The Cinematic Evolution of Batman

                From the advent of the Batman comic books in May 1939, this caped crusader has taken over the big screen through the decades. Originally created by Bob Kane, Bruce Wayne was orphaned as a child, as he watched the brutal murder of his parents by a mugger.  He was then raised by his butler, Alfred Pennyworth and left with a fortune beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.  When Gotham City becomes filled with crime and villains, Wayne takes on an alter ego and becomes the Batman, looking to restore justice and peace.

 Several actors have had the utmost honor of portraying Batman, each bringing their own personality to it.  Interpretations change, depending on the plot of the film, the super villains being juxtaposed with the hero, and the directors piecing it together.  Some actors and films have been more successful than others.

Adam West.  The 1966 film that preluded the television series on TV Land, West brings a whimsical interpretation of Batman. Filmed in the style of the comic book, all the camera angles focused on villains are on a slant.  Plus, the colors stand out and we cannot help but feel the comics come to life.  West is a fun Batman as he parades around with Robin getting rid of bombs.  The slapstick humor throughout is light and fun.  The transition from comic book right to the film and television series, however ushered in a desire for a darker Batman, one to be taken seriously.  Hence…

Michael Keaton. From 1989 to 1992, Michael Keaton came to the forefront to take on the challenge of resurrecting the Batman.  In these two films directed by Tim Burton and starring alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito and Jack Nicholson in these films, he moved away from just playing Batman as the main focus.  Keaton was able to bring in the playboy millionaire side of Bruce Wayne into play.  As important as the hero himself is, the hero cannot exist without the balance of having a secret identity.  His performance of Batman was pretty stellar as well and this phase in Batman’s evolution was important.  It turned West’s almost dopey Batman into a sophisticate extraordinaire.

Val Kilmer.  There isn’t too much reason to even mention this actor.  His portrayal in the 1995 film “Batman Forever” was terrible.  The film itself was god-awful, too.  Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey co-starred in this picture as the villains Two-Face and the Joker.  They parade around Gotham City in attempt to drain the brains of the citizens.  This movie had very little to offer for audiences.  It was a feast for the eyes with bright colors and unique cinematography, along with a killer soundtrack.  Kilmer’s performance does Bruce Wayne justice, but does very little for Batman.

George Clooney.  1997 marked the year for the fourth Batman film in the 1990’s, this time with George Clooney as our hero.  Clooney has been good for only the playboy aspect of Bruce Wayne.  No one is as suave as him, after all.  He wasn’t a very effective Batman.  Chris O’Donnell costarred with Clooney as Robin, this being the first time since the 1960’s.  The film is two hours of dumb show as the super pair try to stop Bane, Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from destroying Gotham City with ice and plants.  “Batman and Robin” also attempts to work on the chemistry between superhero and sidekick, but unfortunately fails to do so. It was anything but well-received by critics, and wasn’t taken seriously for something that was trying to go for that kind of tone.  Clooney himself had said, “I think we might have killed the franchise" and called it "a waste of money."

Christian Bale.  The most recent of the Batman films, Bale has brought a darker side to Batman.  Christopher Nolan’s film trilogy has brought in millions of dollars in the box office, teaming together all-star casts for each film.  This series of films focuses on the backstory of Batman, leading up to what he became.  Audiences learn about his past, and the mysterious air that Bale gives off is perfect for what Nolan is trying to convey.  Bale has achieved the greatest balance between playboy Bruce Wayne and stealthy Batman.  His suave appearance makes it so, along with the grace he uses in his bat suit.  He brings a distinct scratchy voice to his interpretation, which is a great contrast against the soft-spoken Bruce Wayne.

NOW, Ben Affleck.  In the “Man of Steel Sequel,” Superman is teaming up with Batman.  However, Christian Bale has opted out of this film in order to avoid being branded as Batman eternally.  This past August, Affleck has been announced as the next caped crusader.  He will be a subpar Bruce Wayne, but when it comes time to put on the bat suit he will be too awkward, as far as physique goes.  Especially in comparison to Henry Cavill, the current Superman whom he will be costarring with.

As far as I'm concerned, Michael Fasbender, Ryan Gosling or Jake Gyllenhaal should have been chosen to play Batman.  They would have been good as Bruce Wayne and as Batman.  Although the focus of the film will be Superman, and Batman will be more or less a sidekick for all the happenings on screen, that shouldn’t distract us from who Batman is played by.  Don’t get me wrong;  Affleck is a great actor.  I loved him in “Good Will Hunting” twenty years ago, and thought he was swell in “Argo.”  However, he shouldn’t be parading around at Batman at this point in his career.

Originally when Michael Keaton had been chosen to play Batman, hundreds of thousands of disgruntled Batgeeks had written letters to Warner Bros. Studios, complaining about this decision.  Ben Affleck, you have been warned.  Unless you can surprise us as an adequate disposition of both Bruce Wayne and Batman, prepare yourself for disapproval from fanboys and critics alike.

Resurecting Romeo and Juliet

After only three years, a new film adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragic play of star crossed lovers is returning to theatres.  The story is timeless.  Two feuding families from Verona experience reconciliation that is only achievable through the deaths of their own children.  Mixed with complications, miscommunication, and classic lines, this play is one of the scripts with the highest rate to be turned into films.  

In the past, there have been countless film adaptations of this play.  Here are some of the past adaptations that have stood out compared to others:

Romeo and Juliet: This multi-Oscar nominated film was directed by George Cukor in 1936.  It had only become a true consideration after seeing how successful Warners’ adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was.  The film features the talents of Leslie Howard as Romeo and Norma Shearer as Juliet, and also featured John Barrymore as Mercutio.  The film received nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Art Direction.  Producer Irving Thalberg's stated intention was "to make the production what Shakespeare would have wanted had he possessed the facilities of cinema.”  Elaborate research on Verona and Shakespeare’s time was done to make sure this film would avoid being anachronistic.  Overall, the film received indifferent feedback.  Although not too many people disliked this adaptation, many people didn’t love it.  Cukor even said in an interview 24 years after the film was made that if he could go back in time to change any film, this one would be it. 

Romeo and Juliet: This 1968 film directed by Franco Zeffirelli is a classic, and probably the best one.  Unabridged and staying true to Shakespeare’s air, this accurate adaptation is a true masterpiece.  It is the closest film to the play that we have.  Zeffirelli is also known for his adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.”  Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey starred as the young lovers, and it made an impression at the Academy Awards.  The film won Oscars for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design, and also received nominations for Best Director and Best Picture.  This film is definitely the best adaptation to check out if you are too lazy to read and is looking for something accurate to the play. It is a complete feast for the eyes.

West Side Story: This play tells the tale of Tony, a “Jet” and native New Yorker, who falls in love with a Puerto Rican lady, Maria.  Their love ensues, and they cannot be together because of cultural difference.  Set in the West side of Manhattan, the two social groups are unable to coexist peacefully, as gang fights erupt and the plot  follows the events our two lovers of Verona become entangled in.  Filled with music, dance, and passion beyond the norm, “West Side Story” is an effective adaptation.  The storyline stays the same, as two opposing forces can’t be together without pleasing everyone else.  The film adaptation of the play came out in 1961 starring Natalie Wood as Maria and Richard Beymer as Tony.  Even though the dialogue isn’t early Modern English, the dramatic changes of incorporating song and dance turn this piece into an entirely different animal. 

Romeo + Juliet: This 1996 film was aiming to please the “MTV generation.”  The only reason this film is mentioned on this list is because it stood out in such a horrific way.  Baz Luhrmann took this classic Shakespeare play and tore it apart with his modernization.  Taking place in contemporary Verona Beach, Florida, this version does very little to foster the spirit of Shakespeare’s time.  The film tore apart Mercutio, one of the key players, and everything else going on distracted from the beautiful language. Gang fights isn't what we think when Shakespeare comes to mind, and unfornatelty Luhrmann makes this so.  However, we do need to give credit where credit is due.  Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes played the pair of lovers, and their performance would have been enough to appreciate without all the dumb show Luhrmann creates in the background. 

Gnomeo and Juliet: One cannot set their expectations high for a Disney version of a Shakespeare film. If you are looking for an accurate adaptation, here is not where you would find it.  Especially 3-D animated ones with talking lawn decorations.  In this adaptation, two neighbors, Mr. Montague and Ms. Capulet absolutely hate each other.  Their hate spreads to their garden gnomes, as the opposing yards dislike each other.  This 2011 film is cute, but it is no more than dumb show.  The cast includes the talents of Emily Blunt, James McAvoy, Michael Caine and Maggie Smith.  Filled with the musical talents of Sir Elton John, this film is lighthearted and very whimsical.  The last thing you should do is take this film seriously, as the ending has been altered along with significant plot details. 

These notable adaptations have taken Shakespeare’s tragedy into many different directions.  Though the story is still the same, the environment in which the players interact varies.  We go from Shakespeare’s time in Verona, Italy to Verona Beach in the 1990’s and even to front lawns with garden décor.  In this latest adaptation, director Carlo Carlei sets the scene in Renaissance era Verona.  However, this film is unlike any other that has been done in the past.  The language used isn’t the same as what Shakespeare has written.  The story line stays constant, but that’s about it.  This is controversial because the film may lose meaning overall.  It will go from Many critics believe that this film has the potential to be unsuccessful.  However, it can go really well.  By maintaining the plot-line and incorporating tasteful contemporary elements, the play may have a successful adaptation.  This will be something for critics (such as myself) will have to look into. 

We can only hope that Carlei does this screened-play justice.  This is the first time he is taking on the silver screen in over 20 years.  The cast includes Hailee Steinfeld and Douglas Booth as the infamous pair, along with Paul Giamatti as Friar Lawrence.  As we await its release on October 11, we should mentally prepare ourselves for a modest attempt at Shakespeare, for “there has never been a tale of more woe, than that of Juliet and her Romeo.”

Successful Films and Fabulous Soundtracks

The soundtrack to a motion picture can make or break the work a director and his team scrambles to put together.  There are many films out there that have perfect music to go with the film and its ideas that are being conveyed.  On the other hand, many films fail to have music that reflects what is going on, whether it is anachronistic or just doesn’t fit the tone presented.

Without soundtracks and music in film, it is difficult to comprehend the overall feel of a piece.  I find that when I listen to the soundtrack alone and then go back and watch the movie I become more attuned to what is going on.  It makes for better interpretation of the story of a motion picture, along with the work as a whole. 

Here are some films that have soundtracks that are perfectly coordinated for the films they are coupled with:

“The Aviator” (2004): Probably one of my all-time favourite movies.  Even though Howard Hughes’ struggle with OCD isn’t exactly a feel-good film, the biopic is a cinematic masterpiece in every aspect.  The soundtrack is perfect for conveying the mood of the 1920’s into the post-war 1940’s.  Artie Shaw’s “Nightmare” was a recurring piece, and it was perfect for the mental deconstruction of Hughes.  Upbeat jazz pieces, even though performed by our contemporaries, were incorporated into this film’s music as well.  Just because they are modern artists, however, doesn’t mean that they lost the flare for the Roaring Twenties.  Even though this film may be on this list because of my passionate feeling for all things 1920’s, this soundtrack really does make the film.  If you don’t believe me, just watch the movie and stay attuned with the music. 

“When Harry Met Sally” (1989): This movie is beyond heart-warming.  The story of two best friends who slowly fall in love may be chick-flick in nature, but it is first and foremost a romantic comedy.  Harry Connick Jr. sets the mood for this film with his solo piano pieces, vocals and the accompaniment of a big band.  The music in this film gives off warm vibes.  The big band version of “It Had to be You” gets you off your feet to dance around your kitchen.  On the other hand Connick’s piano rendition of “Winter Wonderland” is soft and delicate, like snowflakes falling in Central Park.  If I had to give it a season, I would make it an autumn-into-winter soundtrack.   

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986): There are very few places where you will get eclectic eighties music in a good film.  There is no better place to find it than this John Hughes classic.  As soon as I managed to put together the songs onto a CD, I drove around blasting it, celebrating the care-free attitude that Ferris has.  Originally, John Hughes didn’t want to realize a physical album, because he thought the music didn’t “go together.”  However, that is the beauty of these one-hit wonders being combined into one killer soundtrack! If anyone is looking to Save Ferris, I highly recommend checking out IMDB for the full soundtrack list on this movie’s page.  It is still one of my favourite albums to jam out to.

“Gangster Squad”(2013): Alright.  Although this movie was a lot of dumb show, violence and Ryan Gosling’s face, it did have a fantastic soundtrack.  Featuring the talents of Peggy Lee, Mel Tome, and Johnny Mercer, the music here is phenomenal.  The pieces chosen definitely set the mood well for the crime scenes, mob fights and momentary positive vibes.   It is anything but anachronistic, and I was pleased to find that if any contemporary artists were featured, they once again kept the spirit of 1950’s Los Angeles alive.  Much better than certain films that incorporate rap into the 1920’s (Jay-Z, cough, Gastby). 

“Ocean’s 11” (2001): David Holmes compiled a fantastic soundtrack for this film.  As though the talents of George Clooney, Brad Pitt and many other A-Listers weren’t enough, the music makes the film even better.  The tone Holmes sets is perfect for the heist of a Las Vegas casino.  Reminiscent of a James Bond soundtrack, the music here is great for driving around on a mission, whilst wearing ultra-slick sunglasses.  The same goes for the soundtracks of Ocean’s 12 and 13.  Good films and good music overall, completely worth the watch and listen. 

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001): John Williams has done it again.  The composer of the iconic “Raider’s March,” Star Wars theme, and Jurassic Park piece gives us one more reason to love him.  I couldn’t imagine anyone else writing pieces for the films of the beloved Harry Potter series.  Slowly, “Hedwig’s Theme” has become more and more iconic overtime.  This piece is the sound of Harry Potter, as far as this generation is concerned.  All the films in the series have excellent music, even though it isn’t for everyone.  My personal favorite is the soundtrack to the third film, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” It is the transition of darker aspects into this magical series, and the music follows this trend with intense pieces. 

“Sherlock Holmes” (2009): There is little I dislike about the latest Sherlock Holmes films.  They have an all-star cast, great scenes and locations to film at, and awesome music.  Quirky in nature, composer Hans Zimmer understands the mysterious feel and unorthodox personality Robert Downey Jr. brings to the silver screen.  If anyone is looking to unlock their inner Sherlock, you should definitely check out the soundtracks to these films. 

“Big Night” (1996): This film has everything; Italian people, Italian food, Italian Italian.  Most importantly, its soundtrack.  Pieces by Louis Prima, Rosemary Clooney and Matteo Salvatore highlight the music in this film.  Music that is stereotypically Italian is a major part of the film, especially since the film revolves around the premise of Louis Prima (a Sicilian musician) is supposed to come to the restaurant where the bulk of Big Night takes place.   If this music doesn’t sweep you off your feet to your kitchen to make a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs straight away, I’m not sure what will!

"I Had A Heart Once" (2013) Review

 

Directed by Josh Lewis, Metal Owl Films’ latest short film “I Had A Heart Once” is an artistic piece sure to make an impression on film festivals all over. 

The seven minutes are impressionable, as John (Rohan Mead) reminisces over his alcoholic past.  It begins in a dark apartment, as John lights up a cigarette.  The scene shifts from John’s apartment and him walking around New York as he speaks.  John becomes more and more emotional as he realizes what his life has become. 

The cinematography can be a bit distracting from his story.  However, his retellings are poetic and hold your attention effectively, regardless of how ADD the camera switches can be.  The erratic of an alcoholic’s experiences is what makes the scene changes relevant to what is being said.  The fourth wall is broken as John shares his thoughts with others.  This will draw audiences in, making his past more tangible to us, even though we only get to know him in such a short amount of time. 

Overall, “I Had A Heart Once” is a passionate and bold piece.  Though existential in nature, the emotion builds at the perfect incline to the end of the short film. 

"Flight" (2012) Review

                 Last year, Robert Zemeckis released “Flight,” a drama about a bad combination of a drunk pilot and a malfunctioning airplane.  Denzel Washington stars as the victim of circumstance; alongside him are John Goodman, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly and Bruce Greenwood.  The director of “Cast Away” brings us a film with an interesting concept, but predictable end. 

                After a night with a flight attendant, alcohol, and illegal substances, Captain Whittaker (Washington) boards his 9 am flight from Miami to Atlanta.  Still influenced by drugs and experiencing extreme sleep deprivation, he flies the plane, and it malfunctions midflight.  The worst-case scenario becomes reality for him, as he lands the plane.  However, some lives are lost. 

                After waking up in a hospital bed with a few injuries, he learns the crash is being investigated.  With the help of an attorney and a representative from the airline union, Whittaker undergoes the investigation, knowing what he did was wrong, but does little to express this till the very end. 

The film has a steady first half-hour, but once the crash scene comes and goes (as you sit on the edge of your seat), it begins to drag a bit.  However, this was expected.  The first scene becomes the foundation of the film.  The events on the aircraft are analyzed.  Throughout the remaining two hours that fatal flight is dissected, as everyone tries to figure out what happened.  Whittaker attempts to cover up his alcohol problem, which is difficult.  It does a pretty effective job on holding one’s attention. 

The intense opening is just enough to hold you over for the rest of the film, as you wait to see what happens in the end.  If you have seen the trailer for “Flight,” you basically have seen the film at its highest points.  Except the ending, of course. 

It is difficult to get back into the film once the crash scene is over.  The beginning is the focal point, and the rest of the events aren’t exactly elusive.  As an audience, we know what happens.  It becomes a matter of whether or not everyone else can piece the puzzle together. 

                The concept of “Flight” was very interesting.  When I originally saw the trailer for it, my pulse was racing, even though I knew for a fact that the plane crash was completely fictitious.  It made me beyond uncomfortable.  However, last year was a big year for films.  It is no surprise “Flight” got lost in the midst of “Argo,” “Lincoln,” and “Django Unchained.”  It did not receive as much recognition as it should have.   Washington shines in the film, but his supporting cast does little to add to the film overall. 

                The subplot of Whittaker’s romance with Nicole (Kelly Reilly), a recovering drug addict does just enough to add to the film, since her problems make Whittaker fully realize his own. 

                With a two nominations from the Academy, including best actor in a leading role (Washington), “Flight” is worth the watch.  If you can sit through nearly three hours of “Lincoln” knowing he will get shot in the end, you can sure as hell view “Flight” not knowing the outcome.           

Despicable Me 2 Review

            Three years after the premiere of the heartwarming animated film “Despicable Me,” its sequel has finally arrived.  “Despicable Me 2” resurrects Gru, his three daughters and many minions, along with introducing new characters that are just as lovable as the former.  Anyone who loved the first film will like this one just as much, if not more. 

            Steve Carrell returns as Gru, the villain-turned-adoptive father of Margo, Edith and Agnes.  After settling into his new life taking care of his three daughters, Gru realizes something is missing; a mother for the girls.  Meanwhile, after swearing off evil doings to be the father he thinks his daughters need, Gru gets recruited by the Anti-Villain League to deal with a new criminal. 

When he meets Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig), a member of the Anti-Villain League who becomes his partner, his world gets turned upside-down.  They work together to search for the evil-doer, and fall for each other along the way.  While at work on his new mission, Gru attempts to balance his daughters’ lives as they start to grow up more than before. 

            Accompanying Carrell and Wiig are the talents of Miranda Cosgrove, Ken Jeong, and Russell Brand.  For an animated film, the voice acting was stellar. 

 

            “Despicable Me 2” was just as good as the first one.  Its predecessor was hyped more than it deserved, and the same is the case for this one.  Both offer a predictable plot line.  The heart of a villain whose intentions are blurred between lines of good and evil is melted when he meets three girls looking for a father figure.  In “Despicable Me 2,” this time Gru is searching for a mother figure to assist him in raising the girls who mean the world to him.  In both films, there are happy endings. 

            Nothing less can be expected for a children’s movie.  There is not enough time in the hour-and-a-half picture for complicated plot twists.  

However, it is impossible to deny that this movie is cute.  “Despicable Me 2” is all about the little things.  The comedic aspects aimed at a young audience are sure to please.  However, those older will enjoy this movie as well.  Carrell’s accent and diction he uses as Gru never fails to make me laugh.  It’s all about the little things in this film.  Nuances ranging from the fart jokes to the conversations Gru has with his daughters are memorable and adorable. 

What really makes the film is the Minions.  Gru’s hundreds of assistants are little yellow creatures who help him with his day-to-day activities are beyond cute.  When I saw the first one, I immediately wanted to acquire at least ten of them.  The feeling still hasn’t faded.  In fact, it is even stronger now.  The little things they do in this film are sure to make anyone laugh.  Their babbling and the physical comedy they offer truly make this film worth seeing, if you were on the fence thus far. 

“Despicable Me 2” is your run-of-the-mill summer animated picture.  Light, heart-warming and funny, this film is a nice escape to brighten up a dreary summer afternoon.   Comparatively-speaking, this animated movie is one of the better ones out there to see nowadays. 

Best Romantic Comedies

 

Crazy, Stupid Love (2011): Shakespearean in nature and filled with an amazing cast, “Crazy, Stupid Love” is a quintessential rom-com.  Starring Steve Carrell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, “Crazy Stupid Love” mixes miscommunications and misinterpretations into contemporary California.  Emily (Moore) asks Cal (Carrell) for a divorce because she had an affair.  Cal’s whole world gets thrown into disarray until Gosling offers him a chance to rediscover who he is. In this film, everyone falls for the wrong person.  You laugh, you cry, you root for Steve Carrell and then wish him hell.  But like all Shakespearean plays, this movie leaves you reminded that love perseveres all. 

How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days (2003): Starring Mathew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, this film is the perfect guide to what not to do when you meet the man of your dreams.  A journalist who covers the “How To” section in her magazine, Andie (Hudson) volunteers to write a piece on how to lose a guy in ten days.  Ben (McConaughey) makes a bet with his coworkers that he can make a girl fall in love with him in ten days.  By happenstance the two meet, initiating a rollercoaster of a relationship. As Andie pushes Ben away with her turn-offs, she falls for him, and Ben falls for Andie even though he only needs to seduce her for his bet.  Filled with dramatic irony, you will cringe as much as you laugh at the nuances Andie and Ben share throughout their relationship.  “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days” is an off-beat yet equally hilarious rom-com. 

 

Wedding Crashers (2005): Though it isn’t as chic-flick esque as many romantic comedies are, this film features Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn at their finest.  These two comedic geniuses would play improvising lines off each other over games of pool, and it clearly shows their work paid off.  Veterans of crashing weddings to meet girls, Wilson and Vaughn crash their biggest wedding yet.  As though this wasn’t a challenge enough, they run into trouble when invited back to Secretary of State Cleary’s house (Christopher Walken).  Wilson longs for something more with Clare Cleary (Rachael McAdams), while Vaughn is clung onto by an infatuated Gloria Cleary (Isla Fischer).  Not a line is wasted, and although it’s not your conventional/stereotypical rom-com, it is definitely funny and romantic in its own way. 

Midnight in Paris (2010): Directed by Woody Allen, this movie teaches an important lesson: no matter how much you drink in Paris, unless you are Owen Wilson you won’t travel back in time.  After getting a little too tispy at a Paris winetasting, the aspiring author Gil (Wilson) is transported to 1920’s Paris, where the modern arts flourished.  He embarks on a love affair with Adriana (Marion Cotillard) a flapper,and mingles with Pablo Picasso and F. Scott Fitzgerald. This movie does teach that life is unsatisfying no matter what time period you live in. Romantic, beautiful Paris and a fabulous cast including Kathy Bates and Rachael McAdams makes this film a must-see. 

 

 

The Five Year Engagement (2012): What if you get engaged to your soul mate, but can’t plan a wedding for any sooner than five years after the proposal?  “The Five Year Engagement” plays out this scenario in the form of Jason Segel and Emily Blunt.  Hopelessly in love with each other, the pair must make huge sacrifices for each other to further their careers.  Pressures of work, families and adapting to new lifestyles strain the bond that Segel and Blunts characters’ have.  It assesses the question of whether or not love can last through all, no matter how strong the love.

It’s Complicated (2009): Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep have excellent chemistry in this film.  Ten years after divorcing, (Streep) and Jack (Baldwin) go out one night in New York.  After a few drinks and some reminiscing of their marriage, they embark on a love affair.  Confused and excited, they try to hide their happenings from their family and friends.  However, this bittersweet adventure doesn’t run smooth. Featuring John Krakinski and Steve Martin, “It’s Complicated” is a comedic reflection of whether or not we can honor that the decisions we made were right. 

Love Actually (2003): Various vignettes compose this rom-com, as viewers follow the lives of eight different couples living in contemporary England.  December before Christmas in London makes the perfect backdrop, giving all viewers the warm-fuzzy feeling, and with the heartwarming stories laced in enhances the overall film.  Featuring the talents of Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley, “Love Actually” is a classic romantic comedy that holds your attention with its various stories glued together. You will fall in love with everyone just as much as they do with each other in this film.

 

 

When Harry Met Sally (1989): Brought to you by rob Reiner, “When Harry Met Sally” poses the question of whether men and women can just be friends. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star in this film as two friends who meet each other over the course of several years. Crystal believes that men and women can be friends without sex getting in the way. Ryan disagrees, as some women believe that what can seem a simple compliment can be called out as a pass. This film traces Harry and Sally through their relationships, as Harry and Sally meet up and reminisce over love lost. Ryan and Crystal’s chemistry is flawless, as life takes them back to each other various times.  The soundtrack is also pretty stellar, as Harry Connick Jr. is the main attraction of it. This film will leave viewers sure that love isn't hopeless, and worth the risk.

French Kiss (1995): A disheartened Kate (Meg Ryan) heads to Paris, in fear that her fiancé is straying from her.  On her flight, she meets Luc (Kevin Kline) a Frenchman, and their meeting drags her into his plant smuggling.  Kate searches the country for her fiancé with Luc, but the time they spend together makes them fall for each other.  Ever twisting and turning, their adventure teaches them that sometimes if you let go of someone, you can find someone better when you least expect it.  Quirky and light-hearted, “French Kiss” is a wonderful film that proves you can find love in the most peculiar places. 

27 Dresses (2008): Stuck being a bridesmaid for 27 weddings, Jane (Katherine Heigl) is about to be one for the twenty-eighth time.  This wouldn’t be such a big deal if the man her sister was marrying wasn’t someone she had been secretly in love with for quite a while, plus plan the wedding.  When she meets Kevin (James Marsden), her world gets turned upside-down further, as he clings onto her possibly to advance his own career as a writer.  This film is a lighthearted reminder of how even when things seem completely hopeless, it is important to stay true to yourself.  Even if you always say yes to others, it is important to put yourself first every now and again.  Although it is a pretty stereotypical chick-flick, “27 Dresses” is a must-see for anyone who loves staring at James Marsden for a good couple hours.