A movie marathon, whether with your girlfriends or solo, is a perfect retreat from a hectic schedule. Below are some well known, and some not so well known, chick flicks. So, slip into some comfy pj’s, settle back with some popcorn and beverage of choice and enjoy the show!
The Love Letter (1999) starring Kate Capshaw, Ellen Degeneres & hunky Tom Selleck. I love everything about this movie, from its idyllic setting in fictitious Loblolly by The Sea (it was filmed in Rockport, Massachusettes) to the surprising twist at the end. Based on the novel by Catherine Schine, the heroine, Helen (Capshaw) discovers a love letter with no names on it. She, and many other town folk have their lives temporarily turned upside down by the letter.
Steel Magnolias (1989) starring Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Pardon, Sally Fields, Shirley MacLaine, and Daryl Hannah. This tear jerker (but in a good way) set in a small Louisiana parish is an instant classic. Dolly Pardon is absolutely wonderful as the sassy hairdresser, Truvy. I especially love Shirely MacLlaine’s portrayal of the curmudgeon, Weeza.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) starring Mary Stuart Masterson, Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy. Based on the fantastic book by Fanny Flagg, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café, this movie chronicles the lives of two women and their families living in depression era Alabama. Warning: You will want to eat some southern cooking by the end of this movie.
When Harry Met Sally (1989) starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. This is the classic boy-meets-girl and they hate – then like – then love – each other-story. I am sucker for movies set in New York City, and this story, by Norah Ephron, brings the big apple into your living room. Ryan and Crystal are wonderfully opposite in the movie, and the New Years Eve ending makes my heart smile every time I watch it.
You’ve Got Mail (1998) starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. I was surprised to find out this is a remake of a classic film called “The Shop Around the Corner.” Ryan plays Kathleen Kelly, a book store owner (her shop is aptly named “The Shop around the Corner”) who faces big competition from Fox Books. Hanks plays Joe Fox, heir apparent to the goliath book chain. He and Kathleen strike up an email correspondence, falling in love via the web. Cheesy? Yes, but who cares? They end up together in the end, and that is all that matters!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) starring Nia Vardalos and John Corbett. Anyone who has ever felt like an ugly duckling, will appreciate this love story. And anyone with a loud, large, obnoxious family will doubly appreciate it. I love cousin Niki, who is too much like one of my own cousins.
Gone With The Wind (1939) starring Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable. This is the only movie that has ever lived up to the book version, in my opinion. I don’t know any woman who would not want to be swept off her feet by Rhett Butler. He is the embodiment of masculine authority and charm. Even though the ending isn’t the happiest, it is still one of the greatest love stories ever crafted!
Love Actually (2003) starring Emma Thompson, Colin Firth (yum!), and many others. This is a charming film with several stories told at once. My favorite part is watching sales clerk, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) wrap a gift for a philandering husband, who is afraid of being caught by his wife. Set at Christmas time it is the perfect holiday chick flick to watch with a cup of eggnog and some cookies.
Little Women (1994) starring Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, and Susan Sarandon. This film is based on the classic Louisa May Alcott novel, and set in Civil War era Massachusetts. Anyone who loves history will adore watching the beautiful costumes and scenery. Dunst gives a stellar performance as petulant Amy. Gabriel Byrne is a wonderful (and oh so handsome) Professor Bear.
Where The Heart Is (1999) starring Natalie Portman Stockard Channing and Ashley Judd. The plot of the story is an uneducated pregnant teenager, abandoned in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Okalahoma by her loser boyfriend, begins to secretly live in Wal-Mart until giving birth a baby girl. Not the most believable of storylines, but somehow it works. Sally Fields makes a memorable cameo as Portman’s trashy mother, complete with dyed blonde hair and tacky attire. A very nice movie for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
