Bae Watch: Rom-coms to check out on Valentine’s Day | The Triangle

Bae Watch: Rom-coms to check out on Valentine’s Day

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, you’re going to make some plans one way or another. Maybe they will be with that special someone, or a person you made a nice platonic pact with to in order to assure that neither of you will be alone on V-Day … or just all by yourself. Either way, there’s a solid chance you’ll end up watching a movie come Feb. 14, and what better genre to go to on this greeting-card-company-created celebration of love and affection than romantic comedies. Here are some prime recommendations, geared toward whatever situation you find yourself in, all guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings.

“Hitch” (2005)

Starting off with a real no-brainer, we’ve got Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James and that hot blonde lady who I am pretty sure never acted again all in top form for a movie that everyone loves. Smith plays a “consultant” who specializes in setting up guys up with women who are probably out of their league. A date doctor like Hitch would certainly have his hands full at a place like Drexel University, but unfortunately he doesn’t exist, just like Santa or kids in the no co-op program. Watch this with someone who wants an easy-to-enjoy movie that will delight with just classic rom-com lines like, “Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it’s the moments that take your breath away.”

“When Harry Met Sally” (1989)

Widely and correctly viewed as the definitive romantic comedy movie, Nora Ephron’s masterpiece stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal (who you kids may recognize as the voice of Mike Wazowski in “Monsters Inc.”) as two people who drift in and out of each other’s lives over the years. The pair become good friends but stumble when trying to address a question tackled by countless television shows and movies since, “Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?” Watch this with someone who likes to laugh or gets cold when it’s 71 degrees out.

“Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)

Another rom-com powerhouse, perfectly suited to be watched with someone who was probably in diapers or not even born when this gem was released. Starring is the always lovable Tom Hanks as a distraught architect trying to get over his wife’s death by moving to Seattle with Jonah, his son. Jonah calls in to a late-night radio program saying his dad needs a new wife, and Meg Ryan (again!) hears this, and falls in love with him all the way across the country in Baltimore. Once you wrap your millennial mind around the concept of landline telephones being used to call a syndicated radio program, it’s a real treat of a movie. Plus, Rosie O’Donnell! Where did she disappear to? My god, old movies are the best.

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)

A film that any film buff, typical hipster or general movie lover will declare their undying affection for is Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman’s cerebral magnum opus, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. The story focuses on a company that allows you to erase your ex from your memory, forever, forever ever. What a deal! If only we could use that technology to purge memories of seeing your freshman roommate naked but alas, science has only come so far. Unlike sand, this movie is definitely not overrated and is best watched with someone smart who won’t ask a million questions after every single thing on screen; so maybe an engineering major or something.

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (2008)

Now here’s a movie that can be enjoyed whether you’re fighting off some V-Day blues by yourself or kicking back, relaxing all cool with someone. This Judd Apatow-produced classic stars Jason Segel as a real bummed out dude who goes to Hawaii to try and get over his breakup with Kristen Bell, playing the titular lady. Unfortunately, he runs into her and her new boyfriend Russell Brand, but luckily enough, woos Mila Kunis(!) of all people. Some guys have all the luck. Watch if you like crass humor and want to see one of the best lines that references Snuffleupagus from “Sesame Street” in cinema history.

“Groundhog Day” (1993)

Last but certainly not least is the literally timeless film starring Bill Murray and Andie McDowell in a movie that is more of a rom-com than you’d think. Murray is in vintage form as a grumpy weatherman who is stuck reliving the same day over and over again in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. While Murray had days upon days upon days to get to plan the perfect date with McDowell, you may only have one shot with this Valentine’s Day so might as well give “Groundhog Day” a chance. Watch this if you if want to answer the question posed by Murray that is eerily reminiscent of a student’s time spent on co-op: “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?”

Hopefully you can get you hands on one of these movies in time for Valentine’s Day! I’m sure some are available on Netflix and others are floating around on the Internet just waiting to be downloaded on a non-Drexel Internet service. And if you’re not in a romantic comedy type of mood, I recommend “Seven” (1995). With Morgan Freeman describing horrible, horrible crimes in his silky voice and baby-faced Brad Pitt being a bit of a loose cannon, it’s a great watch if you don’t want lose your head this Valentine’s Day.