Top 5 Movies: Chick Flicks

The chick flick: the epic film genre that never ceases to cause men to run in the other direction. Now, in my opinion, this branch of the film world isn’t strictly held into a mold of JUST romantic comedies, oh no. Anything my guy friends won’t watch with me, I classify as “chick flick” material and this list will convey that. So here goes:

Runner-Up:

Elizabethtown

Although it didn’t quite make the list, I still feel it necessary to include this movie because I love it EVER so much. Even though I can’t stand Orlando Bloom (the man CANNOT act), Kristen Dunst, the music, the scenery and the premise of the film all make up for his inadequacies (we’ll ignore the Paula Dean cameo, as well).

Yes, it’s another coming-of-age movie, but it’s directed more at people who already think they’ve accomplished everything they need to in life, only to have it thrown back in their faces. The road trip at the end is probably one of my favourite parts of any movie ever and Alec Baldwin’s cameo (just like ANY Alec Baldwin cameo) is pure gold.

5) The Valley of the Dolls

In 1967, when the film was released, Valley of the Dolls was the greatest selling book of all time, and it’s still one of my personal favourites. The movie centers around three female characters; Patty Duke, Sharon Tate and Barbara Perkins, who each have their own individual demons to battle. It’s the only movie I’ve ever seen Sharon Tate in, and by now, we all know that she was brutally murdered by the Manson Family in 1969, so watching this has a bit of gore-y appeal, for me anyway.

Each of these women play their roles to a tee and I think each of them has issues that we can all relate to. They were a bit objectified and over-sexualized, but I think that’s mostly just part of the story (and maybe a bit of a sales tactic for the film).

This movie is great for anyone who’s into the dark side of Hollywood and fame, drugs, etc, or just a general film buff.

4) Marie Antoinette

By the always wonderful Sofia Coppola, Marie Antoinette is about the 18th century monarch who was inevitably decapitated at the onset of the French Revolution. The film doesn’t, however, touch on this grim aspect of her life, but rather begins with her leaving her native Austria for France to wed the Dauphin, Louis, and ends with her and her family leaving Versailles right before the proverbial shit hit the fan. I love this movie because aside from having the look and feel of a cupcake, it illustrates to the viewer the other side of being a Queen; the human side of it. Think back to when you were 16 or 17. Were you really ready to rule an entire country? Hell no! You were more interested in clothes, looking hot and having a frigin’ good time! When you look at it from that point of you, it’s a little easier to understand why France had the financial troubles it did during the period, couples along with the fact that Louis XVI just wasn’t “king material.”

The soundtrack for this movie is absolutely wonderful and definitely one of my favourites of all time, plus the cinematography is stunning. And if you’re ever in need of a baking idea, just watch this movie, because I’m always craving pastries and champagne after I watch it.

3) Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Based on my favourite Truman Capote book (which is actually just a short story) Breakfast At Tiffany’s is probably one of the most beloved films of all time, and a total cliche for this list, but I just had to include it. Being a HUMUNGOUS Marilyn Monroe fan, I remember learning when I was younger that Truman Capote actually wanted her to play the role of Holly instead of Audrey Hepburn. In my opinion, though, I just don’t see anyone as that character other than her. I love Marilyn to death, but I don’t think she could have pulled it off. There’s something about Audrey’s innocence that gives the movie it’s depth and heart, and although Marilyn Monroe wasn’t a slut (unlike the stereotype that’s always depicted of her), that was her reputation.

George Peppard was gorgeous in this movie and of course, who can forget Cat? I’m the biggest cat lady going, so it’s never a bad thing to have a feline be such a central figure in the story. Oh, and props to Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi, Holly’s Japanese neighbour.

Ps. I love how the trailer pronounces Capote – Capoat, without the accentuated ‘e.’ Sheesh!

2) Pride and Prejudice

One of my all-time favourite movies of all time, Pride and Prejudice is obviously an adaptation of one of, if not THE most famous chick BOOKS ever. Jane Austen was quoted as saying that this was her masterpiece and that out of all of the characters that she had ever written, Elizabeth Bennet (played gorgeously by Keira Knightley) was her favourite. Anyone who has read the book or seen this wonderful movie can agree. Elizabeth isn’t like other women of her time (late 1700s/early 1800s) and could totally take on any man, rich duchess or even a bumbling pastor.

Now aside from her total awesomeness as a character, this is probably one of the most romantic books/stories ever written. It goes to show us that even though we can start out thinking that someone’s a total asshole, we can sometimes see passed that, to the real person inside. Mr. Darcy is one of the most wonderfully written male characters ever and Matthew Macfadyen plays him so beautifully.

On top of all of this, the cinematography, scenery and music in this movie are probably my favourite of any movie I have ever seen. The music is perfectly cued to all of the scenes and I don’t think I have ever seen the English countryside ever shot so beautifully.

Ugh! I cannot rave about this movie more. Everyone should see it. Male or female.

1) An Affair to Remember

Cary Grant, the love of my life, can’t do any wrong in my opinion and not only is this #1 on my list, but it’s also very near to my #1 of all time. From start to finish, this is a beautiful film and getting to stare at Cary from beginning to end is just as wonderful.

This was one the first movies to make the Empire State Building and New York City romantic and to allow infidelity to be “ok” when it comes to finding real love. I also love how Deborah Kerr‘s character isn’t a sniveling dolt of a woman as so many others before her (in this genre particularly) had been.

I don’t even know how to describe this movie other than a complete tear-jerker. It’s beautiful from start to finish and illustrates romance in a way only old movies can. So very, very lovely.