind was disguised as Bernard and how Roxanne brought out the best in him. I like to think that romantic love can do that for people.
Sense and Sensibility. I liked it when Marianne finally wised up and realized the quiet but older gentleman was better for her than the flashy one who married someone else for money. I like to think love doesn’t always have to be flashy and dazzling to be real.
I also like While You Were Sleeping. I’m a Sandra Bullock fan, and this one got me hooked on Bill Pullman. I liked that they fell in love with each other without meaning to. The humor, of course, was wonderful.
I won’t watch or read anything by Nicholas Sparks because he’s well known for his sad endings, so I’ll have to pass on the first movie. I don’t want to end up crying.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Reign Over Me and I’m not sure how it ended either. I know I’d watch it again though. I love Don Cheadle and an Adam Sandler fan, depending on the movie. I saw Spanglish and love 50 First Dates.
The scene with Betty White and the campfire had me laughing until I almost cried. She is so funny!
Never even heard of Megamind but I love Bill Pullman too. The first time I saw him was in a very bit part in A League of Their Own. And of course, we love him in Independence Day. 😀
As for Ms. Bullock? What can I say? I’ve often said I wish I was her untalented twin. We have While You Were Sleeping, The Proposal, Premonition, The Blind Side, Two Weeks Notice (a BIG favorite cause I also love Hugh Grant), The Lake House, Speed, and who knows what else. I just know we have more of her movies than any other actor or actress, lol.
I’ve only ever liked two Nicholas Sparks’ films – A Walk To Remember and Safe Haven (Josh Duhamel … you had to know I’d watch that 😀 ).