Dear Hollywood,
I have an important issue to discuss with you: gender equality in the cinematic experience.
It has been years since you have produced a timeless, quality chick flick. I can count on one hand the “girly” movies I have enjoyed in the last few years, and most of them are lackluster compared to the ones produced a decade ago. What happened to really good romantic comedies?
Guys, on the other hand, have plenty of action-packed movies hitting the theaters. It is very clear who your target audience is these days. Within two months my husband has seen (or wants to see), X-Men, Godzilla, Spiderman, Edge of Tomorrow, and Transformers. And every season seems to be like that! I’m being dragged to so many “guy” movies but there are zero I can drag him to. I am not keeping score, of course, and don’t mind seeing action-packed movies once in a while, but seriously — what happened to really good romantic comedies?!
To be fair, you are producing chick flicks. But they all seem to be lacking… longevity. I haven’t seen a movie and thought I want to own this and watch it over and over and again in years.
I’m aware I may be the minority of women and it may be that I am just super picky about romantic comedies.
The criteria for a well-done chick flick includes:
- Can be dramatic or sexual (there is no problem with any content even if it is sexual like the oldest porn which is mainly erotic).
- Not too vulgar or inappropriate (Bridesmaids had potential, but if I had a pre-teen daughter, I’d never want her seeing that).
- Plot must be witty and clever, not cheesy.
- Dialogue must be funny, not too silly.
- Cannot be too dramatic or overtly sad.
- Must have a heroine that I can respect and relate to, and a hero that isn’t too perfect or a jerk.
- Must have a redeeming story that puts your faith back in humanity.
- And if the cinematography, fashion, and styling is lovely, then it’s icing on the cake.
Basically I’m looking for the next When Harry Met Sally. 10 Things I Hate About You. You’ve Got Mail. Julie and Julia. While You Were Sleeping. Steel Magnolias. Pride and Prejudice. Sleepless in Seattle. Something’s Gotta Give. The Holiday. Love Actually. The Devil Wears Prada.
Four of those movies were directed by Nora Ephron, who died in 2012, so maybe we just need a new director to step up and write beautiful romances again. Or maybe I’m nostalgically pining for the movies that made me fall in love with love, since most of these were released over a decade ago.
But Hollywood, please consider bringing back quality chick flicks. I understand they are not your bread and butter, so don’t expect a blockbuster every season, but maybe just one beautiful film a year? Is that too much to ask?
Sincerely,
G
What do you think? Am I being too picky, or do you agree? What was the last really good romantic comedy you’ve seen?
I’m with you – I miss good quality chick flicks! Have you seen While You Were Sleeping? It’s my favorite and based on your criteria, I think you’d like it. :)
Yes, I love While You Were Sleeping! Such a great movie!
I didn’t realize Nora Ephron died. That explains a lot. I really loved Bridesmaids. I like the “edgier” chick flick movies though (How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, Bridget Jones, that one with Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher). But I agree, there hasn’t been a good one out in years.
I really liked The Vow! Rachel McAdams is my favorite actress though. But I do miss the classics and chick flicks are not the same or as good. Favorite of all time: Sleepless in Seattle :)
Bridget Jones! I forgot about her. :) I haven’t seen the one with Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher, I’ll have to watch that soon! And I did like Bridesmaids a lot, but some of it was just a little too crass for me… like the whole scene where they were throwing up. No thank you!
I haven’t seen The Vow because I thought it was going to be a little too cheesy. But if you are a Sleepless in Seattle fan and like it, then I’ll definitely have to check it out. ;)
I know exactly what you mean! Have you watched ‘It’s Complicated’? That made me laugh a lot :-)
Not too picky at all..hope hollywood listens to your letter….i LOVE the holiday..one of the best chick flicks!!
I’m a big Sandra Bullock fan, Miss Congeniality, The Proposal, and The Heat were all pretty hilarious. I also enjoyed He’s Just Not That Into You, Tristan and Isolde, Becoming Jane, and Something Borrowed.
I’ve been complaining about the same thing. My oldest daughter is turning 13 next month and wants to go see “grown up” movies with Momma. There just isn’t anything I can take her to see. I’ve resorted to Hallmark movies at home with lots of popcorn.
Have you watched Veronica Mars (the show and then the movie)?
No, I haven’t seen It’s Complicated! I’ll have to add it to my list. :)
Hope so too!!
He’s Just Not That Into You! I forgot about that one! That was a pretty good recent one.
I’ve been thinking about that too, since I’m getting farther away from being a teen and closer to being a parent. If I had a 13 yo daughter, I think I would rewatch all of my favorite movies when I was her age — Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Baby Sitter’s Club. Such good wholesome movies. :)
I actually tried to watch Veronica Mars on netflix recently and couldn’t really get into it. Maybe I just didn’t have the time to get into it. I have a lot of friends who love that show/movie!
Yes, but they spend the whole time complaining about how cheesy older movies look. I was so excited to watch “You’ve Got Mail” with her for the first time. Then I spent the whole movie having to explain the modem sound of the internet, the whole “you’ve got mail” thing. While listening to her laugh at the size of the laptop in the movie and complain about things that just seemed so out of date to her. I wish there were some good movies like those coming out in theaters soon.
Oh wow, I didn’t even think about that! Feeling very old right now.. haha. Well here’s hoping my letter gets to hollywood and new wholesome movies come back out. ;)