(DML Top 20 Lists - Chick Flick Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

Titanic (1997), Director: James Cameron, rated PG-13 for intense situations/deaths

She was heralded as unsinkable...

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, David Warner

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"The press knows the size of Titanic, now I want them to marvel at her speed, too. We must give them something new to print. And the maiden voyage of Titanic must make headlines!" – I. Bruce Ismay

Why watch this? A truly epic telling of the greatest maritime disaster.

Plot Summary: A young, upper-class lady, Rose DeWitt Bukater, feels trapped by her engagement to a wealthy but controlling man, Cal. Aboard the luxurious RMS Titanic, she meets Jack Dawson, a free-spirited artist traveling in third class. Despite their stark class differences and Rose's engagement, they fall deeply in love. However, their romance unfolds against the backdrop of the ship's fateful maiden voyage and the impending disaster that will forever change their lives.

Dad's Preview: I've always found sea disasters interesting to research. What went wrong? Could it have been prevented? The story of R.M.S. Titanic is an exercise in man's hubris. For god's sake they called her "Unsinkable", before she had sailed a single league. The film, its cinematography and effects are very well done. Even the fictional love story is engaging. As horrible as it was, the actual sinking, which takes quite a while, is remarkable to witness on the big screen, and I loved every minute of it.

20th Century Fox, Lightstorm Ent.;
Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #20 Top

Legally Blonde (2001), Director: Robert Luketic, rated PG-13 for language

Boldly going where no blonde has gone.

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"There's nothing I love better than a dumb blonde with Daddy's plastic." - Boutique Saleswoman

Why watch this? Reese proves that a blonde can be dintzy, yet simultaneously very intelligent.

Plot Summary: Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority president, is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner, who is headed to Harvard Law School and believes she isn't serious enough for his future political aspirations. Determined to win him back, Elle studies hard, gets a high score on her LSATs, and is accepted into Harvard Law herself, hoping to prove her intelligence and seriousness to Warner.

Dad's Preview: With this film, Ms. Witherspoon gained real "cred" with audiences. It's 100% her film - she carries it, like totally. The very sorority and fashion-minded Elle is dumped by her Harvard-bound boyfriend because, well, she's not Harvardy-enough. This fuels her determination to get into that Ivy school and win him back. It's wonderful Rom-Com fare, and Elle's energetic tactics are a thing of beauty. Like... duh!

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Marc Platt Prod.,
Type A Films; MGM Distribution Company

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #19 Top

Sense and Sensibility (1995), Director: Ang Lee, rated PG

Lose your heart and come to your senses.

Starring: Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Imogen Stubbs, Greg Wise, Gemma Jones, Harriet Walter, James Fleet

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Always resignation and acceptance. Always prudence and honour and duty. Elinor, where is your heart?" - Marianne Dashwood

Why watch this? Verdant English country sides, unrequited love, British stoicism... it's all wonderfully here.

Plot Summary: Upon the death of their father, the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, along with their mother, face a significant reduction in their fortune, forcing them to seek financial security, primarily through marriage. Elinor, the sensible and reserved sister, forms an attachment to Edward Ferrars whose family disapproves of the match. Meanwhile, Marianne, the passionate and impulsive sister, finds herself drawn to the dashing John Willoughby and also attracts the attention of the older Colonel Brandon.

Dad's Preview: This critically-acclaimed film, based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name, whose screenplay was penned by Emma Thompson, transports the audience smack-dab into the middle of 18th century England. I fully admit I am no expert on the dramas from that time period, but I can attest that there is a definite realness at play here. This may stem from director Ang Lee's deft hand, but it mostly comes from incredible performances by Thompson and Winslet. I was also delighted to see a young Alan Rickman among the cast.

Columbia Pictures, Mirage Enterprises;
Sony Pictures Releasing

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #18 Top

Moulin Rouge! (2001), Director: Baz Luhrmann, Rated PG-13

No Laws. No Limits. One Rule. Never Fall In Love.

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent, Richard Roxburgh, Garry McDonald, Jacek Koman, Matthew Whittet, Kerry Walker, Caroline O'Connor, Deobia Oparei

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Use your talent to save him! Hurt him, Satine. Hurt him to save him. There is no other way. The show must go on. We are creatures of the underworld. We can't afford to love." – Harold Zidler

Why watch this? It's a great modern musical about the pangs of true love.

Plot Summary: In 1899 Paris, a young, idealistic English poet named Christian arrives in the Montmartre district and falls in love with Satine, the star courtesan of the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub. Satine, initially believing Christian to be a wealthy Duke who can fund her dreams of becoming a real actress, finds herself falling for the poet instead, leading to a secret, passionate romance. The lovers are forced to hide their affair from the jealous, possessive Duke who expects exclusive rights to Satine.

Dad's Preview: This lavish cinema production has been called post-modern, a term that describes the use of both fine art and pop culture within a classical, older setting. It takes some getting used to, but IS a lot of fun (as seen in A Knight's Tale (2001)). I love the infusion of lyrics from songs by Madonna, The Beatles, Elton John and, heck, even the band KISS. Kidman and McGregor both turn in stellar performances, and I have to mention two supporting actors for amazing work: John Leguizamo and Jim Broadbent. There are incredible sets, costumes and dance numbers. Magical moments are also achieved. This film was nominated for eight Oscars, winning two for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #17 Top

Shakespeare in Love (1998), Director: John Madden, rated R for sexual themes, brief nudity

Love is the only inspiration

Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, Judi Dench, Steven O'Donnell, TIm McMullan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I know something of a woman in a man's profession. Yes, by God, I do know about that." - Queen Elizabeth

Why watch this? This is a period piece that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Plot Summary: A young, struggling William Shakespeare finds himself battling a serious case of writer's block while trying to craft a new comedy titled Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. His creative slump is cured by a passionate romance with a wealthy, disguised woman named Viola, who defies social conventions to pursue her love of acting. As their affair deepens and the play is rewritten into a tragedy, the lovers must confront numerous obstacles posed by societal expectations and their existing commitments.

Dad's Preview: I was in a Shakespeare play in college (I know, unbelievable, right?), and the experience was fascinating. All the cast members had to get into the language of the time. This film is a wonderful play within a play that gives us some insights into Shakespeare himself, his cohorts and a woman he might have loved. It also dismantles the sexism of the times. Enjoy this little journey back to the days of yore, and spend some time with the world's most famous Bard.

The Bedford Falls Co.; Miramax Films

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #16 Top

Before Sunrise (1995), Director: Richard Linklater, Rated R for language

... When love can come as a complete surprise

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julue Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl, Karl Bruckschwaiger, Tex Rubinowitz, Erni Mangold, Haymon M. Buttinger

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Alright, I have an admittedly insane idea, but if I don't ask you this, it's just, uh, you know, it's gonna haunt me the rest of my life." - Jesse

Why watch this? American boy meets French girl on a train - Simple, impulsive, irrational and sweet.

Plot Summary: Two strangers, Jesse and Celine, who meet on a train in Europe. Jesse, an American, convinces Celine, a French student, to spontaneously disembark with him in Vienna to spend the night together before his flight the next morning. They explore Vienna, engaging in deep conversations about life and love, and developing a strong connection despite knowing their time together is limited.

Dad's Preview: This is one of the most honest, enduring romance films I have ever encountered. This refreshing story consists mostly of their candid conversations. It's unforced, intimate and incredibly real. This is the result of the steady direction of Richard Linklater, and incredible performances by Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. We cannot help but become intimately involved in this one day love affair.

Castle Rock Ent.; Columbia Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #15 Top

Roman Holiday (1953), Director: William Wyler, rated Passed

There's A NEW HOLIDAY On Your Calendar

Starring: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power, Harcourt Williams, Margaret Rawlings, Tullio Carminati, Paolo Carlini

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"This is very unusual. I've never been alone with a man before - even with my dress on." - Princess Ann

Why watch this? Peck and Hepburn have clear chemistry together in this classic golden age romance.

Plot Summary: Bored with her royal obligations, a European princess slips away from her chaperones in Rome to experience life as a commoner. She falls asleep on a park bench and is discovered by an American reporter, Joe Bradley, who takes her back to his apartment, unaware of her true identity. When he discovers who she is, Joe sees an opportunity for an exclusive story and embarks on a day of adventure with the princess, pretending not to know who she is.

Dad's Preview: Ms. Hepburn, as a tomboyish, over-protected princess, gives a wonderful performance. It's so liberating when she escapes into the nightlife of Rome. This sweet romantic film, directed by the incredible William Wyler (The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), Ben-Hur (1959)) may be one of the best early Rom-Coms films made, and the world became eager for more films with Audrey.

William Wyler; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #14 Top

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), Director: Joel Zwick, rated PG

Love is here to stay... so is her family.

Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Gia Carides, Louis Mandylor, Andrea Martin, Joey Fatone

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"There are three things that every Greek woman must do in life: marry Greek boys, make Greek babies, and feed everyone." - Toula Portokalos

Why watch this? This is a wonderful, hilarious case study on being Greek.

Plot Summary: Thirty-year-old Toula Portokalos, who still lives with her Greek immigrant family in Chicago, dreams of more than just working at their family restaurant. Toula decides to take computer and tourism classes, leading her to work at her aunt's travel agency, and sparking a romance with Ian, a non-Greek teacher who challenges her family's traditional expectations. The story follows their journey as Ian navigates the vibrant and sometimes overwhelming Portokalos family culture, ultimately leading to their wedding.

Dad's Preview: I love shows that give us insights into different ethic cultures. Here we get that, and also a lot of the insanity around weddings. This comedy will have you laughing and crying the whole way through. The cast is top notch with Nia Vardalos leading the way, starring in her own screenplay. It was also a pleasure to see Michael Constantine, as Toula's father, who sprays everything with Windex. Bring on the bunt cake!

Gold Circle Films, Home Box Office,
MPH Ent., Playtone; IFC Films

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #13 Top

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), Director: Mike Newell, rated R for language, sexuality

He's quite engaging. She's otherwise engaged.

Starring: Hugh Grant, Addie MacDowell, James Fleet, Simon Callow, John Hannah, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sara Crowe, Rowan Atkinson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"The great advantage of having a reputation for being stupid: People are less suspicious of you." – Tom

Why watch this? Hugh Grant may be the most charming and polite person on earth.

Plot Summary: Charles is a charming but often unlucky-in-love Englishman. He and his circle of friends navigate various social events. At a friend's wedding, Charles meets the beautiful American Carrie, and they spend a memorable night together. Their paths repeatedly cross at three more weddings and one funeral, with timing and circumstances constantly thwarting their burgeoning romance.

Dad's Preview: This is a deliciously funny yarn about a group of British thirty-something friends. All are miserably single except for Gareth and Matthew, a delightful gay couple. At the gang's first wedding Charles meets Carrie, an American working in England. They hook up and start a relationship. Charles wants more, but she refuses to commit. There are comical and deeply sad moments, as love takes a long and frustrating road to get where it's trying to go.

PolyGram Filmed Ent., Channel Four Films,
Working Title Films; Rank Film Dist.

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #12 Top

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Director: John Avnet, rated PG-13 for language

The secret of life? The secret's in the sauce.

Starring: Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, Cicely Tyson, Chris O'Donnell, Stan Shaw

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"A heart can be broken, but it will keep beating just the same." - Allison

Why watch this? There is a richness to this film. Here it is from great characters.

Plot Summary: A frustrated housewife befriends an elderly woman in a nursing home who shares captivating stories of two independent women, Idgie and Ruth, who ran a café in 1920s Alabama. Through these stories, the housewife finds inspiration to confront her own dissatisfaction and embrace a more fulfilling life.

Dad's Preview: In the early '90s, this film was such a breath of freshness in a film world dominated with masculinity, and I mean toxic masculinity. The story spans two generations of women fighting the battles common those days in a male dominated America, especially in the South. It's courageous, inspiring, and a must-see for any lady, young or old. But men need to watch it, too. It's good to be reminded that we're just one generation from a time when it was almost expected that men treat women badly. Men, me included, still need to do better.

Avnet/Kerner Prod., Electric Shadow Prod.,
Act III; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #11 Top

Steel Magnolias (1989), Director: Herbert Ross, rated PG

Sometimes laughter is a matter of life and death.

Starring: Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts, Tom Skerritt, Dylan McDermott, Kevin J. O'Connor, Sam Shepard

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." - Shelby Latcherie

Why watch this? These women, and the bond they share, is a beautiful thing to behold.

Plot Summary: The story follows the strong bonds of a group of Southern women in a small Louisiana town, centered around Truvy's beauty salon. They share life's ups and downs, including family drama, weddings, and personal challenges, finding support and humor in their enduring friendships.

Dad's Preview: I feel a little unworthy to evaluate a film that's singularly about the "feminine experience", but I'll do my best, because I was the ultimate "momma's boy". Here we have a tight-knit group of friends, who experience a heart-breaking tragedy. They endure the heartbreak, the grief, the anger, and are rightfully devastated. The men aren't much help. Eventually, through compassion and friendship, they start the healing process.

Rastar; Tri-Star Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #10 Top

Waitress (2007), Director: Adrienne Shelly, rated PG-13 for mild language

The Year's Most Delicious Romantic Comedy

Starring: Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelly, Eddie Jemison, Jeremy Sisto, Andy Griffith, Lew Temple, Darby Stanchfield

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Pregnant Miserable Self Pitying Loser Pie... Lumpy oatmeal with fruitcake mashed in. Flambé of course" - Jenna

Why watch this? Keri Russell carries this film about a woman finding her strength and identity.

Plot Summary: Jenna is a good waitress. Her true gift is crafting unique pies (I Hate My Husband pie, Naughty Pumpkin pie, Lonely Chicago pie). She's also in an abusive marriage, and pregnant to a man whose baby she doesn't want. She finally finds the strength to re-invent her life, but it's not going to be easy due to her horrible husband's iron rule.

Dad's Preview: Keri Russell's portrayal of Jenna is impressive. She soldiers on with dignity, charm, and a deep determination. The world is full of strong women like her, but we rarely hear those stories. Veteran actor Andy Griffith adds a sweet touch as the grumpy old restaurant owner who endears himself to Jenna and her delicious pies. Will she find the strength to break free? And what about the baby?

Night & Day Pictures;
Fox Searchlight Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #9 Top

The Phantom of the Opera (2004), Director: Joel Schumacher, rated PG-13

Her voice became his passion. Her love became his obsession. Her refusal became his rage...

Starring: Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver, Ciarán Hinds, Simon Callow

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Pitiful creature of darkness, what kind of life have you known? God, give me courage to show you you are not alone!" - Christine

Why watch this? It wowed Broadway audiences for years. This film version is exceptional.

Plot Summary: Christine Daaé is a talented chorus girl at the Paris Opéra, who is secretly coached by a mysterious tutor she calls her "Angel of Music". This unseen mentor, a disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom, becomes obsessed with Christine and terrorizes the opera house to ensure her success. Complications arise when Christine's childhood sweetheart, Raoul, re-enters her life, sparking a dangerous love triangle and escalating the Phantom's jealousy and manipulation.

Dad's Preview: I enjoy musicals, but this one, as it has for many people, touched me very deeply. This film is so passionate, beautiful, haunting and tragic. The phantom, who epitomizes sullen loneliness, carefully plots revenge on those who have betrayed him. Then, unexpectedly, he sees the lovely Christine, a vision of Venus with the voice of an angel. Can she can restore his lost faith in humanity and heal his twisted heart? Every song is so powerful.

Joel Schumacher Prod., Odyssey Ent.,
Really Useful Films, Scion Films; Ent. Film Dist.

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #8 Top

A Walk in the Clouds (1995), Director: Alfonso Arau, rated PG

A MAN in search. A WOMAN in need. A story of FATE.

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Giancarlo Giannini, Anthony Quinn, Angélica Aragón, Freddy Rodriguez, Debra Messing

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

DML Top 50 #40 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of A Walk in the Clouds

"Talking between men and women never solves anything. Where we think, they feel. They are creatures of the heart." - Don Pedro Aragon

Why watch this? Keanu does romance pretty well in this adorable film.

Plot Summary: Paul Sutton is a World War II soldier who returns home to a strained marriage. On his way back to California, he meets Victoria Aragon, a pregnant woman who is afraid to face her traditional Mexican-American family. Paul offers to pretend to be her husband to help her, but this leads to unexpected consequences as they spend more time together within her family's vineyard.

Dad's Preview: My sister loved this flick. I owe a lot to that fine lady. She instilled in me a love of genealogy, passed on her love of movies. She had hundreds of VHS tapes everywhere. Every visit, we'd stay up late watching her current recommendations. Her influence populates my lists. Cancer took her too soon. This wonderful romance always warms my heart. It's so beautifully shot, and has such a dreamy, wispy quality to it. Like the clouds. This film is like discovering the subtleties of a great oil work on canvas. Two actors stood out: Aitana Sánchez-Gijón - Wow. And... Anthony Quinn as the family's wise, humble patriarch - what a treasure.

Zucker Brothers Productions;
20th Century Fox

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #7 Top

Somewhere in Time (1980), Director: Jeannot Szwarc, rated PG

Someday in the past he will find her...

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher Plummer, Teresa Wright, Bill Erwin, George Voskovec, Susan French, William H. Macy

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Do you actually believe that I have nurtured her, cared for her, molded, taught, developed her, for all these years merely to groom a wife?!" – William Robinson

Why watch this? ... it's the first romance I actually liked. Now, I cry every time I see it.

Plot Summary: A playwright named Richard Collier who becomes infatuated with a photograph of a beautiful actress named Elise McKenna, taken in 1912. Driven by an intense desire to meet her, he uses self-hypnosis to travel back in time to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. There, he encounters Elise, but her strict manager seeks to prevent any potential romance, fearing it could damage her career.

Dad's Preview: This romance film stands out because of its creative premise: a man becomes infatuated with an old photo of a beautiful actress from 1912. Using hypnosis, he travels back in time to meet her. Once he returns, can he return and reconnect with his long, lost love? Is this only in his mind? There's incredible chemistry between Seymour and Reeve, and the film's musical score is hauntingly memorable.

Rastar; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #6 Top

Dirty Dancing (1987), Director: Emile Ardolino, rated PG-13 for adult situations

First dance. First love. The time of your life.

Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, Jack Weston, Jane Brucker, Jack Weston, Lonny Price

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner." - Johnny

Why watch this? A great coming-of-age story centered on summer camp and dancing.

Plot Summary: Frances "Baby" Houseman is a young woman vacationing with her family at a Catskills resort in the summer of 1963. There, she becomes infatuated with Johnny Castle, the resort's dance instructor. As Baby steps in to help Johnny with a performance, their relationship deepens, exploring themes of love, class differences, and personal growth.

Dad's Preview: Much has been written about this romantic dance movie, and with good reason. It's smart, fun and very saucy. The leads are great. It has been rumored that Swayze and Grey fought the duration of filming. On screen, though, they make beautiful music. I also must tip my hat to supporting actors Jerry Orbach, as Baby's concerned father, and Cynthia Rhodes, a pregnant dancer with no one to turn to. Finally, my sweet Mom loved this little flick about naughty dancing. Perhaps Mom wasn't as sweet as I thought! And yes, I'm blushing.

Great American Films, Limited Partnership;
Vestron Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #5 Top

Love Actually (2003), Director: Richard Curtis, rated R for language, nudity, sexual situations

Love actually is all around.

Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Hiya kids. Here is an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs. Become a pop star, and they give you them for free!" – Billy Mack

Why watch this? Bill Nighy shines as the sassy old rock star who retains the charisma of a teen idol.

Plot Summary: Set in London during the frantic five weeks leading up to Christmas, the story follows the interwoven lives of several individuals navigating the complexities of love in its various forms. From romantic entanglements and unrequited desires to familial bonds and the grief of loss, the film explores how these relationships evolve and intersect during the festive season.

Dad's Preview: A darling British holiday film that features multiple stories that are loosely tied together. I must admit that this film has grown on me and now, well, here it is, deserving of my highest ranking. I do really love all the very different adult-themed stories: a husband flirting with a co-worker, a man infatuated with his best friend's wife, a boy who mom recently died... Emma Thompson is so darn good here, however it's Hugh Grant, as the young Prime Minister with a crush on his chubby aide, that really gets me. Put this on for the holidays and you will not be disappointed. But remember, it's rated R, and some scenes are too adulty for the kiddos.

Studio Canal, Working Title Films,
DNA Films; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #4 Top

Bridesmaids (2011), Director: Paul Feig, rated R for crude humor, language, sexual content

Save the Date

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, Ellie Kemper, Jill Clayburgh, Wendy McLendon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"This is such a stone-cold pack of weirdos, and I am so proud!" - Lillian

Why watch this? ... the bridal shop scene after spicy Mexican food. OMG!

Plot Summary: Annie's BFF is getting married. Though marriage has eluded Annie, she's happy for her friend and eager to meet the bridesmaids. One in particular, Helen, a rich, snobby trophy wife, seems determined to oust Annie as maid-of-honor. As the pre-wedding plans enfold, poor Annie seems to cause more harm than good.

Dad's Preview: Every time I watch this comedy, I realize how damn good it really is. My heart smiles seeing these ladies act opposite one another. Scene after scene plays out all the classic tropes pertaining to wedding disasters - from the female perspective. Wiig is such a comedic force, and McCarthy devours every scene she's in. These two may be the funniest two humans on the planet.

Apatow Productions, Relativity Media;
Universal Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #3 Top

When Harry Met Sally... (1989), Director: Rob Reiner, rated PG

Can men and women be friends or does sex always get in the way?

Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Burno Kirby, Carrie Fisher, Steven Ford, Lisa Jane Persky, Michelle Nicastro, Harley Kozak

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #18 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of When Harry Met Sally...

"No man can be friends with a woman he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her." - Harry Burns

Why watch this? The heartfelt and completely real performances by Crystal and Ryan are a thing of beauty.

Plot Summary: Over the course of several years, two university graduates, Harry and Sally, share a number of chance encounters and extended conversations during which they continually debate the possibility of platonic friendship between men and women. The film chronicles their individual romantic lives and the development of their complicated friendship following their respective cross-country moves to New York City. Eventually, the pair must confront the possibility that they may have romantic feelings for each other after all.

Dad's Preview: There is no better film that deals with the fragile, and often comical, entity known as the 'human relationship'. It really is a thing that's unclassifiable. The courtship (mating ritual?) between men and women follows no rules. Each encounter is different. There's no perfect recipe. Some work, some don't. It's a crap shoot; a roll of the dice. However, if you play, and don't rush it, it just might work out. Once again Rob Reiner proves that he's a great director.

Castle Rock Entertainment, Nelson Ent.;
Columbia Pictures

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #2 Top

Chocolat (2000), Director: Lasse Hallström, Rated PG-13 for sensual situations

One Taste Is All It Takes

Starring: Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Lena Olin, Johnny Depp, Carrie-Anne Moss, Peter Stormare, John Wood

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"And these are for your husband. Unrefined cacao nips from Guatemala, to awaken the passions." - Vianne

Why watch this? A wonderful confectionary treat about moral repression and gentle rebellion.

Plot Summary: The tale follows Vianne Rocher, a single mother, who arrives in a traditional French village with her daughter and opens a chocolate shop. Her unconventional approach and delicious chocolates challenge the rigid customs and beliefs of the town, particularly those of the mayor. This leads to a conflict between those who embrace the new and those who resist change, with the chocolate shop becoming a focal point of the town's social and moral divisions.

Dad's Preview: Juliette Binoche is such a special actress. She masters the ability to be strong, yet warm. She plays an angelic lady who comes into town and starts fixing things, and people, who are a bit broken: the battered wife, a strained mother-daughter relationship, the overtly stern mayor. Like a fine chocolatier, she finds the right flavors, mixes in a little spice and viola! - some folks begin to see things in a new light. This film will make your heart smile and nose smell chocolate.

David Brown, Kit Golden, Leslie Holleran;
Miramax Films

Top 20 Chick-Flick Films #1 Top

Pretty Woman (1990), Director: Garry Marshall, rated R for sexuality, adult situations

She walked off the street, into his life and stole his heart.

Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Héctor Elizondo, Laura San Giacomo

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I appreciate this whole seduction thing you've got going on here, but let me give you a tip - I'm a sure thing." - Vivian, our beloved hooker

Why watch this? ... 'cause this is how the world fell in love with Julia.

Plot Summary: A wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis, finds himself lost and hires Hollywood escort Vivian Ward to accompany him for a week of social functions. Initially, their relationship is a business arrangement, but as they spend more time together, they develop a genuine connection that challenges both their expectations of love and life. The film explores themes of love, transformation, and self-worth as Vivian navigates Edward's world and helps him open his heart.

Dad's Preview: After a few smaller roles, this is the film what made Julia Roberts the new superstar. Here, she is the whore with a heart of gold. After a night together, she agrees to a week long business arrangement with Richard Gere, a very rich corporate raider (who hates what his job entails). There is just something about Vivian that he can't shake. This modern day fairy tale will warm you up like hot cocoa.

Touchstone Pics, Silver Screen Partners IV;
Regency Int'l Pic; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.