If you’re on Feb-fast, the cinema is a great alternative night out. And there’s loads on the big screen to get you through. From the fantastical to the tragicomic, this bumper crop of chick flicks is sure to have you blubbing in your popcorn.
Winter’s Tale
#1: Winter’s Tale
Who’s in it: Russell Crowe, who’s been taking on one baddie role after another (first as hapless police inspector Javert in Les Misérables, and now as burly Irish gangster Pearly Soames). Also stars Colin Farrell as a scruffy burglar who falls in love with a sheltered heiress (Jessica Brown Findlay) in wintry New York.
We adore: How love can transcend the time and space continuum – literally.
Cry-o-meter: High. When Colin Farrell’s (gorgeous) brown eyes go watery with emotion, you’ll definitely feel a tug at your heartstrings.
Endless Love
#2: Endless Love
Who’s in it: Alex Pettyfer (aka Mr. Pretty Boy from Magic Mike) is David, a young 17-year-old besotted by the beguiling 15-year-old Jade (Gabriella Wilde, from Carrie and The Three Musketeers).
We adore: How the film – a remake of the 1981 version starring Tom Cruise – brings out the concept of possessive desire even better than Gollum!
Cry-o-meter: Medium. This would make for a pretty boring love story, if not for Jade’s meddling parents and a host of other unfortunate twists and turns.
A Case Of You
#3: A Case Of You
Who’s in it: Justin Long plays Sam, who tries his darndest to be the boy of Birdie’s dreams. Evan Rachel Wood (ex-girlfriend of Marilyn Manson who’s got serious singing chops) assumes the role of Birdie, a cheerful barista at Sam’s favourite café.
We adore: The lengths Sam will go to just to win Birdie’s heart. Yes, ladies, such men do exist. Somewhere out there.
Cry-o-meter: Medium. You’ll probably laugh more than cry at bumbling Sam and his endearing efforts to catch Birdie’s attention. But for sappy romantics, a box of tissues is a must.
Fly Me To The Moon
#4: Fly Me To The Moon
Who’s in it: The fabulous Diane Kruger stars as the determined Isabelle, hell-bent on lifting the curse on her family where all first marriages end in flames. Her solution: marrying a complete stranger (Frenchman Dany Boon) and divorcing him immediately thereafter.
We adore: How this rom-com gives a new spin on “happily ever after” by making its protagonists go through loads of silly, painful experiences in the search for everlasting love.
Cry-o-meter: Low. Expect tons of comic relief and a whirlwind trip across different continents to contrive the end of Isabelle’s bogus first marriage.
Le Week-End
#5: Le Week-End
Who’s in it: Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan play cranky couple Nick and Meg Burrows. They go to Paris to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary and manage to survive it – and each other.
We adore: Its melancholic take on love in the twilight years. Sceptics, take note, the film’s been nominated in 5 different categories for the British Independent Film Awards 2013.
Cry-o-meter: Low. Much of the edginess within the plot arises from Nick and Meg’s squabbles and misunderstandings (which you might get exasperated by), but the gorgeous Parisien settings will more than make up for it.
That Awkward Moment
#6: That Awkward Moment
Who’s in it: Zac Efron plays Jason, who pledges to remain single along with his two bachelor buds, Daniel (Miles Teller) and Mikey (Michael B. Jordan). The pact falls apart when Jason unexpectedly falls for sweet-looking Ellie (Imogen Poots).
We adore: Zac Efron’s abs, the boys’ deadpan humour, and their cute puppy-dog smiles. In that order.
Cry-o-meter: Zero, unless you’re a rabid Zac Efron fan who abhors seeing him kiss a girl onscreen. But the hunk-quotient is at an all-time high here!