Ah, l’amour. Whether you’re forever alone or a married old crusty, the fact that Valentine’s Day looms this week will not have escaped your notice.
As many of you will know (or are about to find out), I am not remotely romantic, and I generally avoid films from the romance genre like the horrible plague that they are. I find romantic comedies in particular to be wholly unrealistic, insipid and condescending, and Katherine Heigl makes me break out in hives. I can count the number of “romance” movies I’ve watched to completion on one hand.
That actually means “cup of tea”.
That said, I have been neglecting my blog of late, and in the spirit of the numerous special film-related series that pop up around these Hallmark holidays, I’ve decided I should do something special too. To do that, I will need your help.
What are your favourite romantic films? Or alternatively, what horrible romantic cheese-fest would you like to subject me to watching and reviewing? Hit me with your best shot. I’ll promise to watch whatever the most popular suggestion is. Although not if it’s Atonement. Please don’t make me watch Atonement again, that was an awful, awful film.
Right, I’m off, because I mistakenly thought it was Pancake Tuesday here today (it’s a real holiday, I swear) which means I’ve to make enough pancakes to feed me for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even though I’ve just been told that apparently it’s not until March 4th this year (WTF, calendar people!?), but I’m going to make pancakes anyway because I got so excited. Oh, and a note to the taken ladies (and gents) among us – Annual Steak & Blowjob Day falls on March 14th. Seriously. That’s a real holiday, too.
Real life evil genius.
P.S. Just a quick thank you to everyone for all of the birthday wishes! You lot truly made my day. Made it easier too, especially when I found out that so many of you are actually older than I am. BAHAHA!
My Top Tear-Jerking Moments In Entertainment 
The Verbal Spew Review 
I know it’s a Christmas film but While you were Sleeping is lovely.
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I remember seeing that one when I was younger! It prompted a really age inappropriate crush on Bill Pullman. I must watch that again!
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In that case maybe you shouldn’t ;)
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Haha! Ah, memories. Maybe I should write a post about all of the age inappropriate crushes I had in my pre-adulthood. :D
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OMG, I thought it was Pancake day today too? I think I saw some blog this morning on my reader saying that it was. How can this many people be wrong? And how are we three weeks out?!!
Good idea for a post though. Top ten rom-coms? I don’t know but Matthew McConaughey will figure in most of them as he is the man.
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I was convinced it was today! It’s usually the same week as V Day, isn’t it? But then someone told me that Easter is the end of April this year or something, so Pancake Tuesday/Ash Wednesday are later because of Lent. Feck it, I say we (un)officially claim today as Pancake Day, and eat them anyway. That’s what I had for dinner! :D
Will you be doing a themed Valentine’s post yourself?
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I didn’t go for pancakes, I did eat loads of popcorn though.
I might do a rom com list or something for valentines day. If I get a chance. What about you, any thoughts?
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Sounds good! I’ll probably just stick to doing a few flash reviews for what everyone has suggested here. I’ll probably do something a little more extensive for Paddy’s Day, because as far as these kinds of holidays go, that one is my favourite!
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I am not a rom-com fan either, prefer my Asian horror to be honest, but the most romantic film in the world is Cinema Paradiso.
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That’s actually on my classics Must Watch list! I had no idea it was a romance flick.
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Actually, the romance isn’t the main bit. But it’s so damn romantic……
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That sounds like what I’m looking for, Cathy! I do like it when the romance plot aren’t center stage, but when they’re written well, it can really add a little something something to the overall experience.
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I agree with Cinema Paradiso. Beautiful film!
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What about 500 Days of Summer? It’s kind of an anti-chick flick. And it’s got Joseph Gordon-Levitt so no excuse necessary.
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I’ll second that. Also throw in another JGL movie, Don Jon. It’s romantic comedy-esque.
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Oh, that’s a great film!
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Haven’t seen Don Jon yet, I’ve been meaning too though! As far as rom-coms go it looks a little more up my street. Thanks guys!
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Don Jon’s pretty good!
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Not a huge romcom fan, but About Time is definitely worth a watch. It’s got gentle humour which I prefer sometimes over loud and bawdy humour.
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Subtle or gentle humour can work better with these types of films I feel, makes them a little more realistic. Will check out About Time (have been meaning to for a while because of the Irish connection), thanks!
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When Harry Met Sally is one of the best rom-coms as it actually remembers to be funny. If you’re looking for a more thoughtful take on relationships then any of the Before films are good. Probably best to start off with Before Sunrise though.
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I’m gonna second WHMS. I think it’s the best rom-com ever made, because it hits all the right points about love, friendship, relationships and everything in between.
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I’ve never seen When Harry Met Sally. :o That’s definitely going on the list. Thanks Lauren and Rob!
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Okay, what age qualifies as “married old crusty”? ;)
As for romantic movies, to me the greatest movie romance is found in my favorite movie of all time – “Casablanca”. I adore that film. But there is so much more to it than just romance. So while it will definitely satisfy your request for romance, it still has a lot more to offer. Oh, and as always, Bogie is brilliant!
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If you want a serious suggestion, I’ll second Keith’s. Casablanca is my favorite film of all time, as well. So . . . if you haven’t seen, you should change that.
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Casablanca is perfect. I saw it when I was younger but if I’m honest I remember nothing about it. This will definitely suit the V Day theme. Great stuff guys, cheers!
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Happy birthday! I’m 11.
Does Shaun of the Dead count?
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Apparently it does! I didn’t know it was a rom-com. This makes things easier.
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I would like to see you rail against The Host. And so that is what I want to subject you to. :-)
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OMG THE CRUELTY! I actually sat through twenty minutes of that before I realised I was watching the wrong “Host”. Then I said a silent prayer for the future of Saoirse’s career and turned it off forever.
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You made a very smart decision.
Not Saoirse’s finest moment.
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Indeed it wasn’t. I hope they stop trying to make her the new YA phenomenon. There was another dystopian-esque one she was in recently too, forget the name, apparently it was pants.
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How I Live Now. That one is much better than The Host. And Ronan is quite good in it.
It’s a bit hit and miss, though, so I don’t entirely recommend it. I think I gave it a C. Maybe a C-minus.
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How I Live Now, that was the one! I’d be tempted to watch it just for her, but I haven’t heard good things.
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If you’re a fan of hers, it isn’t so bad as to be unwatchable. And she is pretty impressive.
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Well, the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy are comedies and they’re all about the bromance between Simon Pegg & Nick Frost. Does that count?
But no, for this special day I’ll subject you to cruel and unusual punishment: GIGLI, a film so reviled none of its makers or anyone involved with it wants to admit they had anything to do with it.
If you want to wash it down with a good film from the say director and one of those that subverts the usual Romcom tropes, follow Gigli with Chasing Amy :)
Didn’t know about Steak & BJ day, almost fell off my chair laughing. Also the “cup of tea” guys is a bastard :P
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Gigli, oh Christ on a bike, it gets worse. Do I have to watch the entire thing!? :D Actually liked Chasing Amy, as they go it wasn’t bad at all for a rom-com. Steak & BJ Day took off here a couple of years ago, though only among certain circles. I’m not sure where it originated, but it’s heralded as being a man’s version of Valentine’s Day.
Also laughed my ass off at the cup of tea guy.
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Yes, you have to watch Gigli from start to finish :)
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You are cruel Caoimhín, oh so very cruel. I think I’d rather watch The Room. :D
I will do Gigli for you though, partly because I have no idea how I’d review it.
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Here’s how you start/end the review
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Haha! Think I’ll have to rob that.
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My favourite of all time is Gone with the Wind but if you had problems with Atonement, I doubt you can endure that one… But then again, it’s not actual rom-com. Casablanca was very good too. And if you’re gonna watch McConaughey film, my favourite is How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
Other cheesy-favourites of mine: Love Actually, Titanic, The Notebook, Brokeback Mountain (!!!), Walk the Line, Moulin Rouge!, WALL-E, Romeo & Juliet (Luhrmann’s version), Pride & Prejudice (Wright’s version), Moonrise Kingdom, Beauty & the Beast, The Sound of Music, Before Sunset (but like said, it’s probably better to start from the first part), Cry-Baby, Jerry Maguire, Never Been Kissed, The Crow, Sideways, Bridget Jones’s Diary… Ok, I’ll stop now. Sorry. :D
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Wow, Satua! What a list! I actually like some of the flicks you’ve listed, didn’t realise some of them were classed as romance at all. Loved Walk the Line, WALL-E and a few others. I haven’t seen The Notebook (on purpose ;D) but I watched Love Actually over Christmas and I have to admit it is very enjoyable. I even liked the first half of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, up until the point when it got mushy.
That’s the third vote for Casablanca, so that’s one of the definites. Gone with the Wind I’ve never seen the whole way through, but that’s one of those classics I will probably make myself watch at some stage.
Thanks for the suggestions!
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I’m not sure if they actually are classed as romances but to me they are love stories because it’s the core of all of them.
Btw, have you seen Four Weddings and a Funeral? It’s funny.
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I tried to watch it, I really did. Not being a fan of Hugh Grant or Andie MacDowell made it difficult. I do love the Wet Wet Wet song from it though! :D
I think you’re definitely right; some of the best love stories were never presented as “romance”, but had a lovely message and touching moments at their cores.
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While it’s not an out-and-out romantic comedy, the romance-heavy stuff in Adventureland is shot through with likable coming-of-age authenticity if that’s your cup of tea.
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I’ve never seen it, but it looks interesting! Despite Kirsten Stewart’s name being attached. Thanks for the rec, will give it a watch!
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Everyone makes the same remark about her but it’s honestly one of very few things I can stomach her in.
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I’m not big on rom-coms; however, the two that I actually do watch are “What Happens In Vegas” and “Sweet Home Alabama”.
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I haven’t seen either of those, thanks Yolanda, I’ll give them a look!
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Enjoy.
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Not a fan of Rom-Coms and I also forgot it was Valentines Day tomorrow :D
Real boyfriend material ladies ;)
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It’s on Friday Tim. LOL! That doesn’t make you bad boyfriend material though; you can just say you’re of the school of thought that every day should be Valentine’s Day. ;)
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Oh I don’t even know the day, haha and I am using that line! :D
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Haha, go for it! Be sure to report back on its success. :D
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Will do :D
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I’ve always liked Love Actually. It’s a bit of a cheese-fest, but I love Bill Nighy and the whole thing has a great balance between its cheesy sense of humor and romance and some really heartbreaking stories mixed in. There’s this sense of “coming to terms with love” rather than all of that “happily ever after” shite. A bit long, but still good. Also, Happy Belated Birthday!
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That’s actually a good one. I watched it over Christmas and I didn’t hate it. :D That might have had something to do with the ensemble cast (Bill Nighy being hilarious in it, too) and the fact that the different stories kept me from getting bored or frustrated with the “romance” elements. The only one I didn’t really buy on any emotional level was Colin Firth’s storyline, but on the whole an enjoyable flick.
And thank you!
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I want to start by saying that Valentine’s Day is very important to me. It gives me an opportunity to atone for pissing my wife off for the other 364 days of the year. That’s probably the only reason she lets me live.
Everyone has a guilty pleasure and I actually like romantic comedies. Back off you guys, I do have an active y chromosome. It just likes to watch cute girls making fools of guys who have less common sense than usual.
Now for the movies. Notting Hill, Serendipity, My Best Friend’s Wedding and another vote for Sweet Home Alabama.
Let me know when the movie night is…I’ll bring the popcorn.
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LOL JF, my dad says the same thing! That and the anniversary, that’s also very important.
Notting Hill I hated, but then I don’t like Hugh Grant. Serendipity was okay, I do like John Cusack. My Best Friend’s Wedding I absolutely loved! And I haven’t seen Sweet Home Alabama so that’s a definite on the list now.
Movie nights are usually at least three times a week, but this one will be the very first “romance” movie night! Bring the popcorn and a paper bag, because I might need to be sick in it. ;P
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Your dad is right, the anniversary is important too. I wrote a post for our last anniversary that got me a lot of points. I could probably get away with taking the easy way out this Valentine’s day and just get her a card. But, I hate to miss out on any available points. I never know when my “stupid gene” is going to kick in and I’ll need to play the get out of jail free card.
I’m all set for movie night on the 14th. I’m bringing an entire box of Orville Redenbacher Movie Butter flavor popcorn. How about I stop by at 7:00 PM? Any idea where I can stop to get a paper bag on the way to your place?
Remind me to tell you the story about the time our exchange student from France asked my daughter to go to a movie with him. Nearly caused an international incident that one did.
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I’m not surprised the anniversary post got you lots of points because it was really, really lovely. Some couples are just meant to be together, and I think you and Linda are definitely one of those. Makes me believe that there might be such a thing as soulmates after all! The truth is out there.
I had to Google that popcorn, because we don’t get it here. It looks and sounds divine. I love my sweets but I’m also mad about popcorn, I could munch it for hours on end and still want more. As for the paper bag, the off-licence (liquor store) would have some! Pick up some vino too while you’re there sure. ;D
You must e-mail me that story. French exchange students can be… temperamental. I recall a story my OH told me about the one he had when he was a kid. Apparently, after being beaten in Mario Kart, this particular student tossed my OH’s shoes out of a second story window and onto the road in a fit of pique. Dying to hear what yours did.
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An email has been sent. My flight got cancelled due to snow. Do you want me to send you the box of popcorn?
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One of my most unfavorite holidays, since I am also not much of a romantic.
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Ah, finally, I’m not the only one! I thought that in general most people were naturally unromantic, turns out I was wrong.
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I always thought that too
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Haha, the evil genius screenshot made me laugh. With regards to the topic at hand, I can’t suggest any films as I despise romantic comedies.
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That’s okay mate, now we can be in the accidentally cool and hipster rom-com ridiculing club. ;)
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Watch Don Jon. It’s a love story about porn. (I tried to make that rhyme and it didn’t really work).
I am actually quite the romantic. Evidence = Stalker Saturdays. I put the time in. (Ladies).
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Ladies, take note. Romantic stalker with all his own teeth and can handle his booze under movie quiz pressure. Likes cats. If interested send photos of self in compromising positions to Oracle of Film for consideration.
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If I could add to that resume, I just want to let any females know that I probably already have your house keys, so you don’t even need to unlock your doors for me. See you later, nominees ;)
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LOL! Be sure to have the kettle on and the curtains drawn in anticipation of their return home Luke. Leaving a trail of your slowly removed clothing on each stair leading to the bedroom would no doubt add to the romance, too.
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That’s three votes for Don Jon! He’s in. Thanks Luke!
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dreadful holiday.
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Agreed.
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oh, but if you’re looking for a heartbreaking love story, try “Make Way For Tomorrow”
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I’d never heard of that. Looked it up there, it does seem sad. But interesting, and I’ve been on a bit of an old movie kick lately, so I’ll add it to the list. Thanks for the rec NiMac, you’re always good for the more obscure picks!
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it’s very sad.
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oh and thanks for the shout out on my valentine’s day posting
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I don’t watch a lot of romantic movies, but what about Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? I remember that having quite a sweet, uplifting ending, despite all the pain and bitterness and sci-fi memory wipes that happened beforehand!
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That’s a good one Monkeynut! I’d never even considered anything like that. I need to broaden my definition of the romance genre.
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Hmm… I’m not ashamed to say I can handle the odd rom com… But I guess they aren’t traditional chick flick rom coms…
If hazard a guess you may have watched some of these…
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Knocked up
This is 40
Couples Retreat
Something About Mary
The Heartbreak Kid
See a pattern? :-p I love the frat pack and any film they tend to be associated with, and these are some of the err lovier(not a real word) works they’ve done :)
You’ve got a rather long list to plow through with all these comments so enjoy, and if you do get round to watching any of my recommendations be sure to let me know your thoughts :-p
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I LOVED There’s Something About Mary. From the very first watch, and I’ve no doubt I’ll laugh out loud while watching for years to come. Really enjoyed Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Knocked Up too (though minus the Heigl). I haven’t seen This is 40, Couples Retreat or The Heartbreak Kid but I am a fan of the frat pack myself so I’ll give them a watch as per your recommendation. ;)
Thanks Murr!
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Say Anything. John Cusack holds up the boom-box. Done deal. And it’s actually good!
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Haven’t seen that! Like John Cusack though. Thanks Vincent, I’ll check it out!
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Hahah, I’ll give you one suggestion that will kick you in the crotch and keep on doing so until. . . well, . . .I don’t want to get too specific.
50 First Dates. haHAA!!! God I’m evil. (But not as evil as that last text/tweet image you inserted at the bottom, that was brilliant)
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NOOO, NOT AN ADAM SANDLER ROMCOM! Oh, Tom, the inhumanity. :D
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HEY! I didn not know it was your birthday, so to me you’re ageless (ha ha). Anyway, my pick is an strange one, but I think you’ll get a kick out of it:
Black Narcissus (1949, Michael Powell). It’s old, but it’s full of surprises. And amazing looking. You’ll see.
Others to watch:
A Matter of Life and Death (More Powell/Pressburger genius!)
Peeping Tom (Powell again, but this one’s… nuts. A boy and his special camera with an eye for the ladies)
Time After Time (may as well get some fun sci-fi up in here)
Somewhere in Time (depressing, but innnnteresting sci-fi ro-mance)
All odd picks, but hey – that’s how I roll.
If all else fails, Ball of Fire (1941) is always good for some laughs (and it’s a classic!)
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Talk about outside of the box! I love it, some great (and some completely unknown to me) picks here. I’m going to go with Black Narcissus (I think), because there’s way too much to get through in time, but I’ll add the others to my general rec list. They look entirely too interesting not to. Thanks, you eccentric eclectic you!
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Hello V!! Hey, I’m not terribly romantic in real life either though I do enjoy romantic movies once in a while. Truly romantic films are so few and far between though, but there is this one underrated rom-com I dearly love, Return To Me. I even dedicated a post for it http://wp.me/pxXPC-2v Hope you’ll give it a shot!
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I remember seeing trailers for that years ago! I’ve never seen it though, as it didn’t look like something I’d enjoy. That said, I’m pretty sold on your review of it. You make it sound so appealing, and I’m a huge Sinatra/Deano fan so I know I’ll enjoy the soundtrack at least! Thanks Ruth, I’ll most certainly be giving it a whirl.
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I hope you would, V! I love it as it’s not the traditional ‘boy meets girl’ variety, in fact the story is a bit sad (though not depressing) but it’s sweet and uplifting. The soundtrack is absolutely wonderful, if you’re a Sinatra fan you’ll love it!! I really like the unlikely pairing of Driver and Duchovny as well. Let me know what you think once you see it!
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Sounds great, and I very much like both Duchovny and Driver, so I’m looking forward to it! Did you get it on DVD? I’ve been looking around for it to rent, but am having trouble. If push comes to shove, I’ll buy it on Amazon and watch it next week!
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Yeah I bought the dvd. It’s so worth it as I’ve been watching it over and over :D
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Have you seen Scott Pilgrim vs. the world? I’m pretty fond of that. Also, He’s Just Not That Into You is a guilty pleasure. And you can never go wrong with some Casablanca. I’m not big on romance myself, so that’s all I can think of for now…
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I have! I actually liked that one. Felt like I was tripping throughout. :D And surprisingly (I’m quite surprised at myself, turns out I’ve seen more “romantic” films than I thought I had), I’ve both seen and somewhat enjoyed He’s Just Not That Into You, too. As rom-coms go, that one was a little more realistic than most others. Plus, I liked the majority of the ensemble cast.
Casablanca has definitely gone on my list. Thanks Cara! Any romantic film plans yourself this week?
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Eh. Not really. Hahaha. I do have a plan for Friday, but…well, you’ll see. ;)
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As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I am a fan of rom-coms. There’s this old one with Meg Ryan called Addicted to Love, that I thought was a blast. Basically, in that one, she gets dumped for another woman. She pairs up with the other woman’s ex to make their respective people miserable, maybe get revenge. I thought it was hilarious.
Also, the other night I stumbled on Friends With Benefits. That was a blast…and I now understand my beastie’s girl crush on Mila Kunis.
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Hey Kitt! I’ve never seen Addicted to Love, I’ll add it to the list. I’ve seen Friends With Benefits, and while I do have a bit of a lady crush on Mila Kunis, that film totally cemented the serious crush I have on Justin Timberlake. The sexy bastard.
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LOL! I was just pleased to see he had some decent acting chops.
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Oooh. If you liked Knocked Up, you HAVE to see The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek. It’s one of my favorite comedies ever (and is sort of “romantic” – you’ll see):
http://fanboydestroy.com/2013/03/24/random-film-of-the-weekend-the-miracle-of-morgans-creek/
That and Preston Sturges got away with murder here in terms of subversive humor. How he got some of what’s here past the too-strict (and thus, very stupid) censors of the time is beyond me. And yeah, Heigl’s got NOTHING on Betty Hutton – she’s pretty AND hilarious in this oldie.
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No shame here. I love rom-coms haha. Off the top of my head, Pretty Woman, Fools Rush In, Sleepless in Seattle, and some of the cheesy ones from the late ’90s.
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They’re a (not so guilty) pleasure for more discerning movie fans than I ever could have guessed! Pretty Woman, if I remember correctly, was a lot of fun. ;D
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LOL. Wow V, that’s hilarious.
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Atonement was awful. Youre correct. But that long tracking shot on the beach was a thing of beauty.
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Yesss, someone else on the hate train for Atonement. ;D It was shot quite beautifully in places though, quite right, but I really don’t think I could ever put myself through another viewing of it.
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Atonement was a complete borefest that went lasted way too long. I put it up there with Titanic. That movie is horrible and boring.
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Total borefest. I was coerced into watching it with a few girl friends, fell asleep, but then woke up and promptly wished I’d stayed asleep. ;D
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Lol! I agree. The nap would have been much better then watching that movie :]. It’s nice to hear from you again V :]
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Mmmmm… March 14, I shall bookmark that day… oh, who’s Katherine Heigl? I hope she also bookmarks March 14…
Anyway, you’ve been VERY quiet. I hope all is well! ;-)
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Well AJ my pal, did you bookmark it? I’ve been AWOL on life duties. :D Hope all is well with you too, I’ll be calling in soon.
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Hi V!! Oh shite… I have to confess, I didn’t bookmark the day… March 14… the revenge of the lovers? Anyway, life duties or not… your calls are missed!! We must at some time negotiate a real life sup as well… that could form part of the life duties as well!! :-) Have fun!!
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Once again I have to scroll down forever just to comment :]. I would love pancake day since that’s my favorite kind of food to eat.
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