Movies and romance are like peanut butter and jelly: classic counterparts that can either make your day or kill you - depending on what you're "allergic" to. Thankfully, we have comprised a list of movies that will see you safely through your Valentine's Day, whether you're spending it cuddled up with your cutie or a carton of ice cream.
For the long-term couple that's hanging on by a thread: Blue Valentine
The main attraction here is Ryan Gosling (Gangster Squad), every guy's biggest man crush and the dude that every girl would cheat on her man with. That being said, Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn) isn't so bad to look at, either, and they're both incredible actors. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine), this movie sets Gosling and Williams in an intimate, dark and beautifully scripted film that examines love and marriage with rare honesty. You may not be married, but if you and your significant other have been to hell and back (and maybe even back again), this one is for you.
For any couple, anytime, anywhere: Titanic
A classic. You've probably already seen it, but that doesn't matter. The fact that Titanic is so long (194 minutes) will give you some good background noise for whatever else you and your lover do while you're "watching movies." Even if there was enough room for him on that floating door, Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio, Django Unchained) died for Rose (Kate Winslet, Movie 43), and that's something worth admiring.
If this is your last Valentines Day together: Unfaithful
Let's face it, one day out of the year might not be enough to forget the underlying trust issues you two have had for months or even the huge fight you two had during the Super Bowl. For those of you who aren't confrontational, Diane Lane's (Secretariat) extracurricular sexual activitiesmight be the hint you need to relay to tell your significant other things might be over.
For the intellectual lovebirds: Good Will Hunting
It's unclear whether or not Ben Affleck (Argo) and Matt Damon (Promised Land) intended for this movie to be heart-wrenchingly romantic, but somewhere amidst this tale of genius and abuse is a love story that will leave even the most stoic viewers a bit dewy-eyed. The budding romance between Skylar (Minnie Driver, I Give It a Year) and Will (Damon) is not only fun to watch but will make couples watching appreciate their own relationships even more. Good Will Hunting is the perfect movie for couples that have roughed the storm and are better for it now.
For the new couple: Crazy, Stupid, Love
Quintessential romantic comedies are perfect for the newly budding romance. Extravagant outings might seem like "too much" for a relationship in its infancy, so a homebound movie night featuring Ryan Gosling's (Gangster Squad) abs, Emma Stone's (Gangster Squad) innocence and Steve Carell's (The Way, Way Back) mid-life crisis is enough to keep you both laughing while you spoon this Thursday night.
For the couple having unprotected sex: Riding in Cars with Boys
We all know it feels better, but this movie might make you think twice before you go raw dog again. After one stupid mistake with Ray (Steve Zahn, Escape From Planet Earth), Beverly's (Drew Barrymore, Big Miracle) dreams of going to college and becoming a writer end when she gives birth to her baby boy. This film has a great mix of serious and funny as Beverly tries to make something of her life while dealing with Ray's stupidity and drug habits. Watch and learn!
Single Movies
The newly single:Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Breaking up is hard to do. It could drive you to tears, depression or crazy enough to follow your ex to Hawaii while she has sex with a rock star. If you've just been dumped, Jason Segel's (This Is 40) adventures as Peter Bretten in Hawaii as he chases his alleged soul mate, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell, Movie 43) out of his life might be the best way to laugh at your pain this Valentine's Day.
To bring out your inner freak-a-leek: Cruel Intentions
Not everybody cares about being single on Valentine's Day; in fact, some people prefer it. If you find yourself not caring about not having someone to give gifts to or receive gifts from, that doesn't mean you still can't get in touch with your inner freak. Between Ryan Phillippe's (Straight A's) mission to have sex with Reese Witherspoon (Mud) and Sarah Michelle Gellar's (Veronika Decides to Die) almost-gained attempt at making incest sexy, you'll find some inspiration to go out and get some Valentine's Day booty.
For the hopeless romantic: The Notebook
There's a reason Ryan Gosling (Gangster Squad) is on our lists so many times, and it all starts with this movie. The Notebook launched Gosling's career when it became the love film of our generation. Gosling plays Noah, a poor local heartthrob who falls in love with Allie (Rachel McAdams, Passion), a wealthy city girl. Noah shows off some of the greatest swag of all time, and Allie goes against her parents' wishes to be with him. This is the ideal love story, and if you plan on finding a love like this... you're hopeless.
If you're single but in love with your best friend:Love & Basketball
Unfortunately, some people don't know how good they have it until they see it walk away. A lot of platonic friendships turn into ideal relationships and the best example in film is Love & Basketball. You can watch this alone if you'd like to take the time to daydream about what could be, or you can watch it with your secret crush and try to drop a couple of hints. Who knows, Sannaa Lathan (Contagion) and Omar Epps (House M.D.) might just influence you two to play a couple of rounds of strip basketball yourselves.
For the starry-eyed nostalgic:Dirty Dancing
Easily one of the most popular chick-flicks of all time, Dirty Dancing is always a crowd pleaser - especially if the crowd is made up of single ladies. If you really want to avoid the Valentine's Day blues this year, grab a bottle of wine, gather your girlfriends and pop this classic into the DVD player. The music and dancing will put you in a good mood, and if all else fails, at least Patrick Swayze (Powder Blue) is hunkier than any other guy you could be spending the day with.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
