Man enough to admit...

Since I posted my list of ”be-a-man” movies a few weeks ago, I feel secure enough in my masculinity to delve into my softer side, and admit which female friendly flicks I like. I'm only going to list my top 5, with no honorable mentions. On with the girly show:

5
The Girl Next Door
I wonder if the trailer for this film could have been considered false advertising. “Can I come in? I'm all wet...” coos a dripping Elisha Cuthbert to a stunned high school boy opening his front door. A fantasy in which a porn star moves next door to a teenager would draw in any male viewer, only to discover it was about the boy learning to respect her as a human being even as he helps her respect herself and escape the seedy world she's trapped in. Despite the bait and switch, or perhaps because of it, I liked the movie a lot.

4
You've Got Mail
Yes, I actually prefer this romantic pairing of Hanks and Ryan over Sleepless in Seattle. I suppose it may be a controversial choice. Besides the refreshing lack of an annoying child, the movie delved into the different faces we show people, how the two main characters behaved one way in real life, and actually were rivals, only to connect on the internet where behind their business facades they actually had a lot in common when they bared their souls. It's lighthearted and funny, with a quirky supporting cast, and it's a fun ride watching to see how and if they'll get together in real life. They're perfect for each other, if only each can realize who the other is on the inside.

3
13 Going on 30
In my defense, it's Jennifer Garner. It's also the story of a teenage girl in the ‘80s, complete with slumber parties and singing along to Pat Benatar and Michael Jackson, even if she is transported to the present as an adult. It may be the chick-iest chick flick on my list. I couldn't watch it with the guys, and I probably wouldn't discuss it with them over a few beers. I'm embarrassed to admit I liked it quite a bit. I probably identified with the Mark Ruffalo character too, since he went from being an overweight geek to a graphic artist that was sort of a hip, good-looking version of MCF, a statement that will no doubt guarantee some wry comments from my real-life friends. I couldn't help thinking, “If he could get Jennifer Garner...” What I especially liked was the lesson, similar to You've Got Mail, about who people are on the inside. Both stars, along with co-star Judy Greer, admit in the DVD special features to being geeks in high school, which should give us all hope.

2
Titanic
There's a right way and a wrong way to dramatize a catastrophic historical event and use it as the backdrop for a romantic tale. Pearl Harbor clearly demonstrates the wrong way: ”There are these two guys and they're friends. They both love the same girl. This starts this flummoxing love triangle as they struggle to overcome their own self needs and expectations…oh yeah, that and then there's this part where the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Anyway, so the girl loves the first boy…”-Nehring. Titanic made the ship a character, and painted a portrait of the period and the characters, from the crew to the band playing on even as they were sinking. Leo uses his mutant irresistible boyish charm to woo Kate, even getting her character to model nude for him. If I had his looks and charm, and could draw better, I'd carry a sketch book everywhere. How many hours did they know each other before he pulled that off? Seriously though, their love goes far deeper, and they make an amazing connection in a short period of time, the only time they'll have. The final words of one to the other are cheesy and cliché, so why was I still bawling in my girlfriend's car after we left the theater?

1
Say Anything
John Cusack is cool, and could make a living doing only romantic leads, though he's more versatile and does just as well with comedy and drama. There are any number of romantic pieces in his repertoire, and I was tempted to go with something more recent like Serendipity or Must Love Dogs. Of all the classics of his youth, Say Anything has the strongest visual: him holding that boombox aloft to win back Ione Skye by blasting ”In Your Eyes” outside her window. It was one of my ex-girlfriend's favorite movies and after we broke up, I was tempted on many an occasion to make the four hour trek North with a radio to win her back. I never did, but real life seldom works out like the movies so I probably would have wasted the trip if I tried. Her favorite movie was Young Frankenstein, but while I could have done a decent impression of Marty Feldman, I don't think that would have helped my cause. Of all the Cusack films, I have the strongest emotional connection to Say Anything so it tops my list.

* * * * *

I wasn't going to list honorable mentions, but mentioning Ruffalo in the 13 going on 30 section reminded me of Just Like Heaven which was both funny and moving, with a definite healthy share of lump-in-the-throat moments. Reese Witherspoon is ridiculously lovable. Let's call that #6 until folks remind me of other chick flicks I'd be man enough to admit to seeing and enjoying. Maybe there are a few that I've refused to see that I can be convinced otherwise. I finally saw Pretty Woman two days ago, for example. I didn't see what all the fuss was about, but it wasn't nearly the torture I was expecting. And now, I must contact a physician and inquire about testosterone shots...

Do you have favorite chick flicks? Why not share them for that chick Janet's Tell It To Me Tuesday?