Life is full of violence and drama. When I go to the movies I’m looking for a little escapism; a little romance to stir the embers of love and tenderness. Romantic movies stir up reminders of first love, tenderness, and devotion. Romantic movies are grossly idealized, but that’s the point. Romantic movies take us to a place we once were, we once believe existed, or one day hope to attain. In some cases, they are beautiful reminders of our own lives and relationships. 2008 has been long on violence and short on romance, but there have been romantic movies worthy of owning on CD or Blu-ray.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: Definitely Maybe
Definitely Maybe was released in February 2008, just in time for Valentine’s Day. After seeing Abigail Breslin in The Gift, I was so drawn to frank, pert style of the young actress. In Definitely Maybe Abigail Breslin plays Maya Hayes, the daughter of Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) an advertising executive who has just been served divorce papers.
Breslin played match maker in The Gift, and as Maya her goal is to reunite her parents. The movie is told through a smooth transition of flashbacks through which Will Hayes retells the story of life and love to his daughter. Her job is to figure out which woman in the story turned out to marry Will and be Maya’s mother. In a turn of romantic tales Maya learns life and love are more complicated than they appear.
Definitely Maybeis a sweet romantic movie that leaves even lonely hearts with a good feeling.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: 27 Dresses
Critics were not too fond of the movie, but for a chick flick 27 Dresses is a decent romantic film. Jane (Katherine Heigl) has been a bridesmaid 27 times. To make matters worse, Jane is called on to be the maid-of-honor when her sister, Tess (Malin Akerman) comes to town and falls for the man she has loved for years (Edward Burns).
Jane’s obsession has always been pleasing people. When a newspaper reporter, Kevin (James Marsden) points out her flaw she tries to convince herself and him she is happy constantly doing for others. Kevin prepares a column that is supposed to be about Tess’s wedding, but becomes a story of the woman who is “always a bridesmaid, never a bride.”
The column is released before Kevin tells Jane. That and her sister’s bratty demands are enough to wake her up to change her “never say ‘no’ mentality.” 27 Dresses is a dramatic romance with enough drama to keep the storyline moving along.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: Sex and the City
This is the one movie in my top ten romantic movies of 2008 that I didn’t see. However, considering the hype surrounding Sex and the City, it would be ridiculous to leave it off any 2008 top ten romantic movie list.
The movie version of Sex and the City hit the studios with a splash. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), a New York sex and love writer, has plans to marry John James “Mr. Big” Preston (Chris Noth). The wedding blossoms from a small hasty affair to a city-wide event with a planned spread in Vogue, until Mr. Big jilts Carrie. Carrie’s wedding woes take place while Charlotte (Kristin Davis) continues to lament her failure to get pregnant; Samantha (Kim Cattrall) finds her committed relationship doesn’t live up to her idealistic notions; and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) rants when she Steve admits he cheated on her. Miranda’s ranting about marriage cause Mr. Big’s second thoughts.
In order to add it to my own 2008 top ten romantic movies list, I have to add it to my ‘must see’ list. I’ve heard it is predictable, but fun.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: Over Her Dead Body
Over Her Dead Body is a romantic comedy of out-of-this-world proportions. Based on previews, my expectations were very low. A slew of romantic comedies have been done involving the return of a lover who died an untimely death. Over Her Dead Body promised much of the same.
After his would-be wife Kate (Eva Longoria Parker) is killed on their wedding day, Henry (Paul Rudd) is still devastated a year later and meagerly turns to a psychic to contact his deceased wife. As the psychic, Ashley ( Lake Bell ), and Henry get to know each other a relationship develops. Kate, who has yet to reach heaven, returns determined to deter Henry and Ashley’s burgeoning romance.
A lot of critics called this romantic comedy mediocre and brain deadening. It is a chick flick, great for watching when you don’t want too much drama but would enjoy a laugh. I enjoyed Over Her Dead Body. The movie delivered laughs, added new twists to old comedic jokes, and refreshing takes on old themes. It’s a fun romantic comedy.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Comedy, drama, and romance bring Forgetting Sarah Marshall to my list of top ten romantic movies of 2008. I wasn’t sure I would like this movie at all, but despite gratuitous sexuality and strong language, it has redeeming qualities.
Peter (Jason Segal) has grown comfortable and complacent in his world. When his girlfriend Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) leaves him, Peters friends help him realize it is time to grow, move on, and forget Sarah. A Hawaiian vacation should be just what Peter needs, but in an ironic twist of fate Peter runs into Sarah and her new boyfriend, rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) in Hawaii.
Before Peter becomes the man he longs to be, the movie is a coming of age story. Watching Peter’s growth and change create more of a drama than a romance. However, when Peter finds himself and allows himself to love he finds happiness.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns
Whether Tyler Perry aims for comedy or drama, he seldom misses the mark. Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns is a romantic comedy that hits right on target. Brenda (Angela Bassett) is a single mother of three trying to make an honest living and raise her kids right in the projects of Chicago. A letter announcing the death of her father, whom she never knew, takes her to Georgia where she meets her father’s family, the Brown family. To her surprise she finds a place in Madea’s eclectic family. Even more hard for her to accept is the love she finds in a friend of the family and a former pro-basketball player (Rick Fox) who has taken an interest in helping her talented son make a career of the game.
Suspicion and years of abusive relationships taint Brenda’s view to the point that she almost loses Harry, who turns out to be the one man she can trust with everything, including her son’s future and her heart.
As always, Tyler Perry brings intense drama and pressing social issues to the table. There is comic relief scattered throughout the movie and the romantic story of Brenda and the Brown family will keep you riveted to the big screen.
Madea makes only a cameo appearance, but it wouldn’t be a Tyler Perry film without her!
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: Fool’s Gold
For combining adventure, comedy, romance, and being an audience pleaser Fool’s Gold makes my top ten list of 2008 romantic movies. Women flocked to enjoy the youthful good looks and adventurous spirit of Matthew McConaughey. McConaughey played Ben Finnegan who has lost everything in his quest to find the sunken dowry of an 18th century queen. Tess (Kate Hudson) Finnegan is building a new life aboard a millionaire yacht, but can’t help the intrigue of treasure hunting when new clues to the lost treasure surface.
The hunt, intrigue, and adventure rekindle the romance between Benn and Tess. This isn’t the best romantic adventure comedy I’ve seen, but it is a fun film with a little something to please most any viewer. Fool’s Gold is a great date night movie.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: Wall-E
It’s not unusual for animated films to contain an element of romance. For me, it was an unexpected addition to Wall-E. Humans have evacuated earth and fly through space on a cyber-cruise, corpulent and complacent. One robot, Wall-E roams the earth cleaning piles of garbage.
Wall-E finds a seedling that he loves, but one day, he happens upon a she-bot that has been sent to see if life on earth is viable. The seedling Wall-E loves proves what she has been sent to discover. Her mission accomplished, Eve de-activates. Wall-E is confused, but cares for Eve and protects her from the elements. When her mother-ship comes to reclaim Eve, Wall-E hitches a ride.
As an animated film, Wall-E is worth seeing. The romantic element of the futuristic film points to the eternal existence of love.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Oct 24, release)
Like the prequels, High School Musical 1 & 2, High School Musical 3 is sure to be a romantic, musical drama that is a big hit with kids who have followed the romance of Troy and Gabriella through high school. In High School Musical 3 the “perfect” couple contemplates where their relationship will be headed after high school.
High School Musical 3 is sure to be a high school dramatic, romance that will pack out the theater with tweens and teens.
Top Ten Romantic Movies of 2008: Nights in Rodanthe (Sept release)
I believe the best romantic movie of 2008, is due to be released in September. Nights in Rodanthe, based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, is scheduled to be released September 26.
The book, Nights in Rodanthe, is a classic romance novel, including tender, earthy characters which we have come to expect from Sparks. If the movie comes close to touching the romance and intensity of the novel, the best romantic movie of 2008 is on its way.
Sources:
“Definitely Maybe (2008),” IMDb.
“27 Dresses (2008),” IMDb: The Internet Movie Database.
High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” Disney Pictures.
“Nights in Rodanthe (2008), The Movie Insider.
“Over Her Dead Body (2008), The Movie Insider.
Over Her Dead Body (2008), Rotten Tomatoes.
“Sex and the City (2008)” , IMDB.
