We all love a chick flick now and then (okay a lot) – so we’ve picked the 10 best clever romantic comedies that even guys will enjoy.
But forget clichéd and corny – this bunch are totally guilt-free. Including films; written by intelligent and funny women, inspired by Shakespeare and ones that look at relationships from the guys perspective…
1. Man Up
Lake Bell and Simon Pegg star in this hilarious Brit comedy, centered on a cynical-about-love woman (Bell) who’s mistaken for a blind date with Pegg’s character (a hopeless romantic). A rom-com in the same vain as Run, Fatboy, Run (remember Friends star David Schwimmer’s directional debut in 2007?). A must see - out in cinemas May 29. 2. When Harry Met Sally
Nothing quite beats Nora Ephron’s sharp, Oscar nominated 1989 comedy When Harry Met Sally. Even if you’ve not watched the movie – you probably have seen Meg Ryan’s classic scene where she fakes climaxing - which after viewing, men across the land asked themselves – ‘Can I actually tell if I made someone orgasm?’ Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are perfect playing two opposites - who above all don’t end up compromising their characters or changing their behavior to fit the other person’s image (as is the case with some cheesy chick flicks).
3. Bridesmaids
Even Superbad and Pineapple Express fans will love Bridesmaids. Kristen Wiig (who co-wrote the script with her writing partner Annie Mumolo) and Melissa McCarthy bring the LOL’s, and shut up any person that says women are not as funny as men.
4. 10 Things I Hate About You
Who can forget late Heath Ledger’s breakout role in teen rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You? And Julia Stiles tempestuous character Kat – who’d rather read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath than hang out with a bunch of boys. Like Bridesmaids, the screenplay was written by two women – Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith - which they based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
5. 500 Days of Summer
Rather than your typical ‘girl-meets boy…girl falls in love with boy’ chick flick - this off beat, refreshingly honest tale of a failed relationship through flashbacks is told through the perspective of the male protagonist (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who has his heartbroken by Zoe Deschanel’s character.
6. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist
If you enjoyed 500 Days of Summer, you’ll love indie-flick Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, based on a novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levitha. Superbad’s Michael Cera (who nails the awkward teen nerd) and Kat Jennings are hilarious as the duo who seemingly grate on each other but share a love of the same music. A teen romance set in New York that isn’t sickly sweet. 7. As Good as It Gets
Forget One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest – we think Jack Nicholson is at his best when he’s playing a moody, OCD novelist in the 1997 romantic comedy As Good as It Gets. And critics would agree – both Nicholson and his lead co-star Helen Hunt won Oscars for their performances in the film. 8. Annie Hall
Woody Allen reexamines his life and the messy realties of relationships in his 1977 hit Annie Hall - a master class in film-making. It’s a brutally honest love story - that’s non-gushy and honest on its take on romance. Take Allen’s character Alvy in the film explaining his feelings towards Annie (played by his then girlfriend, Diane Keaton): “It was great seeing Annie again. I realised what a terrific person she was and how fun it was just knowing her. And I thought of that old joke, you know. The guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, "Doc, my brother's crazy. He thinks he's a chicken." and the doctor says, "well, why don't you turn him in?" and the guy says, "I would, but o need the eggs." Well, I guess that's pretty much now how I feel about relationships. You know, they're totally irrational and crazy and absurd and, but, err, I guess we keep going through it because most of us need the eggs.” 9. Mean Girls
Post Freaky Friday Lilo starred in Tina Fey’s sharply written comedy Mean Girls - based partly on a self help book ‘Queen Bees and Wannabes’ by Rosalind Wiseman, which dissects patterns of aggressive teen girl behavior and how to deal with them. Alongside the main cast, Lizzy Caplan’s emo character Janis Ian and her gay best friend Damian (played by Daniel Franzese) shine in this movie. You’ll be reciting catchphrases long after you’ve watched this. ‘You go Glen Coco!’ 10. Jerry Maguire
Sporting politics and romance? It shouldn’t work but it so does in Tom Cruise’s turn as Jerry Maguire, which he stars opposite in with Renee Zellweger. Spawning many of us to use the classic line ‘Show ME the money!’ Winner.
