As the month of love wraps up, the need for an unwinding activity, such as an adorable and tear-inducing romantic comedy movie, proves a great necessity. You will not be disappointed by some of my favorite movies of all time; from notable film stars to rollercoaster twists and turns and even some of the most endearing cliché scenes in movie history.
Ten Things I Hate About You (1999)
Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” this iconic take follows the story of two sisters who live in Seattle with their single father. The eldest, Kat Stratford, played by Julia Stiles, presents an unpopular but witty and tough feminist who never dates, while the youngest, Bianca, depicts a popular sophomore who already has two boys vying for her hand. Out of protection, the girls’ father makes a deal with his daughters that Bianca can date, but only if Kat does. However, Kat probably would show more interest in a rock than any boys at their school; making Bianca’s chances of dating, slim to none. However, the unexpected comes to life when nerdy newcomer, Cameron James, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, hatches a conniving plan that employs resident school player and his rival for Bianca, Joey Donner. The plan, combined with a hefty bribe and brooding teenage rebel, Patrick Verona, rolls into motion in hopes of getting around the tough rules placed upon them. Played by Hollywood heartthrob Heath Ledger, Patrick accepts the challenge but soon finds himself clashing hard with the fiery personality of Kat. If Shakespearean literature shows up in your alley, this film will have you begging from more of the nineties interpretations to either help you ace that English test or hey, go on a Kat spree. From the paintball scene, daring detention escape and retro outfits to the impromptu concert at the sports field, this movie will have you rooting for both sisters.
She’s All That (1999)
When L.A. high school hotshot Zack finds himself dumped by his girlfriend, Taylor, for self-centered and rising MTV star Brock, his popularity takes a significant hit. So to reinstate his reputation, his friends offer him a challenge he hesitantly accepts: gain the trust of the artsy outcast and transform her into the next prom queen within six weeks. At first, Laney is extremely skeptical and closed off any advancements made by Zack, but eventually, she introduces him to her wacky and creative side of her. In return, he helps her cope with her mother’s death from cancer and works with her to let loose starting with a gorgeous red dress reveal. The side characters, including the appearance from Usher, definitely develop the cheesy, nostalgic movie that guarantees to have you dancing along to the music. For any suckers out rooting for the underdog rising to the top starting with a little makeover and a hint of self-discovery, this film wins. Although far from a feminist masterpiece, this rather cute and quirky movie portrays the teenage pressures of prom, social norms, bullying and friendships. This romantic comedy also laid an important foundational point for many big names’ beginnings including Freddie Prinze Jr. (Zack Siler), Rachael Leigh Cook (Laney Boggs), Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (Taylor Vaughn), Matthew Lillard (Brock Hudson), and Paul Walker (Dean Sampson). Oh and also, watch out for the cafeteria scene because fair warning, a bucket may be needed!
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
I feel like with the number of times I have watched this movie, I should have already received an award from Netflix congratulating me. From every movie on this list, I present to you my very own hidden gem. From the spunky soundtrack (that may or may not have influenced me to add a couple to my own playlist), to the most underrated actors and actresses that I have ever seen, I can confidently say that this is one of my all-time favorite movies. The childhood neighbors, Sasha Tran played by Ali Wong and Marcus Kim played by Randall Park never do anything without one another, until one mistake. Once a series of harsh words come out surrounding the family and the death of Marcus’ mom, they go their separate ways for 15 years. Their unexpected reunion has every bit of awkwardness and stuttering possible, as well as a harsh contrast of their places in life. Sasha, a celebrity chef currently in the middle of opening her new restaurant in San Francisco, finds herself with some relationship problems of her own and her best friend, Veronica, played by Michelle Buteau, seems to think her answers lay in the past. Marcus, a rapper in his local block band, Hello Peril, will find out whether his reluctance to break out of his shell is worth a chance at saving something. The overall sarcasm thrown at one another and the whole process of them giving each other a chance gave me a sound reason to giggle and swing my feet in the air. I always watch the scenes of the monochrome burrito, the birthday goats and the Tom Ford suit incident as if I am watching them for the first time. With special appearances made by Keanu Reeves and the iconic places filmed in Vancouver, B.C. and San Francisco, the movie truly left a mark on me.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Does anyone enjoy a good heart-wrenching, frowned-upon, hidden wealth relationship trope? If so, take a chance at this movie. The amazing scenery and diversity of culture of Southeast Asia encircling this movie continually stuns me, and I promise that even through the screen, you can picture yourself here and not to mention, almost taste the delicious foods shown throughout. Raised by an immigrant mother has proved no easy feat, but Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) rose above that to become an economics teacher at NYU where she meets the man of her dreams, Nick Young (Henry Golding). When asked to accompany him to a wedding in his hometown, Singapore, she discovers the fact that while she knows her boyfriend might hold the place as the man of her dreams, he also secures the title as the most eligible bachelor and quite literally the wealthiest in the entire country. Now, instead of enjoying a peaceful vacation, she has to deal with jealous socialites, eccentric relatives and the worst, the disapproving mother played by Michelle Yeoh, who so excellently portrayed the strict values of inheritance and family. The character’s relationship with every new introduction and scene exemplified a dynamic so unique to each and the growth that I witnessed had me wanting to replay it the minute I finished. Supporting stars such as Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, and Ken Jeong only heightened the overall laughter and tears that without shame, I proclaim to have experienced. I think I would give every last dollar in my bank account to share in the beautiful and insanely unique wedding scene.
