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When it comes to taste in romance, choosing a movie is like deciding what to eat for dinner. People’s palate for romance can range from hot and spicy to fluffy and sweet. If you are a big sucker for romantic classics like Casablanca, When Harry Met Sally or Pretty in Pink then you don’t need help choosing a love story to set the Valentine’s Day mood. However, if you’re like me and prefer your romance sprinkled in lightly, you may find that most tales of star-crossed lovers make you gag. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of a good love story, but my palate is a bit touchy when it comes to what I consider romantic and what I consider sappy.
If you’ve decided that your Valentine’s Day this year will consist of cuddling on the couch in front of the TV, here are seven romance films that I consider to be sufferable, even for those who don’t typically have the stomach for it.
1. Titanic
Okay, this is a given. While we may all have heard “I’ll never let go Jack” quoted a billion times, this movie is a bit of a cinematic masterpiece and its blend of history and romance makes it an all-time favorite for many. Titanic pulls viewers in with the story of underdog Jack (Leonardo Dicaprio) winning over social elite Rose (Kate Winslett), and keeps us rooting for them despite the tragic end we know is doomed to befall them. It never fails to be romantic and is so epic a film that it’s sappy level isn’t unbearable.
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
If you’ve never seen this movie I recommend that you only venture into watching it if you’re a fan of cerebral films that leave you thinking. I had to watch this movie several times before I got all the intricacies of the way the plot is laid out, but it’s rather genius and cunning.
Jim Carrey stars in this film about a man who discovers that his ex-girlfriend (Kate Winslet) has erased him from her memory. Angered and heartbroken by her rash decision he decides to seek out the same service and have her erased from his memory as well. Despite the sci-fi-esque nature of the plot, this movie provides an honest look at love and the pains and pleasures it brings.
3. Garden State
Zach Braff wrote, directed and starred in Garden State, and thus it’s a rather strange movie. With dry humor and lots of awkward moments, this film is centers around Andrew Largeman (Braff), a twenty-something-year-old struggling actor who has to go home to New Jersey for his mother’s funeral. While at home, he decides to stop taking the heavy doses of antidepressants that he had been on since childhood and slowly starts to experience life again (with all its oddities). In the process of awakening he meets Sam (Natalie Portman), a pathological liar who he starts to fall in love with. It’s an offbeat love story that I think fits great with my generation.
4. Friends with Benefits
If you are looking for a romance movie with a bit of steam to it and a lot of laughs, Friends with Benefits is an excellent option. It’s basically about exactly what it sounds like; a guy and a girl (Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis) believe that they can have a sex and stay friends without complications. Of course, feelings develop between them which leads to some LOL moments and a rather cute love story.
5. The Wedding Singer
I don’t know why I like this movie so much. Maybe it’s the ridiculous 80s fashion and references, maybe it’s because Adam Sandler was still funny back then, or maybe it’s because it’s just a really sweet movie. It’s pretty typical as far as romance movies go; good guy falls for good girl, good girl already has jerk boyfriend, and thus good guy ends up making a spectacular gesture to win the girl. Despite the obvious plot it has a lot of goofy Sandler-esque humor, making it a nice, lighthearted romance.
6. Moulin Rouge
Baz Luhrmann set a new standard for bizarre when he came out with Moulin Rouge in 2001. Labeled as a “jukebox musical” this movie blends vibrant cinematic effects with a rocking soundtrack that features musical adaptations of songs that range from Elton John to Nirvana.
If you and your Valentine love music, this is a great movie. Taking place in Paris at the turn of the 19th Century, this movie is a heartbreaking romance that promises to thrill. Impoverished writer Christian (Ewan McGregor) moves to Montmartre to join the Bohemian revolution and soon falls in love with the enchanting Satine (Nicole Kidman), who is a courtesan. Their forbidden love makes this film edgy and exciting from start to finish.
7. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is so funny that I didn’t even think of it as being a romance at first. Yet, when I really thought about it I realized that this is a great story about heartbreak, finding love when you don’t expect it and the general ridiculousness of human nature.
Composer Peter (Jason Segal) is devastated when his actress girlfriend (Kristen Bell) breaks up with him. Hoping to collect himself he decides to take a vacation to Hawaii, only to find his ex vacationing there with big time rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). While the vacation is essentially ruined, it slowly improves when he starts to spend time with the attractive, witty hotel concierge (Mila Kunis).
If you haven’t already seen this movie, it’s hilarious. And if you have already seen it, it’s still funny and a great pick for passing some time with your Valentine.
What are some of your sufferable romance movies? Post a comment!
