I’ve come to the conclusion that women have no taste in movies.  Sure, it’s really easy for women to call men nerds for liking epic movies like The Dark Knight and Lord of the Rings.  But they only call men nerds because they don’t know how else to defend their bad tastes.  Women don’t have large brain capacity when it comes to art.  The acting in these Twilight movies is attrocious, and Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart talk in these really boring, monotone voices with no sense of excitement or thrill.  You can tell they are very bored with the material.  Kristen Stewart always looks like she’s tired or bored.  It is hard to tell which.  Honestly, if women want to see a guy take off his shirt for half the movie, just go look at male porn on the internet.  You may even see a penis or two if you search on Google hard enough.

What sickens me is that there are so many better romantic movies out there for women.  There are plenty of movies that are great romance stories, and yet women keep going to this mediocre piece of trash Twilight series.  Yeah it’s so romantic that this girl keeps putting herself out there to get violently assaulted by these vampires just because she wants to be loved.  Jeez, isn’t that how things like rape happen in real life?  Is that what this movie is teaching young girls?  That it’s romantic to be stalked by creepy guys? 

I always felt in America that nowadays people only settle for mediocrity.  They only settle for below average.  All these young girls decided not to read books until this really horribly written book came out.  To all you mothers out there, you’re doing a fine job at raising the bar for your daughter when it comes to reading.  Instead of having her read good literature, you’re completely lowering her expectations of writing.  All these little girls will want to write like Stephanie Meyer, and we’ll get a huge surplus of garbage novels.

Not only are the characters in Twilight not interesting, but the message is terrible.  So basically Kristen Stewart’s character is a nobody unless she is a property of this vampire or a property of that werewolf guy.  What a great way to let women know they aren’t anybody unless they are property of a man.

Anyways, Twilight is lowering the expectations of what is considered quality in film and literature.  It’s killing two birds with one stone.  If you want your kids to read, there’s so many books out there to get them reading.  Enough of this hollywood hype machine.  They just want to oversexualize your kids when they are 13 year olds so your daughters grow up to be whores when they are 18.  Not that I mind, cause when your daughters turn 18, I wouldn’t mind stalking them like the vampires they read in those Twilight books and Twilight movies.  Now I bet you read that and thought, “Wow what a creepy dude”.  Really?  I’m creepy but you’re okay with your kids watching movies/reading books that tells girls if you get stalked, then its romantic.  You’re an A+ parent for sure.

After reading ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ last year, my expectations for the film were suitably high. With a perfect cast and a truly fantastic story, I was already absolutely certain I was in for a two-hour-long-ish treat when I saw the film at my local Odeon this week.

Before Audrey Niffenegger had even finished writing the novel, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s company Plan B Entertainment has acquired the rights to create a screenplay of the same name and based on the novel, and when the film started to come together, it looked positively epic.

‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ is about Henry DeTamble, a man with a genetic disorder which causes him to spontaneously and unpredictably travel through time. In an interesting and complicated story, he falls in love with an artist named Clare Abshire, who he gets to know at various different time points during his life and hers.

With the gorgeous Eric Bana cast as Henry and the stunning Rachel McAdams as Clare, the film captured the picture exactly as it had played in my head as I read the novel. The captivating, intriguing and incredibly unique story of the couple’s love is the backbone of both the novel and the film, and the flawless performances from the leading actors will introduce the concept of ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ well for new viewers, and enhance the understanding for those who have already experienced the magic of Niffenegger’s vision.

A number of reviewers have said ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ is the film ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ ought to have been, but I find the two vastly different, and ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ certainly holds a different feel and ambience. It’s truly individual in its approach, message and disposition, echoing aspects of pioneering films in the ‘forbidden love novel turned film’ genre such as ‘The Notebook’ (also starring McAdams) and ‘Atonement’.

Though nowhere near as good as the book, this film is incredibly well done, and where cuts were necessary for the sake of length, the correct decisions were certainly made. This is a beautiful, beautiful film that is definitely worth your time – and there should be no waiting for it to come out on DVD; this is one you’ll enjoy most in the theatre.

Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler

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Starring : Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler

Arguably the highest grossing movie of all times (when inflation adjusted) this movie set in the backdrop of the American Civil War is about the love story between the beautiful and aristrocratic Scarlett O’Hara and the charismatic Rhett Butler. This is the story of how the dynamic Rhett Butler tries to make her realize how much he loves her, this is the story of how Scarlett can only think about Ashley Wilkes and how she fails to understand Rhett’s love for her. This is a classic and a must watch.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Princess Ann and Joe Bradley

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Starring : Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler

This is the story of how a princess falls in love with a reporter and tries to break free from the shackles of aristrocracy when all the reporter is trying to do is take an exclusive interview of her and sell it to the press. This movie stars Oscar winner Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck at their best.

Titanic (1997)

Rose and Jack

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Starring : Kate Winslet as Rose Dewitt Bukater and Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson

There is nothing much to say about this blockbuster by James Cameron. Everyone has perhaps seen Titanic a hundred times. This movie released in 1997 took the world by storm and made Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio instant superstars the world over. This is a love story set in the heart wrenching backdrop of the most talked about shipwreck in history – the Titanic disaster which killed more than 1500 people. If you have not seen the movie yet, buy a DVD and watch it right now!  

Notting Hill (1999)

Anna Scott and William Thacker

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Starring : Julia Roberts as Anna Scott and Hugh Grant as William Thacker

Notting Hill is one of my most favorite movies. This is the story of how a bookshop owner from Notting Hill, London falls in love with in love with a beautiful actress from Hollywood whom he accidentally meets in his bookshop. This is the story of how despite all odds, this highly sought after star from Hollywood also falls in love with him. I won’t tell you the story. You would better find it of your own. I would just add only one small info : this movie features, perhaps one of the best songs ever sung by former Boyzone Ronan Keating “When you say nothing at all”.

The Notebook (2004)

Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun

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Starring : Rachel McAdams as Allie Hamilton and Ryan Gosling as Noah Calhoun

This is a touching love story of how an elderly man reads their own love story to his wife who has lost her memory. The story moves back and forth between the 1940’s when the actual love story is set and the present day when the story is being read. This is a beautiful depiction of the power of love, of how it can heal all wounds and can still be the same even after many years.

Fifty First Dates (2004)

Lucy Whitemore and Henry Roth

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Starring : Drew Barrymore as Lucy Whitemore and Adam Sandler as Henry Roth

This could easily have categorized as a cute little love story, which it really is for most of the part but the fact that the girl is suffering from short term memory loss adds the twist to the tale. This is a light hearted romance where the guy falls in love with this girl who forgets him everyday and how he makes her fall in love with him every morning. Set in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands this story becomes a must watch for the way it has shown that a handicap is only as big as you make it. This is the story of the victory of true love over all obstructions. 

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Daisy Fuller and Benjamin Button

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Starring : Cate Blanchett as Daisy Fuller and Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button

This is perhaps one of the most bizarre love stories you will ever come across. This is the story of a man who is born old and gradually becomes younger. The story is about Benjamin Button as he finds himself going the other way when the world around him is getting older. This is his spiritual journey where he makes many friends, loses even more of how he finds love but cannot keep her for his own. This is the story of Daisy Fuller who falls in love with a person apparently much older than she is but as she grows up, she finds her love getting younger by the day. This movie has the elements of becoming one of the greatest masterpieces of modern cinema – a must watch. 

For a similar list of the best war movies, visit http://cinemaroll.com/war/best-war-movies-list-by-release-date/

With girls we see the girl that is all alone, the shy one, the overlooked one, the feminazi, the workaholic, or there is the super charming, witty, successful, hard to impress type, etc,etc.  As for guys you will find that quite the variety exists there as well.  There is the gentleman, the coworker, the best friend, the persistent never gives up on loving you type, or there is the jerk that really turns out to be sensitive, and so that list goes on and on as well. 

My theory is that a woman’s favorite chick flicks are reflective of which chick flick creates the happy ending she wants and which chick flick resonates with an individual the most.  More specifically, I suspect that women like movies that have either their ideal romance or their ideal guy, and I would go further in associations by assuming that any given woman relates to the lead girl character on some level.

The foundations for my theory are rooted in parasocial theory, personal experience, observations and a very informal interview process.  Within my own personal experience it is interesting to note that my shift in preference for chick flicks mirrors the sort of man or romance that I hope to have.  If you had asked me a couple of years ago, I would have told you that my two favorite movies are Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables.  If you look at Gilbert and Mr. Darcy they have a lot in common.  They are both “the catch” they appear to be a jerk at first, but turn out to be the most patient, long suffering, loyal lovers in the literary world.  They both fall in love with a girl that is bright, fiercely independent and accomplished, they both propose and are rejected, but in the end, the endurance of their love is rewarded.  This is a very accurate reflection of what I try to be myself as well as the kind of guys that I have dated.  Now I find that I would like to be valued for other qualities, so my preferences are shifting, and so is my taste in literature and chick flicks.  I would like to be loved for my goodness, and other qualities I value and like to think I possess.  Lately, I have loved Persuasion, The Host, and Mansfield Park, all examples of a girl that is so good in nature that she is overlooked at first, but in the end is loved and valued for it. 

I realize that my perception and experience with the chick flick theory is a bit biased.  It is on occasion my favorite game to test my theory on my friends.  The other night the theory became the party game, as I was analyzing a large group of people, their favorite chick flicks and what that revealed about them in their dating patterns.  I almost felt like I was reading Tarot cards or something, however, the chick flick theory held up.  Here are some examples:

“The Wedding Date”,

“Can I ask something, would you typically say that you are fairly insecure when it comes to dating?….maybe need a guy to  help talk you through?…”

“uh yeah.” 

“The Notebook and the Holiday”

 “Really? I never realized you were such a romantic, so you really want to be swept up and consumed by love don’t you?”

 “yes”

“And you want your guy to be too?”

“yes.”  

“She’s the Man.”

“So do you find yourself often in a best friend situation, kinda hoping that they’ll realize they’re in love with you in the end?….kind of rely on humor a bit?”

“wow, yeah”. 

The night continued on this way, many of my friends became believers, and my conviction grew stronger.  If you still don’t buy into it, go ahead and test it yourself.  Maybe it can help you break some bad dating habits.  For me, I’ve learned that if a guy starts out a punk, he likely is a punk and will not later prove to be a misunderstood Mr. Darcy. 

As to the reason of why this theory might be true-it’s sort a chicken or the egg scenario.  What is the cause and which is the effect?  Are our expectations of what form love will come in cultivated by the package that comes along with the girl we particularly relate to?  Or-is it that combination of viewing a girl that we relate to, that seems to have the same taste in men as us?  I don’t have an answer.  However, I would guess that it’s probably a bit of both.

It’s okay: ye olde Tinseltown is there for you.

Love in Black & White

Casablanca

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This is the story of a bar-owner in Casablanca, Morocco who becomes re-acquainted with the love of his life:a woman who has married someone else. Her husband is wanted by the Nazis and the only one who can get them to safety is her former lover.

This movie is ‘the’ romance. Humphrey Bogart does not play the ridiculously-handsome-yet-seemingly-unavailable Mr. Right and Ingrid Bergman is no love-struck slap-stick comedienne. This movie is serious and captivating. The dialogue alone is as near to perfection as a film gets: from “Play it again, Sam” to “We’ll always have Paris” Casablanca has been quoted more than the Declaration of Independence. Men like it. Women like it. It’s the “anti-romance” romance.

The Shop Around the Corner

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This is Jimmy Stewart’s other Christmas movie but it centers around a funny hate-first-love-later plot. It is set in Budapest, Hungary.

Dances with Wolves

This is another movie that both men and women like. It is another ’serious’ romance. The story of Civil War hero John Dunbar and the white woman turned Sioux Stands-with-a-Fist, Dances With Wolves deals with the brutality of a very dark periods in our nation’s history and the displacement of the Native American people. It stars Kevin Costner as John Dunbar and it’s high-time it made more classic movie lists- even though it’s not in black & white.

When Harry Met Sally

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. What more can be said? This movie also spawned a quote: “I’ll have what she’s having.” The woman who says that line at the end of the famous fake-orgasm scene is the director’s mother.

Black History for Everyone

The Color Purple

This is one of those classic movies that gets quoted all the time for no particular reason (You tol’ Harpo to beat me…).

Or maybe there is a reason: this movie is funny, heart wrenching and provoking. When you watch The Color Purple you get angry, you cry and you laugh.

Like the Pulitzer winning book it’s based on, this movie has cultural significance as well. It tells the story of a black woman who finds herself. A story of sexism, rape, imperialism and discrimination, the ultimate message of the Color Purple is “Yeah, things get pretty bad. But look how beautiful life is.”

 Roots

Okay, I know this is a television miniseries but before you chop off my foot, hear me out. This is some of the best acting and film-making in the genre. The dramatization of Alex Haley’s family saga, Roots is the story of Kunta Kinte, a young African boy who becomes a slave in America. This movie showed people a startling picture of how the slavery system worked.

 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

This movie features the great partnership between Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy as the parents of a young woman who brings home her black fiancee. It dealt with race relations in a time when dealing with race relations was dangerous- and yet the movie is light-hearted and quite funny.

 In the Heat of the Night

Another fantastic Sidney Poitier film, In the Heat of the Night is about a police detective from up north who comes to Mississippi to visit his mother, and ends up solving a murder. Only one problem: he’s a black man. This movie is an awesome detective story,but packs a thematic punch in the way it deals with Southern racism. It also spawned a great quote: “They call me Mr. Tibbs!”

For more fantastic info about great films, check out the American Film Institute

20. Roxanne (1987, Fred Schepisi)

Romance: Daryl Hannah & Steve Martin

This sweet romantic comedy shows Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah in a convincing on screen relationship both as friends and more! Steve Martin throws some impressive jokes around and in parts the script (written by Mr Martin himself) is laugh out loud funny, and although it’s borderline cheesy, is very romantic in parts too.

Most romantic moment: When C.D. (Martin) is calling up to Roxanne (Hannah) pretending to be Chris. It’s beautifully written with some very romantic lines (although slightly cheesy) and is reminiscent of the Romeo and Juliet balcony scene.

19. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003, Donald Petrie)

Romance: Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey

A very funny movie with some rather romantic moments. Won’t make you cry or even pull your heart strings too hard but will have you laughing out loud in no time. Brilliant performances given by both Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson and promises a smile on your face by the end.

Most romantic moment: The bathroom scene.

18. Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994, Mike Newell)

Romance: Andie MacDowell & Hugh Grant

The film that made Hugh Grant the heartthrob that he is, and aren’t we glad? His character, Charles made every woman want to run into a nervous and bumbling idiot like him rather than the typical Clark Gable type, and I couldn’t help but hear the sighs of relief from men all over the world when this film came out.

Most romantic moment: The scene in the rain where Richard Curtis gained his title as God of romantic comedies!

17. Notting Hill (1999, Roger Michell)

Romance: Julia Roberts & Hugh Grant

Another appearance by Mr Grant (and not the last either) and another fine example of the work of Richard Curtis as a writer and of the production company Working Title. I have probably seen the film too many times but I just love the screen relationship between Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, and there are also some rather humorous moments with the brilliant Rhys Ifans. Again, won’t endanger your ribs but will leave you feeling great.

Most romantic moment: “I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her.”

16. The American President (1995, Rob Reiner)

Romance: Annette Bening & Michael Douglas

A beautifully written movie which may well bring a tear to your eye by the end. A rather random mix of romance and politics for a movie which means your boyfriend is more likely to enjoy it with you.

Most romantic moment: The china room scene (or ‘the dish room’)

15. Hitch (2005, Andy Tennant)

Romance: Eva Mendes & Will Smith

A laugh out loud funny movie with some crafty writing, fitting in some more sentimental lines. A slick movie brilliantly directed for the perfect blend of romance and comedy and is of course beautifully pulled off by the wonderfully talented Will Smith. Eva Mendes is a perfect choice for the role bringing a delightful mix of comedy, charm and beauty to the role and it may well bring a tear to your eyes.

Most romantic moment: Will Smith talking through the peep hole on the other side of the door to Eva Mendes and not being able to express himself – also quite funny.

14. Run, Fat Boy, Run (2007, David Schwimmer)

Romance: Thandie Newton & Simon Pegg

A wonderfully directed film by David Schwimmer (Ross Gellar, no less) which will in parts make you laugh out loud, although as with some of the other films, is weak in parts. Well acted by Pegg and Newton and a brilliant casting choice for Dylan Moran who brings a huge amount of comedy to the film.

Most romantic moment: The balcony scene at the party: “I’d just settle for your respect.”

13. Big (1988, Penny Marshall)

Romance: Elizabeth Perkins & Tom Hanks

Much like Hugh Grant, Tom Hanks is also popular in this chart and although this film doesn’t focus solely on the romance element, it does have its moments. Written by Gary Ross and Steven Spielberg’s sister Anne Spielberg, this is a delightful comedy, brilliantly acted by Hanks and surprisingly the child actors are a pleasure to watch too which makes a nice change from some of the annoying child actors in Hollywood! So look out for more Tom Hanks in this chart…

Most romantic moment: When Perkins and Hanks dance together realising they’re falling for each other and Susan (Perkins) starts to kiss Josh (Hanks).

12. America’s Sweethearts (2002, Joe Roth)

Romance: Julia Roberts & John Cusack

I am a huge fan of Billy Crystal AND John Cusack so this film had to appear here somewhere! And although the film is incredibly underrated I found a place for it in this chart. The storyline isn’t so complex but then neither is that of most romantic comedies, and if I had one criticism it would be how unlikable some of the characters are, but it is also very funny in parts. John Cusack is, of course, delightful to watch on screen and very convincing as a romantic lead and there is also the pleasure of Mr Crystal for comic value.

Most romantic moment: The whole “woman by the pool” conversation between Kiki (Roberts) and Eddie (Cusack): “The woman by the pool that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with… that was me.”

11. 50 First Dates (2004, Peter Segal)

Romance: Drew Barrymore & Adam Sandler

Firstly I’d like to apologise for not having more Drew Barrymore here, I do love her as much as the next person, but I did enough narrowing down to just fit in 20 movies! And secondly I’d like to stress how much I love this movie! It manages to make me cry with both laughter and sorrow in one screening, which is incredibly hard to do. The film did well upon its release and was pleasantly popular among critics although never raved about. The film shows an appropriate balance of both comedy and drama, revealing the upsetting subject matter of short term memory loss and the affect it has on people around its victims.

Most romantic moment: Just when they’re drifting off to sleep together and Henry (Sandler) asks her not to forget about him.

10. Groundhog Day (1993, Harold Ramis)

Romance: Andie MacDowell & Bill Murray

This charming comedy follows the life of one man (Murray) who is experiencing the same day over and over, Groundhog Day. And after spending the same day with the same woman repeatedly, he begins to take a shine to her, trying and trying to win her over, each day getting closer to her and taking note of his mistakes he makes and pick ups that don’t work on her. His never ending attempts to get her into bed backfire though as he slowly starts to fall for her and his soul purpose becomes getting her to fall for him so he can continue with his life as normal.

Most romantic moment: When Bill Murray starts to tell Andie MacDowell how he really feels without realising she’s already asleep.

9. Jerry Maguire (1996, Cameron Crowe)

Romance: Renee Zellweger & Tom Cruise

This movie is a surprisingly good mix of the sports movie genre and romance with an element of drama too. Cruise plays a sports agent amazingly well and sways the audience well considering his character isn’t very nice for the most part. Renee Zellweger is adorable and perfect in the role (as usual) and the kid (played by Jonathan Lipnicki) could not be cuter!

Most romantic moment: “You had me at ‘hello’”

8. Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001, Sharon Maguire)

Romance: Renee Zellweger & Colin Firth

Yet another appearance by Renee Zellweger and also by Hugh Grant! And they deserve it! This film is based on the book by Helen Fielding and surprisingly does it justice. That isn’t to say that the screenwriters and director aren’t respected and able, but film adaptations are often not as good as the novel itself. This, however, I am happy to say, is. I read the book a couple of years ago and when I heard they were making a movie version my ears perked up and I was not disappointed. Zellweger is amazing as Bridget and carries off the English accent beautifully. She is truly an icon to all women and is played beautifully by the great Renee!

Most romantic moment: “I like you… just the way you are”

7. Pretty Woman (1999, Gary Marshall)

Romance: Julia Roberts & Richard Gere

Once again the truly gorgeous Julia Roberts makes an appearance, and what an appearance! She is stunning in this role which slightly shadows the damsel in distress story – every girls fantasy to find a guy who will take her away to infinite love and riches!

Most romantic moment: When Gere finally conquers his fear of heights to meet her at the top of the fire escape!

6. Sleepless In Seattle (1993, Norah Ephron)

Romance: Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks

This is probably the most famous romantic comedy of all time although in this chart it’s only made it to 6^th place! I do, however, love Meg Ryan, love Tom Hanks and love love love Norah Ephron (writer and director). Again, acted beautifully and Hanks’ comic timing is brilliant with the tight script. Some men might need patience to watch it with you, but for us girls it’s something that will never get old!

Most romantic moment: When they FINALLY meet at the end.

5. Love Actually (2003, Richard Curtis)

Romances: Too many!

This is a beautiful story of how love is all around with a superb cast of British stars and too many romantic moments to count! A brilliant Christmas movie although can be enjoyed any day of the year.

Most romantic moment: Andrew Lincoln telling Keira Knightley how he really feels via cards.

4. Manhattan (1979, Woody Allen)

Romance: Diane Keaton & Woody Allen

Despite the marvellous performance by Mariel Hemingway, Diane Keaton steals this as the prominent romantic interest. With beautiful shots of the city that never sleeps and a gorgeous jazzy soundtrack, this is by far Allen’s best.

Most romantic moment: “You’re God’s answer to Job”

3. You’ve Got Mail (1998, Norah Ephron)

Romance: Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks

An incredibly sweet movie based on “Shop Around The Corner” starring James Stewart. Meg Ryan is adorable as usual and Tom Hanks’ charm and wit is set to 11. Yet another outstanding piece of work from Norah Ephron and I guess by now you’ve gathered I’m a fan of hers and of Meg Ryan’s, so no prizes for guess my number one romantic comedy of all time…

Most romantic moment: The closing scene: “Don’t cry Shopgirl”

2. Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961, Blake Edwards)

Romance: Audrey Hepburn & George Peppard

An ultimate classic from the moment it hit the screen! Inspired a hell of a lot of shopping in Tiffany’s and a lot of cats were adopted! What more can I say about it but “watch it!”? Whether you’ve seen it or not, watch it right now!

Most romantic moment: The final scene – in the rain!

1. When Harry Met Sally (1989, Rob Reiner)

Romance: Meg Ryan & Billy Crystal

THE best romantic comedy of all time! Written by Norah Ephron, directed by Rob Reiner and starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Will have you in stitches in parts but will also have you reaching for the tissues. A genius mix of comedy and romance with the king of comedy, Billy Crystal and the queen of romance, Meg Ryan. The couple are delightful together on screen and incredibly convincing both as friends and lovers.

Most romantic moment: The New Years party at the end: “When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

I’m not a big lover of Edward Burns, his movies and his acting bores me, ever since the arty Brothers McMullan back in 1995, the Edward Burns vehicle is not one I enjoy being part of, in short I just do not get the fascination with this actor, and when I learned that he was the second billed cast member as well as the writer and director of Purple Violets, I was almost tempted to eject the DVD before the movie had even really begun. But this is not your usual Edward Burns fare; usually the actor somehow gets to play the exciting, desirable leading man. Here Burns is a sort of parody of how I see him, a thirty something, recovering alcoholic, who used to think he was something but is now very much aware of his own mortality.

The story surrounds two women Patti Petalson (Selma Blair) and Kate Scott (Debra Messing) both have been friends for years, Patti is an ex-novelist who is trapped in a loveless marriage and a job that really is draining her life’s breath. Kate is more hardened to life’s little issues and will take no nonsense, something in her past being the problem. On a girls night out to celebrate Kate’s birthday, the two come across the problem from Kate’s past, Michael Murphy (Edward Burns) an old flame from her past who broke her heart so badly that for over 10 years she has been unable to recover. Michael is not however alone, his dinner guest is Brian Callaghan (Patrick Wilson) a successful novelist whose books about detective Frank Knight are all being turned into movies. Brian as it happens is also an old flame from Patti’s life, their paths also had not crossed in many years, but all are about to go on an emotional journey to discover the life they have lost.

Blair leads with her strength, and her usual characteristic weakness; making every scene she appears in warm to your heart. Blair is one of those actresses that while being incredibly beautiful can also play the role of the plain girl we all knew but never dated. As the movie progresses we watch the transformation of her character as it blossoms into a beautiful butterfly. The wonder however of Purple Violets is it’s not as cut and dry as you might think.

The movie is very much like real life, it’s a thoughtful and hopeful piece that gives you the power and the enthusiasm to make changes in the things in your life that are not working out, all it needed for Patti was one solitary individual to open her eyes and awaken her to a world where she is not a failure, but an inspiration to all.

The remainder of the cast do well, Messing is charming as the colourful tongued Kate, a woman who is not prepared to engage in second chances and delivers each hostile line with a humorous punch. While Patrick Wilson plays for the straight role, the only one in the movie as the sort of person we all know, and to some degree want to be, although he in turn wants, no needs to be like every one of us. If I have one casting criticism then it’s with Donal Logue as Patti’s husband Chazz, Logue delivers one of the most excruciatingly painful British accents I have EVER heard in my life, stumbling between South African, Irish, and Australian the actor just does not know where he is going, and the result makes him the most dislikeable person in the movie, a real hindrance in fact to an otherwise stellar piece. Even Burns, really delivers the goods, and I cannot stand the guy.

P.T. Walkley’s musical score is out of place, but perfectly enjoyable, as isolated music it works incredibly well, with the movie although it works well it gives the impression of a very different film.

Purple Violets as I said at the start is not necessarily the sort of movie that most men will like, or at least admit too. But it carefully ensures not to cross the paths of traditional “Girls” movies, keeping enough raw and gritty matter around that an honest man might not only watch the movie, but actually enjoy it.

1. The Notebook

   Behind every great love is a great story. Often times, a movie does well when it comes from source material like novel. An epic love story centered on a older man who reads aloud to an older woman whom he regularly visits. From a faded notebook, the old man’s words bring to life the story about a couple who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths. Though her memory has faded, his words give her the chance to relive her turbulent youth and the unforgettable love they shared. The movie revolves around the couple represents the love story that is being told by James Garner’s character. He reads from a book, the story of the two lovers as they go through everything life has to offer. Gina Rowland plays the lady that he is reading to, and she gets as wrapped up in the story as we do, as he progresses from chapter to chapter in the novel he is reading. The story becomes an epic of its own, as its starts to split time between the stories being read, and the story of Garner and Rowland living in the present day. The love shown by Noah and Allie is something that envelopes us, and it makes us forget about the current story. By going back and forth, we are able to look forward to where each of the two stories is going. It leads to an ending of each story that is very emotional. It is that type of film, where we feels like a part of the story, and want them to act or say something specific, that truly makes a great story. I highly recommend seeing this romantic movie as it has everything needed for a true romantic love story.

2. P.S. I Love You

   There has been so much discussion on this film to qualify as romantic but I think this movie takes on an emotional journey. One that everyone can relate to, losing someone you love and learning to cope with the loss is universal.

   A grieving young widow discovers that her late husband has left her a list of tasks revealed in 10 messages, delivered anonymously, intended to ease her out of grief and transition her to a new life.

   PS I Love you was an excellent combination of happiness and sorrow. Its dry comedy had me laughing however, her love for him made me said as she never had taken the time to truly shown Gerry how much she loved him.

3. Titanic

   It is being hailed as one of the best love stories depicted on film. Titanic is not only great in terms of action, effects, and visuals, but also provides excellent commentary on the issue of the class struggle.

   The story is about a boy who after winning a trip on the RMS Titanic during a dockside card game, American Jack Dawson spots the society girl Rose, who is on her way to Philadelphia to marry her rich snob fiancé Cal Hockley. Rose feels helplessly trapped by her situation and makes her way to the aft deck and thinks of suicide until she is rescued by Jack. Cal is therefore obliged to invite Jack to dine at their first-class table where he suffers through the slights of his snobbish hosts. In return, he spirits Rose off to third class for an evening of dancing, giving her the time of her life. Deciding to forsake her intended future all together, Rose asks Jack, who has made his living making sketches on the streets of Paris, to draw her in the nude wearing the invaluable blue diamond Cal has given her. Cal finds out and has Jack locked away. Soon afterwards, the ship hits an iceberg and Rose must find Jack while both must run from Cal even as the ship sinks deeper into the freezing water.

   It is flawlessly crafted, intelligently constructed, strongly acted and spellbinding. Its movies, which will makes you cry at the end, so must see it!!

4. Ghost

   “Ghost” is a very engaging film. It presents a view of the after-life which is a mixture of fact and fancy. The story revolves around a merchant banker who’s murdered in a street robbery and Moore is Molly Jensen, his grieving widow, left alone with her memories of their pottery table romps to the tune of “Unchained Melody”. Yet there’s a twist: Sam may be dead, but he’s stayed on earth as a spirit in order to spend a few more moments with his beloved.

   A perfect balance of laughs and tears, a sparklingly funny script and a clever fantasy about ghostly goings on make this a superior blockbuster romance. Must see this!!

5. Pretty Woman

   Sometimes love is discovered in the most unorthodox of places. Pretty Woman is one of the best and most romantic movies ever seen by me. This is not your typical version of the Cinderella story, but a celebration of that one thing in life most of us truly want to say we have felt at one time or another, or continue to look for love. Julia Roberts and Richard generated the kind of romantic charisma and heat that only comes from being great talent. Not only are these two remarkably hot on screen but very funny in so many hilarious moments.

   Pretty Woman will give that fairy-tale almost all of us women dreamed of when we were little girls, but very updated, and most likely not the way we envisioned it to be. But the real message is solid, timeless and good, and that is all right by me. Must see this!!

6. Gone with the Wind

   The film is four hours long, and it’s almost like a movie and a sequel joined together in two separate halves. The first half of the movie deals with the times before the end of the Civil War for the South, mostly setting up the love triangles and dealing with some of the horrors of the war. The second half is mostly a soapy romance, dealing with love, death and relationships when everyone tries to put the pieces of their lives back together.

   Scarlett O’Hara is in love with drippy Ashley Wilkes, and is devastated when he announces that he plans to marry his cousin Melanie. She pleads with Ashley to marry her instead, but then, on the first day of the Civil War, she meets mercurial Rhett Butler. A man to match her strength of character and romantic desires, Butler changes the course of her life. Despite hunger, and the burning of Atlanta, Scarlett survives the war and its aftermath, but ultimately loses the only man she really loved. A beautiful film and a must-see for anyone who loves to fall in love.

7. 50 First Dates

   The story revolves around Henry Roth, who is a veterinarian living in Hawaii who enjoys the company of vacationing women. He leaves the playboy life behind after he falls for Lucy, who suffers from short-term memory loss. Since she can never remember meeting him, Henry has to romance Lucy every single day and hope that she falls for him. Movie has a charismatic cast of colorful characters and surprisingly creative script and a great romantic movie to watch.

8. When Harry Met Sally

   Ultimately, When Harry Met Sally works because it dares to be slightly different from most romantic comedies. While there’s nothing radical in the trajectory of Harry and Sally’s romance, it’s not entirely conventional.Does sex make it impossible for men and women to be true friends? This romantic comedy chronicles this dilemma through the eleven year relationship between Harry and Sally who meet in college, then pursue their own lives until they reconnect ten years later. Romantic movie, every one should watch.

9. Sleepless in Seattle

   Sleepless in Seattle is a very good romantic movie and has some good performances by the leading actors played by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. He plays the character of a widower and he has a son who longs for a mother. Meg Ryan too is a very good actress and in this movie too she gives a very impressive performance as an engaged woman who finds herself attracted to Tom Hanks just by hearing about him on a radio from his son. Tom Hanks’ son always probes his father to remarry but Tom Hanks doesn’t want to get married again as he loves his wife who died a lot. So, one day his son takes an opportunity and talks to the anchor on radio saying how good his father is and how bad he wants his father to get married again. Accidentally Meg Ryan listens to this program and finds the boy’s anguish moving and thinks his father is interesting. She then notes the phone number given and calls him and secretly they plan and at last she and Tom Hanks unite on the Eiffel Tower, should watch this romantic movie.

Might be my dear friends, you have some other movies on this list but again choice differs from person to person. Hope! Most of people will have most of their selected romantic movies in this list