What to watch this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is looking different for everyone this year, but that can’t stop you from watching some amazing films. Zoom your friends, grab some popcorn and get ready to screen share some soapy sweet flicks.
“The Notebook” (2004)
One of the most beloved romantic movies has to be “The Notebook.” “The Notebook” is a movie that takes plac
e in the 1940s; if you want a good cry, WATCH IT! Allie and Noah fall in love, but Noah isn’t what her parents want.
When Noah goes away for World War II, Allie assumes it’s the end of their perfect relationship. Allie moves on with life and starts a new relationship, but things always come back to Noah. Throughout this beautiful, sweet movie there are many ups and downs, but the film shows you that true love always comes back. A favorite thing to notefrom this movie is the ending; without spoiling it, many would say it is worth the two hours!
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” 1-3 (2018, 2020, 2021)
“The To All The Boys I Loved Before” film series is based on a book series by Jenny Han. This movie defeats the stereotypes and has a great representation of a young Korean American girl. Lara Jean and her sisters work together to be there for each other since the loss of their mom. One way Lara-Jean began to cope with things was writing letters to “All The Boys she Loved Before.” When each letter mysteriously gets out, Lara Jean’s life changes, but it is for the best. Through these three movies, we see Lara Jean and her sisters grow and become amazing young women! One aspect many take away from this movie is the inclusion we get from this movie. It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially a parent but the Covey girls and their dad learn how to cope with the circumstance.
Valentine’s Day” (2010)
If you love interconnected stories, Valentine’s Day is for you. This movie carries you through many different people and storylines when it comes to the day of love. Some are experiencing first dates, young crushes, connections to old flings, and long-winded relationships. Many familiar faces pop up in the film, such as Taylor Swift, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Bradley Cooper, Jamie Foxx, Taylor Lautner, Patrick Dempsey, Anne Hathaway and many more. Get ready for a weird ride of emotions for this one.
“Always Be My Maybe” (2019)
Mariah Carey’s hit song “Always Be My Baby,” but with a twist. After two childhood sweethearts have a falling out, they later find their way back to each other, rekindling their relationship as adults. Even though they both feel there’s something between them, they are still different from each other. With trying their best to work things out, it’s hard totell how it will turn out. This movie also did great with Asian representation in a positive light, something everyone will enjoy.
“Hitch” (2005)
The down-to-earth beloved dating coach Alex (Will Smith) is a love dating guide for his client Albert (Kevin James). Albert is pretty awkward when it comes to women, but with Alex’s help he starts to get the woman of his dreams. While helping Albert, Alex is also trying to take his own advice and get with the woman he loves. With many cheesy gestures and confessions, both men work through their romantic issues while helping each other. If you enjoy feel-good comedy movies, this is for you.
“The Fault in our Stars” (2014)
If you enjoy sweet sob stories, “The Fault in Our Stars” is one for you. Based on the novel written by John Green in 2012, this movie takes many on a ride of emotions. Two young teenagers with different personalities but similar situations create a bond with each other. This movie shows an amazing representation of people with different situations, showing there is love for everybody. One great takeaway from the movie is making every moment count.
“Dear John” (2010)
Another tear-jerking romantic film that is beloved by many, this movie takes us on a lovely road down a romantic lane. John (Channing Tatum) is a soldier who begins a strong romance with college student Savannah (Amanda Seyfried) before they face the struggles of long distance. John continues to write Savannah letters, but things get rough. With John coming in contact with dangerous situations, it’s hard to see if there will be a future for the both of them.
“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
A classic is something we can never go wrong with. In the familiar setting of high school, two sisters with polar opposite personalities navigate “fitting in” and wanting to be “normal.” Kat (Julia Stiles) is a smart, beautiful, but tough girl who doesn’t attract many boys, and she really doesn’t care either. She’s outspoken and the definition of a boss lady. On the other hand, her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) is the opposite. Guys drool over her left and right, but the only issue is she can’t date until her sister does. Things completely change when new kid Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) comes into the picture — will he win over Kat’s stubborn heart? Will Bianca finally get the man of her dreams?
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
Based on the novel written by Stephen Chbosky in 1999, this movie and novel speaks to many. Socially awkward teen Charlie is more of an outsider. He is the type of boy to watch from the sidelines and describes himself as a “wallflower,” hence the name of the movie. He becomes friends with two people who also become his mentors. Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller) work together to help him enjoy the little things in life. Being a freshman in high school is no easy task, but together they help him through. It gets hard as he realizes his two closest and only friends are soon leaving for college. As sadness creeps up on him and he’s struggling to stay confident, he presses on. When some secrets are revealed about Charlie’s past, it teaches that these things happen and that it is never your fault. This movie isn’t just good for Valentine’s Day, but any day. It teaches a lesson for every high schooler, as high school isn’t easy. The directors did a great job of adding something we normally don’t see teenage boys struggle with, and that’s a big takeaway from this movie. With the struggle of romance, partying, depression and more, it’s a must-see for all.
“Something New” (2006)
In this 2006 romcom, Kenya McQueen is set on a blind date to finally find the man of her dreams. Kenya is a career-driven woman, so dating isn’t her kind of thing. When she finds out he’s white, she’s taken aback and concerned on how things will go. As she gets to know Brian and notices his architectural work is good, she decides to hire him to work on her new garden. From then on, they begin to fall in love. When things seem to be going well, she’s introduced to executive Mark Harper. Now she’s trapped in a love triangle, trying to find the best man for her. This movie is wonderful and really spotlights interracial couples, as that’s not something seen in Hollywood a lot.
Monica D Henderson • Feb 13, 2021 at 3:33 pm
I think that is so cool to be able to watch movies with your friends on zoom or other avenues that they have these days. Even though we are in we still can be connected to one another. And Valentine’s Day is a great day that we can love on our family and friends! Great job MoniYah you’re a Super Duper writer