East Tennessean

Issue date: 2/12/09 Section: The Scene

No matter how you feel about Valentine's Day, these movies will help you get through it. [Click to enlarge]

Ashley says: As Valentine's Day grows closer, not everyone out there will be celebrating in the same fashion. If you're like me, you'll most likely be spending the day at home, alone and desperate for some kind of entertainment. This is what this little piece is for; to enlighten you to some movies that fit the theme of Valentine's Day and some that just don't but are equally entertaining.
If you're in the mood for romantic films to get you through the day, here are a few choices that I think are the epitome of romance on the holiday. To start off the list, I offer "The Princess Bride." If you've never seen this movie, that's a crime because it is one of the most romantic movies available. Released in 1987, the movie is based on a novel of the same name written by William Goldman.
It tells the story of Princess Buttercup and the Dread Pirate Roberts, whose real name is Westley, and how love will transcend death and new life. This story is one giant fairy tale with sword fights, sea monsters, pirates and giants. But at its core is a love story and it makes female viewers wish they had a man who would love them as unconditionally as Westley does Buttercup. Someone who will simply answer "As you wish," whenever asked a request.
Another option and one that may be a little gender equal, but also rather "Anti-Valentine's Day," is Kevin Smith's "Chasing Amy."
It's not your usual romantic comedy but is definitely a classic. The film, the third in Smith's View Askewniverse and starring Ben Affleck and Joey Lauren Adams, is the story of a man (Affleck) who falls in love with a woman (Adams) who will never want him, the reason being that she's a lesbian. Also starring pop culture icons Jay and Silent Bob, the movie gets its title from one of the most memorable monologues in Smith's writing career.
The film really focuses on the emotions of the characters, although most of the film is about heartbreak and unrequited love, it is still at its core a love story. On Valentine's Day, will this movie help you realize that you've always been "Chasing Amy?"

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