Let’s admit it. Seldom do people want to spend their Valentine’s Day alone. Whether you are cooped up in a dorm room or at home, fear not. Give yourself some love, and take the journey through some of these romantic comedy films. Make your 2021 Valentine’s Day weekend exceptional by filling it with stories, music, and dance.
V – “Love, Rosie”
“Love, Rosie” depicts the slow burn romance between Alex and Rosie and the conflicts that could’ve been avoided if not for one misunderstanding after the other. Some are amusing, and, well, others more unhappy. Genuine and filled with ups and downs, “Love, Rosie” presents a heartwarming yet melancholy take on a relationship.
A – “Mamma Mia!”
Meryl Streep can SING! The classic 2008 musical film can’t be more recognized for Streep’s phenomenal rendition of the role of Donna, whose daughter Sophie doesn’t know who her father is. Sophie digs up her mother’s journal and secretly invites her three possible fathers to her wedding: Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård. Filled with invigorating music from the band, ABBA, dancing queens, and exhilarating peals of laughter, “Mamma Mia!” is guaranteed entertainment.
L – “La La Land”
Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, “La La Land” shares the down-to-earth relationship between two struggling artists—aspiring actress Mia Dolan and jazz pianist Seb Wilder. Different from the traditional Aristotelian narrative arc that most stories take, the musical film complicates itself further throughout and flows naturally without having to arrive at a perfect complete ending. The film is outstanding in how it sets up the audience’s expectations for a perfect musical rom-com, yet breaks them by laying bare the main characters’ struggles. “La La Land” depicts the conflict between expectations and reality, whilst balancing growing success and love.
E – “Enchanted”
A 2007 Disney film, “Enchanted” takes the viewer on an intoxicating journey between fantastical cartoon animation and real-world live-action. The movie puts a spin on “Alice in Wonderland” when the paradigmatic cartoon princess, Giselle, falls down a hole into New York City. The movie follows with a series of hysterical scenes where Giselle stirs up trouble in the big city. This is a creative, witty, and slightly ironic account that pokes fun at stereotypical Disney narratives by use of a polar setting of the modern world.
N – “How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days”
HTLAGI10D is the stereotypical rom com at its best. Andie Anderson, a how-to column writer, volunteers to write an article titled “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” after her friend goes through another breakup. Meanwhile, Ben Barry, a publicizing executive, needs to prove himself capable of writing pitches to promote a stone mission by getting a new woman to fall in love in only ten days. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, right? Watch this movie if you love any Matthew McConaughey movie, but, more importantly, if you enjoy spending two hours laughing without end.
T – “He’s Just Not That Into You”
Filled with some of your favorite rom-com actors, the 2009 movie is filled with romantic advice and the complex intertwining relationship of the nine featured characters. While by no means a tear-jerker, “He’s Just Not That Into You” has an entertaining plot that grabs the viewers’ attention the first minute in.
I – “The Incredible Jessica James”
The film follows a post-breakup Jessica James after she is set up on a blind date with recently-divorced Boone. Bound together by their common struggle, they decide to mutually follow the other’s ex, and in the process, fall for each other. Spirited and modern, the film highlights Jessica’s boldness and resolution that not only captivates her friends, but inspires viewers as well.
N – “Crazy Rich Asians”
Based on Kevin Kwan’s novel, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a mix of Hollywood and Singapore glam. From the outfits to the cars and houses, be prepared for impeccable (and sometimes outrageous) style that will make you green with envy. Although not entirely accurate in its representation of Singapore, “Crazy Rich Asians” presents a deep-dive into the extravagance of the upper-class through its striking and, sometimes hilarious, details.
E – “Kate and Leopold”
Travelling away from his 19th-century home via a time portal, Leopold’s romance with Kate during his four days stay in 21st-century New York City is told in “Kate and Leopold.” The film features warm romantic scenes between Kate and Leopold, setting up the question of how they will proceed with their cross-generational relationship. Just like how the time portal transports Leopold into the modern world, the movie convincingly transports fantasy into reality, transcending time and space.
