Box up the chocolates, order the flowers and make dinner reservations: Valentine’s Day is almost here. Of course, date night is definitely enhanced with a movie, and this is where it gets tricky: this film has to set the mood, not kill it. With this month's wide, if not eccentric, list of titles, matching the movie to the personality of your relationship is key. Check out these options:
For couples who are romantic traditionalists.
The Choice. What would Valentine’s Day be without Nicholas Sparks? The writer who brought readers and, subsequently, moviegoers The Notebook, Dear John and A Walk to Remember has created his own brand of love story, summed up in this formula: two beautiful people fall in love – whether they know it or not – but circumstances prevent them from being together. A twist occurs and then, finally, love conquers all! If you’re a Sparks fan, satisfaction guaranteed. (Feb. 5)
For those who admire the love affair between Joker and Harley Quinn.
Deadpool. Sure, it’s banned in China due to graphic violence and extreme profanity, but at its core, Deadpool is a romance. Former Special Ops turned mercenary Wade Wilson is stricken with widespread cancer. He agrees to an experimental cure that will give him super healing abilities so that he can continue his relationship with the love of his life. But the sarcastic antihero is double-crossed and now must work to save his beloved from the hands of his enemy. A fantastically twisted superhero story that simultaneously reinvents the X-Men franchise. (Feb. 12)
For a greater appreciation that you aren’t “out there” anymore (*shudder*):
How to Be Single. Remember life before kids, before the spouse, where you could just focus on you? Me neither. So, Rebel Wilson, Dakota Johnson, Leslie Mann and Alison Brie hilariously remind us that maybe the grass wasn’t quite as green as we recall. It will help during the 2 a.m. kick-awake-up call by the five-year old who crawled into bed next to you. (Feb. 12)
For those who love classic literature and “The Walking Dead.”
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. What if Elizabeth Bennett and her sisters were less focused on society’s expectations and more focused on kicking zombie butt? The big-screen version of Seth Grahame-Smith’s 2009 novel envisions a world where heroines consider if it’s bad manners to cut off a zombie’s head before or after tea is served. (Feb. 5)
For couples whose spark is ignited over laughter, smart comedy version.
Hail, Caesar! Joel and Ethan Coen return to their O Brother, Where Art Thou? style of comedy with a ransom scheme set in the Golden Age of Hollywood when studio publicists’ jobs were to keep the antics of their stars out of the news. It’s short on love stories, but big on laughs and presents a fantasy lineup of movie stars in absolutely delicious roles: George Clooney as an egotistical A-lister, Scarlett Johansson as an Esther Williams-style starlet, and Channing Tatum as a Gene Kelly-esque “hoofer” (that’s what they called ‘em in the ‘40s, doll face). Fun? Oh. Yeah. (Feb. 5)
For couples whose spark is ignited over laughter, silly comedy version.
Zoolander 2. In this world of political correctness, the only people safe to laugh at are dumb models and Justin Bieber. The young pop star is in the on joke when he and other celebrities like Usher and Miley Demi Lovato die with Derek Zoolander’s signature pose – so it’s up to the aging model to join an Interpol investigation and an outrageous villain so fashionable it’s criminal. Not only is this fun for couple date night, it’s a great choice if your teen will be in tow. (Feb. 12)
For relationships that need some drama.
Touched with Fire. If two people are in love, and both equally gifted with the ability to express their love in the most beautiful words, what could go wrong? That’s what audiences will discover when two bipolar poets meet in a psychiatric hospital and try to carry on their relationship after their release. Your relationship will look simple and perfect compared to this drama – and a little appreciation goes a long way on Valentine’s Day! (Feb. 12)