For a long time, I have been wanting to write about the subtle differences between all the different sort of Romance Films that mistakenly all get lumped together under the blanket term, "Chick Flicks." Setting aside the fact that this is a highly offensive and duragatory term that should warrant the castration of whomever coined it, I would like to set the record straight. Are there movies that earn that horrid categorization? Sure. But not as many as you think. Let me clear this up for you.


Romantic Comedy: This is a film that both men and women can enjoy, whether or not it was originally geared toward women in the first place. The writing, acting, and comedy is so fun that you don't mind that it sticks to the same basic formula. The characters are memorable, and some of the moments in the film are iconic.
Examples: "When Harry Met Sally," "Pretty Woman," "Roxanne," "Splash," "Sleepless In Seattle," "The Wedding Singer," "Sixteen Candles," "Some Like It Hot," "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," "I Love You, Man," "Clueless," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Bringing Up Baby," "The Holiday," "Spanglish," "Philadelphia Story," "Sabrina," "Ten Things I Hate About You," "Love, Actually," "High Fidelity," "Annie Hall," etc.


Woman Movie: These are smart, funny (or dramatic. Or both), movies geared toward women, celebrating the female spirit. Men can also enjoy these films, and will probably earn extra points with the ladies for making an effort.
Examples: "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Steel Magnolias," "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," "Practical Magic," "All About Eve," "Yentl," "Muriel's Wedding," "Sex and The City" (Yes, the television show, too.),"Little Women," "Thelma and Louise," "The First Wives Club," "The Help," etc.


Romantic Drama: Like Romantic comedies, both men and women enjoy these films. Some of the greatest films of all time happen to also be romances. I know, it may shock you.
Examples: "Sense and Sensibility," "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "Casablanca," "From Here To Eternity," "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Pride and Prejudice," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Chocolat," "Say Anything," "Shakespeare In Love," "Titanic," "The Bridges of Madison County," "An Affair To Remember," "Moonstruck," "Love Story," "The Graduate," "The Sound of Music," "Brick," "Roman Holiday," "Notorious," "The King and I," "Gone With the Wind," "Benny and Joon," "Garden State," etc.


Chick Flick: First, a disclaimer: I have heard this awful phrase uttered way too many times, and think it should be wiped from the face of the planet. But, since it seems to be a popular one that won't go away, here are some movies that I think may, in fact, deserve it. These films are so formulated, so cheesy and sicky-sweet that you feel as though a baby cupid is hovering over you, whacking you in the head with a giant ball of cotton candy.
Examples: "Win a Date With Ted Hamilton," "The Prince and Me," "Just Married," "The Wedding Planner," "Maid In Manhatten," "When In Rome," "Sweet Home Alabama," "27 Dresses," "Whatever It Takes," "She's All That," etc.