Romance through the eyes of film
The ‘90s and 2000s saw an influx of Hollywood’s best butterfly-inducing films, keeping viewers—consisting of mostly high school teens—looking for more. Whether it be enemies to lovers or destined soulmates, what better way to spend the Valentine’s Day weekend than enjoy these films with that special someone?
- How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days
An early 2000s film popularized through TikTok starring rom-com queen Kate Hudson (Andie Anderson), a savvy writer who pushes the boundaries of relationships to show her readers how to lose a guy in ten days along with Ben Barry (Matthew MaConaughey), who wagers ten days. Though the relationship starts off as a means to an end, Andie’s bubbly character and Ben’s cocky attitude stupidly fall for each other, forcing them into decisions in which they ponder over love or success. And will any of us ever forget Andie’s stunning yellow-daphne satin dress?
- 13 Going to 30
Who ever said you couldn’t win a guy over with Razzles and magic fairy dust? This iconic film, starring America’s sweetheart actress Jennifer Garner, perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia from the 70s that we all missed. From Jenna’s geometric neon slip dress to her albeit laughable “Thriller” performance cover from Michael Jackson, viewers fell in love with her adorable,happy-go-lucky demeanor, along with Mark Ruffalo’s charming portrayal of Jenna’s childhood best friend, Matty. The reuniting of these two childhood best friends has since melted the hearts of audiences, having us all on our toes and crossing our fingers in hopes that fairy dust really does work.
- 27 Dresses
Love comes when you least expect it, and Janey Nicols (Katherine Heigel) definitely didn’t expect to fall for her favorite newspaper writer, Kyle Dolye (James Marsden) otherwise known by his pen name, “Malcolm Doyle.” The two prove to be a bickering pair, but soon realize that the other just might be what they needed. Through planning a wedding for her sister and the man Janey secretly loves, she learns to see the good that can come with putting herself first. With the help of Kyle and her 27 bridesmaids dresses, the film proves that Janey certainly won’t just be “always, always, always a bridesmaid.”
- 10 Things I Hate About You
Paintball fights never seemed so romantic until this film—where Julia Stiles stars as brutal but beautiful Kat Stratford who defies peoples’ expectations, while Heath Ledger plays smitten exchange student Patrick Verona, who’s currently plagued with horrifying rumors and stereotypes. Both defy the traditional ideas of romance, but a small bet between Patrick and playboy Joey Donner (Andrew Keegan) quickly turns the tables on Patrick’s views on love. Although reluctant, the defiant teens fall for each other through music, paintball and poetry. The film is full of laughs and butterflies, while the romance between Patrick and Kat proves that love can bloom from the ten things they hate about each other.
- Romeo and Juliet
This heartbreaking rendition of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is encapsulated in this classic, yet modernized, movie of the late ‘90s, starring Leonardo Dicaprio as Romeo Montague and Claire Danes as Juliet Capulet. Straying away from the rustic, Renaissance aura of old telling Verona, the film is set in the “postmodern” city of Verona Beach. After both attending the Capulet’s grand ball, Romeo and Juliet cross paths by mistake, ultimately falling treacherously into the clutches of young love. Through poisonous elixirs, self-absorbed fiances, and an undying promise to die in each others’ arms, the pair desperately attempt to retain the wilting flower that is their future together.
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