Mid-term season is in full swing and sometimes, it feels like one weight after another is being added onto our load. It’s hard to find some times to wind down and relax a bit. As a first year, I definitely underestimated just how stressful this time would be. So much information, yet so little time.
However, one of the things I always turn to for some “me time” is a good ol’ rom com. Yes, the classic and timeless romantic comedy. When I was younger and my mom and I were looking for something to watch, some station would always have a cheesy, yet somewhat endearing romantic comedy on. Watching them always makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you’re looking to relax during or after mid-term exams, or just want a start into the world of rom- coms, here are some of my favorites:
1. 13 Going on 30
When we were younger, didn’t we all wish we were older than we were? This is definitely the case for Jenna Rink, who wishes she was “30, flirty, and thriving” on her 13th birthday, only to wake up and find her wish came true. With childish glee, adult Jenna (played by Jennifer Garner) learns why it’s nice to just be a kid sometimes as she navigates her life along with her past decisions. Life is so much simpler when we’re younger, and this film explores this idea with fun and heartbreaking moments (watch out for the “Thriller” dance scene) as well as a bit of romance.
2. Bridget Jones’ Diary
After seeing this film a year or two ago, I became absolutely obsessed with it. Bridget Jones, played by Renee Zellweger, has spent her life looking for love. Fed up and tired, she begins the new year with a promise to improve herself, keeping a diary to record all of life’s moments. She finds herself experiencing new challenges while caught between two men, played by Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. The quippy British humor is irresistible, and the story of a women focusing on self-improvement and care is empowering for today’s viewer.
3. Notting Hill
Ah yes, yet another British rom-com added to the list. This story is more romantic than anything, but still has very funny moments. William owns a bookstore in Notting Hill, and Anna is a famous movie star. What could happen next? Starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, the film follows their rocky journey to romance. I always feel so happy after watching this one, it’s so heartwarming. In the end, however, I’m just a student, writing to a reader, asking you to love this movie.
4. Crazy Stupid Love
This film should definitely hold a place in the classic canon of rom- coms. It begins with Cal Weaver, played by Steve Carrell, being told by his wife that she cheated on him and wants a divorce. Cal is heartbroken, and learns how to pick up women from Jacob, a womanizer played by Ryan Gosling. Following a cast of characters and their experiences with love, this film delivers a twist you would never expect. It’s so different from any other rom-com I’ve seen and it offers touching reflections on modern love. Plus, Ryan Gosling.
5. (500) Days of Summer
There has been lots of debate about this movie regarding how the characters are portrayed, but I still enjoy watching it for its unique qualities. We begin with Tom (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) heartbroken after his girlfriend, Summer (played by Zooey Deschanel), broke up with him. The rest of the film follows their relationship in flashbacks and time jumps as Tom tries to figure out where everything went wrong. The film has some truly creative scenes that depict just how it feels to fall in and out of love and has helped shape what rom- coms look like today. The soundtrack is a plus- I find myself listening to it all the time.
6. Legally Blonde
After seeing this film, I wanted to be just like Elle Woods, the main character played by Reese Witherspoon. After being dumped by her boyfriend, Warner, Elle decided to follow him to Harvard Law School and win him back by proving herself to be worthy of him. Along the way, however, Elle realizes she needs to achieve this for herself instead of someone else, and she works hard to become a lawyer. Even though there’s plenty of comedy and 2000s nostalgia, Elle is an inspirational character for anyone who wants to achieve their goals despite people telling them they can’t. I especially recommend this to any girl who is looking to be empowered during mid-term season.