COLUMN: Films to cuddle to
Thursday is Valentine’s Day.
Sometimes, in a sudden funk of creativity, people simply pull out the closest love movie and watch it. Sure they have fun, but this Valentine’s Day, here is the chance to branch out and test some new films, well, new for you anyhow. Here are a few films, some older and some more recent, to whet your romantic appetites. All films are placed in alphabetical order.
1. An Affair to Remember
This 1957 classic stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. At the film’s opening, the couple has a chance meeting on a cruise ship. They fall in love and when the ship finally docks, they return to their now former love interests to break up. They plan to meet after six months at the top of the Empire State Building. With witty dialogue and charismatic characters, An Affair to Remember keeps viewers’ interest and moves along a charming story. This film may be one to add to the list of favorites. Running time is 115 minutes.
2. Ever After
The story of Cinderella, with real people, Ever After stars Drew Barrymore as Danielle, a girl who is placed in the charge of a baroness (aka the evil stepmother). Danielle acts the part of a courtier in order to see Prince Henry, played by Dougray Scott. Danielle is impressive, smart and strong – all the qualities not assumed in a peasant girl. Love conquers in this fairy tale remake. Running time is 121 minutes.
3. Moulin Rouge
“The greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor deliver a smashing performance in this 2001 version of the story of the Moulin Rouge. Be ready to be surprised at the vocal talents of both Kidman and McGregor. Maybe the movie trailer had a tendency to scare a few people away from this film. However, it is not to be missed. This film combines rapid images which closely rival the thought process and speed at which time seems to pass with creative cinematography. This package just makes one want to love and be loved in return. Running time is 97 minutes.
4. The Princess Bride
This is a film not to be missed. Indeed it is one of the kings of romantic comedy. This is the film that fostered the quotes “As you wish,” “To blave, which means to bluff.” and “I’m on the brute squad,” “You are the brute squad.” It stars Cary Elwes and Robin Wright Penn and runs 98 minutes. The Princess Bride is one of the beloved stories of the last 15 years. The masterful Wesley will stop at nothing to return to his Buttercup.
5. Return to Me
David Duchovny and Minnie Driver star in this romance about Bob Rueland, a builder played by Duchovny, who loses his wife in a car accident. At the same time, a woman in need of a heart transplant receives the heart of Rueland’s deceased wife. The heart always knows the truth in this 2000 film. Be sure to see this film. Duchovny’s performance is definitely for real. Viewers will not have to convince themselves Duchovny is Rueland rather than Mulder from The X-Files. Once again, love conquers pain and helps the healing process. Running time is 115 minutes.
One film not to watch:
1. Pearl Harbor
This film was disappointing. Throwing a cheesy love story into a recounting of one of the most dreadful days in American history was just a bad move. It is easy to feel frustrated during this film’s two videotapes and 183 minutes. Three hours of life are too precious to waste on this film.
Joseph Dougherty is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. Comments can be sent to jmdo@cc.usu.edu