Family Movie Night
by Karyn Bowman
By this time next week, there will be Valentine cards strewn about. I know that my house will have little cards all over after a great rush to get them written out by one child.
Some might take advantage of the weekend to carve out quality time with their sweetie, a stay-at-home couples night if you will.
Image from IMDb.com
My first choice of movies in the romantic genre is Return To Me starring Minnie Driver and David Duchoveny. I love the Chicago locations, the musical selections, and the performances by the cast. It is one of the few movies that I find to be near perfection.
I asked my husband for his opinion, what did he think was a good movie for couples. Perhaps this shows our age but his immediate response was When Harry Met Sally, the holy grail of romantic comedy perfection. It is one of the wordiest movies but for English majors it is extraordinary how it shows love moving through the hearts of two people destined for each other.
Image from IMDb.com
I would say the same about Sleepless In Seattle and You’ve Got Mail. Note that all three of these star Meg Ryan who knows how to put together cute and quirky in one package.
For those wanting an action packed romance, there is always Mr. and Mrs. Smith starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a married couple who are both spies and must take each other out. There are many sequences that seem far-fetched but I found the movie to be very enjoyable.
For those who are movie buffs, I have an oldie but goodie to suggest. The Enchanted Cottage stars Robert Young and Dorothy McGuire. He is a war hero left scarred from his military career while she is a homely girl.
They meet at the honeymoon cottage where she works and fall in love. But something strange happens to them. They see something that others do not and somehow this only strengthens their love for each other. Finding this movie might be difficult as I have not seen it released on DVD as of yet.
Image from IMDb.com.
Finally, I know that there are some people out there who are suffering broken hearts. Perhaps the person left or you left them. I think the lead character in Bridemaids as portrayed by Kristen Wiig can certainly relate. While this is not a movie for kids or to watch with someone who would make you wince inside, it is a funny movie.
The story is about a woman who was dumped by her boyfriend and lost her bakery business but must make the best of things when her best friend announces her engagement. Further more, Wiig is asked to be the maid of honor. Complicate that with another woman who wants to take charge of everything and get all of the credit.
How does one fight against another woman who is taking away your best friend and besting you at every turn when you are broke and she is super rich?
To me the best scene is when Melissa McCarthy lets Wiig know she is always there for her with a physical fight. Some may call this the ‘female’ Hangover movie but I call it something much better than that.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Until next year, see you in the rental aisle.
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
My Man Godfrey. The one with William Powell and Carole Lombard. JUst about anything with William Powell.
Hmmm, William Powell.
I have a nice surprise for my wife on Valentines Day and I am hoping for some of her chocolate macaroons again.
Hmmm, I am getting hungry.
Hey there,
I’ve always loved Minnie Driver. I think she’s one of those underrated but marvelous actresses. Good movie selections too. I never get sick of When Harry Met Sally, it kills me every time :).
I think it must be a sign of my age that I did not even begin to think of V-day until this morning lol. And am now contemplating what gourmet meal I can cook. For the sake of classic movie lovers everywhere, I hope that AMC or TCM shows an oscar worthy dramatic romance.
Happy V-day!
I agree with you about Minnie Driver. She is great but underrated. Maybe she will have the great career in her 40s that Marisa Tormei is having.