Unlike the 1990s where Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, and Meg Ryan dominated the multiplexes with their light-hearted fare, the 2000s haven’t seen too many “chick flicks.” In 2006 alone, of the 10 highest grossing films domestically, none were what anyone would consider a chick flick. While everyone probably has a slightly different definition of what a chick flick is, my list considered films that either starred women as the headliners or films that had a higher appeal to women than it did men.
10. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
This was the first film that Jennifer Garner headlined. Riding the wave of her success on TV’s Alias, Garner was able to become a leading lady on screen in this romatic comedy. Starring opposite Mark Ruffalo, Garner played Jenna Rink a 13 year old girl who overnight turned 30 and was thrown into a life she thought she wanted. This movie was a great vehicle for Garner to show off her comedic chops. Also adding to the likability of this film was the soundtrack which included some fun 1980s tunes like Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfiled, “Love Is A Battlefield” by Pat Benatar, and Madonna’s “Crazy for You.
9. Love and Basketball (2000)
Some may consider this a sports movie, but I think of it more as a chick flick that is just set against the backdrop of sports. Actress Sanaa Lathan, now of Nip/Tuck, scored big with her leading role as basketball player Monica Wright. Love and Basketball follows both her basketball career and her on and off again relationship with the boy next door (Omar Epps) who happens to be a hoops star himself.
8. Bridget Jones Diary (2001)
When Brits first heard that American Renee Zellweger was going to play their beloved literay heroine they went nuts. Zellweger affected a British accent and quite a bit of weight for the role and dove right in. Between her own mishaps and her knack for picking the wronging man (a lothario-like Hugh Grant), there was much to laugh about and relate to (if you’re female) in this film. For many Americans Bridget Jones’ Diary was also a great introduction to Colin Firth, the man who would later go on to star in some other great films of the decade like Love Actually and Pride and Prejudice.
7. The Sweetest Thing (2002)
Long overdue, The Sweetest Thing was finally a gross-out comedy for women. Cameron Diaz, a vet of this type of movie (There’s Something About Mary) starred with Christina Applegate and Selma Blair about a trio of San Franciso girls searching for a good man. Once Diaz finds the one she wants (Thomas Jane) she and Applegate set off on a road trip which includes a hilarious movie montage to find him.
6. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
This film managed to gross over $100 million and garner an Oscar nod for Meryl Streep. Set in the world of fashion, gawky Andy (Anne Hathaway) gets hired to work at an elite magazine as a personal assistant to the boss from hell. Along the way she faces the challenge of trying to maintain a personal life. The Devil Wears Prada also had a fabulous turn by Emily Blunt who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the film as Andy’s co-worker Emily.
5. How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Kate Hudson stars as Andie and must make Ben (Matthew McConaughey) dump her in just 10 days time. Meanwhile Ben has the easy task of getting Andy to fall in love with him in the same amout of time. The two battle and go to great lengths to try to win, including Andy making a Ben a scrapbook and including digitally altered photos of what their potential children would look like.
4. Miss Congeniality (2000)
Sandra Bullock once again (Love Potion #9) played a woman needing to glam-up. As Gracie Hart, and FBI Agent, Bullock was sent undercover as a beauty pageant contest to determine the source of a bomb threat directed at the pageant. Miss Congeniality was both good and funny enough that the viewer is willing to bypass the fact the Bullock was in need of a makeover. While there’s no doubt this film is Bullock’s it did mark the comebacks of both Candice Bergen and William Shatner who now coincidentally co-star in ABCs Boston Legal.
3. Mean Girls (2004)
Screenwriter Tina Fey hit the nail on the head with this screenplay about high school girls. Who didn’t know girls just like the “Plastics” back when they were in the school. Reminiscent of the Heathers from 1980s comedy Heathers, the Plastics, led by Regina (Rachel McAdams) ruled the school, and Cady (Lindsey Lohan) had the task of bringing them down. This is a perfect example of the whole “frienemies” phenomenon that happens with girls at that age.
2. The Notebook (2004)
This adaptation of Nicholas Spark’s book was so hot it turned co-stars Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling into a real life couple. Set in the present and past, The Notebook is a love story that spans the lives of Allie and Duke as they meet, separate, and possibly find their way back to each other. If ever you’re looking for a good cry, this is the film for you.
1. Legally Blonde (2001)
If Reese Witherspoon (Election, Cruel Intentions) wasn’t already a star beforehand, there’s no doubt she was after the release of Legally Blonde. Starring as Elle Woods, a sorority girl turned law student, Witherspoon brought relatable humanity to a character that could have been straight out of central casting. Though the character of Elle Woods originally went to law school to win a guy back, the movie turns into more of a girl-power flick by the end. Aided by her tiny dog Bruiser and a local hairdresser (Jennifer Coolidge) takes Harvard Law by storm.
