Prodigious Filmdom 5: Chick Flicks

Brandon Vick counts down his five favorite chick flicks on this edition of Prodigious Filmdom 5.

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Don’t hate me, but we all know what I am talking about here – the enchanted love story that melts ladies’ hearts while raising the bar for us guys to insurmountable status. And I’m not talking about the Judd Apatow comedies of the movie universe. Women would never have to drag men to see those movies. You know I’m right.

According to Wikipedia, “romantic comedy films are films with light-hearted, humorous plotlines, centered on romantic ideals such as that true love is able to surmount most obstacles.” Thanks, but it left out the part about them being sappy, predictable, and often times just plain bullshit. My apologies.

We all crave that fairy tale ending, but for us dudes, it literally hurts to watch movies based on Nicholas Sparks books. Luckily, I’m here to the rescue! These “chick flicks” have no suffering involved and can be enjoyed by all.

(500) Days of Summer

Rarely does a film capture the honesty and realism of being in a relationship, and its roller coaster ride of emotions. Nonetheless, (500) Days of Summer accomplishes this in a hip, offbeat, and unpredictable style all its own. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are a dynamic, quirky duo in this slice of reality that does not put love on a pedestal. It shows it for what it truly is, ending up somewhere between exultation and misery. We get it and accept it.

As Good As It Gets

One of my favorite films of all time starring the greatest actor of all time. Of course, this is just my humble opinion, but if you have a different one, it’s wrong. As Good As It Gets is a rom-com with a bad attitude, but a softy on the inside, full of compassion. Jack Nicholson is deliciously vicious as a virulent man with OCD, never noticing anyone else around him. His slow but not overly sentimental transformation takes form once Helen Hunt’s Carol the waitress slaps him into reality. She makes him want to be a better man. I can’t think of a better compliment.

You’ve Got Mail

An innocent, infectious romantic comedy about online dating—AOL style. Right when it may appear too sappy and about to choke on it’s own sweetness, You’ve Got Mail delivers clever wit and an infinite amount of charm. Tom Hanks. Meg Ryan. Isn’t that enough? Pay no attention to the coincidences, and simply let the lovable chemistry of those two sweep you off your feet.

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Crazy, Stupid, Love takes the rom-com formula and shakes it up a bit. It doesn’t escape all of the cliches, but this jest and insightful story keeps you guessing while remaining nimble throughout. For directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa to have such a talented, dream cast, they use every character in each situation with importance and depth. We tend to forget how tough, heart-breaking, messy, and complex love can be for all ages. Thankfully, this film pays attention to the delicacy of devotion without ever insulting our intelligence.

Jerry Maguire

This entry actually has something that us dudes can get into—sports. Only on the surface because the real attraction is between Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger. They and Cuba Gooding Jr. seduce you with the help of Cameron Crowe’s benign direction and an exquisite understanding of his characters’ wants and needs. A steady balance of athletics & romance, along with lines you’re still quoting today solidifies Jerry Maguire’s well-earned cockiness.

Now you lovebirds get on out of here and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.

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