‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’
This is one of my favourite movies—if I ever make more than one movie list, this movie will probably find its way on again. Andie Anderson, played by Kate Hudson, tries to write a column on “relationships don’ts.” To prepare this piece, she decides to do all the things that chase a guy away in 10 days. Her guinea pig? Benjamin Barry (Mathew McConaughey). Unknowingly, he has motives of his own: to get Andie to fall in love with him in 10 days. Watching two characters try to achieve opposite goals makes this film both the comedic and heartwarming rom-com that it is.
‘John Tucker Must Die’
After realizing they have all been dating the same guy, three girlfriends unite to take revenge on their ex-boyfriend, John Tucker. Their alibi is new student Cassey. Even though their innovative attempts at revenge make this film the romantic comedy it is, I think the storyline’s morale goes a bit deeper: sometimes the healthiest relationships are the ones that help us to embrace our original selves. I found Cassey’s final dating decision genuine because it went against the expectations of the characters and audience.
‘Legally Blonde’
This movie is just a classic rom-com. Fearing she will lose her high school love because she is deemed not ‘classy,’ Elle Woods decides to go to the same law school as her ex. Even though her initial intention is to win him back, things start to shift when she realizes she does not have to sacrifice her personality to find love and become a lawyer. Though considered a romance, this movie reinforces embracing oneself and discovering ambitions greater than approval.
‘The Proposal’
This is a film most of us have watched by now. Following the fake relationship trope often found in books, Toronto-born Margaret pretends to be engaged to her assistant Andrew to avoid deportation. The play of events, from announcing their engagement to wedding planning and family visits, makes this movie the beloved rom-com it is.
‘While You Were Sleeping’
I do recognize that most recommendations are films most people have viewed, and though I love rewatching most of these flicks, here’s an unconventional film choice that is just five years older than my early 2000s rom-com catalogue! Station worker Lucy Eleanor Moderatz becomes attracted to Peter, a man she sees every day at the train station. When he falls into a coma, her immediate care for him makes many assume they’re engaged. Does she maintain this lie to keep the man of her dreams, and to what extent does she go? Watching her prove that she is Peter’s fiancé puts this movie on my catalogue of rom-com films.