Top 10 Movies of 2009: Romantic Comedy

Commonly called “Chick Flicks,” romantic comedies are one of the most popular film genres and 2009 had its share. Romantic comedies are certainly one of y favorite movie types. From teen-focused I Love You Beth Cooper to the over-the-top battle of the sexes in The Ugly Truth, 2009’s romantic comedies cover the gambit of tastes.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past – A fun revamping of the Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, in which a commitment-phobe is visited by 3 specters who inform him that he is destined to become a lonely man and lose his childhood sweetheart unless he changes his ways. Starring Matthew McConaughey (eye candy enough right there) and Jennifer Garner.

The Proposal – Sandra Bullock is a bossy and witchy Canadian at the top of her professional game when she discovers she is about to be deported unless she can convince her assistant played by Ryan Reynolds to marry her…immediately. The two embark on a visit to his family and hometown in Alaska where the pair come to see each other in a different light. See a full review here.

The Ugly Truth – The most in-your-face comedy about the differences between the sexes I have ever seen. The movie is unabashedly sexist and bawdy and has its stars Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler delivering one hysterical bit after another. Not one for the family but definitely a laugh fest. See a full review here.

Couples Retreat – Four couples undertake a weeklong vacation together at the request of one pair who is struggling to save their marriage only to discover they must all undergo marriage counseling. Each couple must face their own skeletons amid a series of mishaps and missteps. Vince Vaughn, Malin Aikerman, Jan Favreau, Kristin Davis, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell and Faizon Love star. See the full review here.

All About Steve – Mary Horowitz (Sandra Bullock) is a cruciverbalist or crossword puzzle constructor who decides to change her life by going after a TV news cameraman she had half a date with, Steve (Bradley Cooper). Steve is not interested in Mary and is unnerved by what he deems her quirky and stalker-like tendencies. Mary and Steve reach an understanding and happiness is achieved though not n a predictable way. Bullock’s ability to draw you into her character is what makes this movie a top romantic comedy of 2009 for me. See the full review here.

He’s Just Not That Into You – An ensemble piece featuring a huge cast including Jennifer Anniston, Bradley Cooper, Ben Affleck, Justin Long and Scarlett Johansson depicts the lives of a group of twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings navigating the dating game and married life. The comedy occurs as each tries to “read” the signals given by the opposite sex.

Confessions of a Shopaholic – Isla Fisher longs to work for her favorite fashion magazine but lands a job as an advice columnist for financial magazine owned by the same publishing company. She has to go to great lengths to keep her financial past hidden on her way to success professionally and romantically as her rich boss falls for her.

My Life in Ruins – A professor of classical Greek studies loses her job and is forced to take one as tour guide in Athens. She ends up with a wacky group of tourists who have more interested shopping than in the history of the ruins they visit. She has lost her kefi or joy of life and her group of characters may be just the ones to help her find it and love.

I Love You, Beth Cooper – Dennis Cooverman professes his undying love for Beth Cooper during his valedictorian speech at graduation. He also spills the beans on some other people. Beth shows up at his house along with some friends – some of the people he offended – and takes him out for the best night of his young life.

Did You Hear About the Morgans? – A New York couple on the brink of divorce both witness a murder after dinner one night. Forced into the witness protection program together, they relocate to Wyoming and learn how to cope in their new surroundings and with each other. Starring Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker.