"She walked off the street, into his life and stole his heart...." Pretty Woman

The classic tale of a damsel in distress and a brave knight that rescues her....with a twist. The damsel is a prostitute and the knight is a rich business man. Pretty woman may not be your average lovey-dovey film but it is sure in the cannon of the Top "chick flick" movies (number 6 on Yahoo).

The movie is about Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a prostitute in Los Angeles who is hired by Edward Lewis (Richard Gere). The unlikely pair find that they fall in love and Edward becomes Vivian's saviour and prince charming.

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have an amazing chemistry in this film making you fully believe in these two characters. Others obviously appreciated the acting because Julia was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe (in which Richard was also nominated). The two were nominated and won other awards as well.

Why would this film be considered a "chick flick?" The rags to riches is a common theme in many movies directed at women. If not exactly rags and riches, it usually is along the lines of the female character changing from an unfortunate situation to a more favourable one. There is also the common theme of the knight in shinning armor that rescues the poor female, as well as the idea of love, relationships and friendships.

According to Film Junk and Film School Rejects (as well as other sites) Pretty Woman is a "chick flick" that guys enjoy! So it isn't just me saying this, others actually believe it too. Why wouldn't guys like it? There is nothing that should scream "chick flick- stay away." Yeah it's about love but what movie doesn't have some aspect of love in it? And besides this ones about a prostitute. A movie with a little something different, not just your average guy and girl.

So as always, if you haven't already seen the movie (which I will make the assumption that most have), watch the trailer and see if its right for you!

"Declined....Really Declined" Confessions of a Shopaholic

Prada, Gucci, Barneys etc etc. Every woman's dream to go on a shopping spree at one of these stores. Rebecca Bloomwood from Confessions of a Shopaholic does just that. The only problem? She spends more money than she can afford.

The movie is about Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) who grew up with penny pincher parents so breaks free of the saving ways when she is an adult and shops her way into debt. In order to pay off the looming debt she has to take a job at a finance magazine (Ironic, no?). There she meets the ever so handsome Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy)who also happens to be her boss. Surprisingly she becomes very successful there, writing a column known as The Girl in the Green Scarf. All this comes crashing down when a debt collector knocks on her door.

The movie is based on the best selling book by Sophie Kinsella. I have not read the books so I cannot say if the movie stayed true to them, but I can say that the movie is quite funny. I have heard mixed reviews about whether the film is as good as the book (you can read many reviews on Cinemaclock.com) but I thought it was worth watching. If you are worried about whether you would like it, wait until it is released on DVD and then watch it.

It is pretty obvious why Confessions of a Shopaholic is a "chick flick." The entire movie is about shopping, a past time that women love. Women have an appreciation for shopping that most guys don't seem to understand. Just take a look at the study that says shopping is bad for men's health......who knew. Besides the shopping there is also a love story that blooms (no pun intended) between Rebecca and Luke as well as friendship troubles, making this a definite "chick flick."

The question that must be asked: does this movie make it into the cannon of the best "chick flicks." Robert Ebert could not have said it any better: ""Confessions of a Shopaholic" is no masterpiece. But it's funny." Although this is a movie that I would suggest seeing if you are into the "chick flick" comedies, I would not put it into the top "chick flick" lists.

The usual question of whether men would enjoy this movie......probably not. The only thing I can think that they may enjoy is the comedy, although I would go on a limb and say that it is more humour that women would like. I am not saying that all guys would not like this movie because I know when I went to see it there were some guys in the theater (okay maybe two, but that is still "some"). So there might be a few that would appreciate the comedy and shopping in the film, but probably not many.

So if your interested in seeing it watch the trailer and see if it is right for you.

"How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways..." 10 Things I Hate About You

Although the title may not sound like your average "chick flick," 10 Things I hate About You is definitely on my list for one of the best. It is also in position 9 on the Yahoo Top Chick Flick List. Unlike the title may suggest, the film does contain aspects of friendship, romance and love, not just hate.

This movie is about a young guy, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who wishes to be with Bianca after having what could be described as a love-at-first-site moment. The only problem is that Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) is not allowed to date unless her older sister Kat (played by Julia Stiles) does. So what does one do in this situation? Get a stuck up jerk to pay the rebellious Patrick Verona (the ever so gorgeous Heath Ledger) to take out the older sister. Of course Kat and Patrick hit it off, that is until she finds out he is being payed....uh oh.

Are you secretly wishing to know what the 10 hated things are? Well there really isn't a concrete list of the 10 things in the movie but there is a poem that Kat writes:

"I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare. I hate your big dumb combat boots, and the way you read my mind. I hate you so much it makes me sick; it even makes me rhyme. I hate it, I hate the way you're always right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry. I hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call. But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all. "

So why would I consider this movie one of the best "chick flicks?" Precisely because the movie is based on teenage love and relationships. Young, good guy wants to get the girl and has to "battle" the stuck up jerk. It also has the lovely element of the bad boy who falls in love and turns out not to be so bad. Not to mention that Heath Ledger stars in it. It is also contains the key element of a powerful female heroine, Kat. She does not do what is expected of her. She refuses to act just because everyone is doing it or because they say it is the "cool" thing to do. Julia Stiles does an amazing job with her portrayal of the social outcast and won MTV movie award for her role in this film.

Yes, of course you guessed it, this is a movie that guys will enjoy. Like stated earlier, it is not your average "chick flick" with a sappy love story. It has, excuse the language, two bad ass main characters who are not considered the social norms. The first time cameron and Patrick meet, Patrick drills a hole through Cameron's text book causing him to run out of the class. It is a cute movie but it is also funny. Guys, you probably wouldn't have known it was considered a "chick flick" if I hadn't told you.

So as always, watch the trailor, see if its for you and then watch the film! I promise you will not come up with 10 reasons why you hate the movie....probably not even 1.

"Our love fern! You let it die!".......How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Matthew McConaughey.....need I say more? Probably not but for those who came to my blog expecting a little more on the movie I will. Kate Hudson also stars in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and the chemistry between Matthew and Kate allows for the audience to be drawn into to the movie.

An advertising executive Ben (played by Matthew McConaughey) makes a bet that he can get any women to fall in love with him. The woman chosen for this bet is Andie (played by Kate Hudson), a "How to" writer who decides to write a column on How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. Her subject? Ben. Both characters do not realize they are a subject of each others test or challenge, making for a seriously funny movie.

At first I was not sure if I should include this movie in the list of "chick flicks" but after thinking about why it would be and seeing it on the Yahoo List, I decided it definitely should be included. It fits the requirements of a "chick flick" because it has a powerful female protagonist who does what she wants, a relationship in trouble/challenged and then over come, and of course, a cute male hero.

Interested to know some of the ways to lose a guy in 10 days, according to Andie? Without giving too much of the movie away, some of her ideas are to mark your territory (put feminine products in his bathroom), plan your future, and drop in on his boys night.

This is a movie women can enjoy and one that may be easy to get your man to watch. It is not your average sappy, all romantic, "chick flick." The film is very funny that does not make the love story its main or only focus. It has jokes that both men and women will laugh at, not just inside jokes for one sex or the other.

So, as always. I suggest you watch the trailer and then go and watch the movie!

"Just breathe..." It's not just another Cinderella story

I know what you're thinking, how many Cinderella stories are there? Between the Disney Cinderella, A Cinderella Story, Ella Enchanted, Another Cinderella Story, Ever After and others I'm sure, there are quite a few. However, I believe that Ever After is the best Cinderella story made, hands down.

The movie is starring Drew Barrymore as Danielle (who would be the "Cinderella" of the story) and Dougray Scott as Prince Henry (the "Prince Charming"). Ever After has some of the traditional aspects of the Cinderella stories, such as the presence of an "evil" step mother, two step sisters.As well as Danielle is a servant to her step mother and sisters and then she is rescued by the love of the Prince.

However, Ever After adds a uniqueness to the Cinderella stories because Danielle plays the part of a powerful young women. She rescues servants, impersonates a countess, throws an apple at the prince(and what an arm she has, knocks him right off his horse), climbs trees (in her undergarments....shocking, I know) and even punches her step sister in the face (which we can all agree was seriously over due). She does not fall into the role of the helpless female who listens and obeys everything a man tells her. She threatens a creep with a sword when he threatens her freedom and contradicts the Prince, forcing him to realize his own mistakes and how arrogant he sounds

The costumes in the film are amazing, really capturing what the dress was like in that European time, and the scenery/ setting is stunning, beautifully put together. Not to mention the wonderful acting. It is therefore not hard to understand why Ever After has received many good reviews including a 92% on Rotten Tomato's "Tomatoemeter" and is currently in position 10 on Yahoo's Top Chick Flick List.
As always it is not hard to see that Ever After is a true "chick flick," especially with its Cinderella roots. BUT yes you guessed it guys, you can watch it too! As stated earlier....she punches her step sister in the face. If that is not reason in itself to watch it, I do not know what is. Seriously though, in all honesty Ever After is a well done story that is great for all ages and both sexes. Yes there is a love story but there is more than that. There is action, comedy, romance, and a bit of suspense thrown in. The film even has Leonardo Da Vinci playing the "fairy Godmother" character. It is a fabulous movie. So watch the trailer, and then watch the movie!

"Hello, my name is Inego Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die..." and laugh with The Princess Bride

I was flipping through satellite, trying to find something to watch when I saw The Princess Bride. Even though I own the movie and could watch it at any time, I instantly was dying to watch it. The Princess Bride has to be on my top five favourite movies of all time, and it just so happens to be a "chick flick."

The movie is about the love between Buttercup and Westley. Unfortunate events, Buttercup being kidnapped and Westley thought to be dead, separate the two. However, they are brought back together after defeating the evil Prince Humperdinck......I am totally serious, his name is actually Humperdinck.

As if the unforgettable love story is not enough to draw your attention, the ability to make you laugh or smile is well worth it. Robert Ebert calls The Princess Bride "a sly parody" and says he "will be laughing a lot" (full review). Some of the scenes may be a bit ridiculous or unreal, but it only adds to the movie. The film has won the Toronto International Film Festival award and was nominated for many other awards, such as an Oscar.So yes women will love watching the story of poor Buttercup and her love Westley, but guys will enjoy this movie too. No, I'm not joking. Do not judge the movie by its title, or its poster. If you do not believe me, believe Slice and Men's Health. Both sites have given The Princes Bride the, what I would like to call, guy's stamp of approval. Ladies, just tell your guy that "according to Men's Health it's good for you....." would that work? I don't really know, maybe I will test it out.

Anyways, why wouldn't men like this film? There are hilarious moments, sword fighting, magic, a giant (not literally, but pretty darn close), flesh eating eels and of course kidnapping and near death experiences. Believe me guys, you will hardly notice the love story. So, as always, watch the trailer and see if it is right for you!

"What are men compared to rocks and mountains"...or Pride and Prejudice

Sigh. Smile. Sigh. Laugh. Sigh. Sigh. Smile. This is about all you will do while you watch Pride and Prejudice. This movie is absolutely amazing and I believe one of the best, if not THE best "chick flicks" ever made. However, I have not seen every single "chick flick," so I will restate that it is the best out of the ones I have seen. Although there are a couple versions of Pride and Prejudice, the one that I will be discussing is the version starring Keira Knightly as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfayden as Mr. Darcy.

The movie is about the lives of the Bennets, an English family consisting of five sisters. The film follows the growing love between Mr Bingley and Jane, and of course Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. It illustrates hardships the family endure and the challenges imposed on the love between the characters. It's a powerful film, where love is brought together, overcoming obstacles thrown in the way. The language in the movie is beautifully written and the acting is magnificent. The film was nominated for many awards, including four Oscars, and won a number of critic awards (see IMDB).

It is not hard to understand why Pride and Prejudice is considered a "chick flick." The main character, Elizabeth is a strong independent women and it is about friendship, sisterly affection, relationships and yes you guessed it, love. However, I will make the argument that it is definitely a movie men can love too. Most, if not all, the men reading this blog are English majors. Therefore, I would assume that you enjoy reading well written novels and have probably read some of Jane Austin, maybe even Pride and Prejudice. If this is the case, then there is no reason you should not like the movie. If you are not an English major or found the book too confusing or too difficult, then the movie is right for you. It helps paint a picture of what is going on, allowing you to enjoy the story line.Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite movies, so I can easily say I am biased when it comes to just how good this movie is, but I am not the only one who thinks so. It is currently number five on Yahoo's Top Ten Best Chick Flick list out of 105 movies. So it is obviously on quite a few favorite lists. For all the men out there, we know you don't want to be be held to the standard of Mr. Darcy so we will try not to, but watch the trailer, see if it is right for you, and then go rent it! I can almost guarantee that most of you will love this movie just as much as I do.