1. “The Proposal” Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, this 2009 film details the life of a lonely yet successful Canadian businesswoman and her single assistant. “The Proposal” explores a complex enemies-to-lovers trope, set in the beautiful city of Sitka, Alaska. The plot is both entertaining and heartwarming. If you consider yourself a fan of Ryan Reynolds, “The Proposal” should definitely make it to the top of your list this February.
2. “The Princess Bride” My name is Inigo Montoya, and “The Princess Bride” is a February must watch. The film follows Buttercup, who is forced to marry the mean, ugly king. She is kidnapped by enemies of the palace, but luckily, Westley, the love of her life, is skilled enough to kidnap her back. This satirical movie will never leave you bored; it is hilarious, nerve-racking and bittersweet. “The Princess Bride” entertains all ages. You’re still not sold on the ultimate forbidden romance? Inconceivable!
3. “Sydney White” Any movie made in the 2000s featuring Amanda Bynes is never a let down. “Sydney White” retells the story of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” with a modern twist. The story takes place at a college sorority house in 2007. Sydney, played by Bynes, battles the sorority mean girls while charming the school’s star football player. After being cast out by her sorority sisters, she finds herself living in the “weird” fraternity house on campus, a spooky, run-down building with seven insecure boys. Even though this movie may sound like many other 2000s rom-coms, “Sydney White” criticizes the Greek life system and shares a beautiful story about social outcasts standing up for themselves. I think it is very unfortunate that this movie is not as popular as other Amanda Bynes movies like “She’s The Man” because it is just as entertaining and almost as funny.
4. “Once” Do you like Irish accents? The gentle strums of an acoustic guitar? Musical meet-cutes? Then you may enjoy the Academy Award-winning 2007 film, “Once.” This romantic musical follows the story of a vacuum repair salesman/musician and a flower vendor with a melodic voice as they fall in love and make music together. Expect to shed a few tears and feel the sudden urge to learn the guitar.
5. “Bottoms” Young director Emma Seligman’s sophomore film “Bottoms” is a queer comedy starring Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott as two high school seniors who start a fight club to meet girls. A soundtrack featuring Charlie XCX and a two minute montage to Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” “Bottoms” is the modern day version of the classic 2000’s rom-com. With digs at football players and “your mom” jokes alike, the film is a refreshing, talent-filled original in a sea of remakes and biographical pictures.
6. “Notting Hill” To wrap up my list, I present my favorite movie of all time. The 1999 film “Notting Hill” tells the love story of world-famous actress, Anna Scott, and William Thacker, the owner of a small travel bookshop in Notting Hill, a neighborhood in London. Their relationship becomes complicated throughout the movie as the lovers struggle with their very different positions in society. The love story featured in this movie is unique. Not only is the story incredible, but the location, Notting Hill, is absolutely stunning. The film design makes it a necessary must-watch for this love-filled season.
