Every year, the expense of festivities revolving around “the holiday of love” seemingly increases; however, cuddling in a blanket and watching a movie can be a low-cost option that creates lasting memories. Here are some good options:
“Punch-Drunk Love”
“Punch-Drunk Love,” a 2002 film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is as interesting as the title suggests. Many consider the film to be Adam Sandler’s first non-comedic role, but that doesn’t mean “Punch-Drunk Love” isn’t funny, in fact I think it’s hilarious. The best parts of the movie show you how far a man will go for love.
Like all great movies, the supporting cast, which includes Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Emily Watson, raises this film above the cliche “rom-com.” The film tackles themes of loneliness and shame while simultaneously taking an uplifting tone.
“Punch Drunk Love” is as charming as it is incoherent; if I explained the plot to you, I would just tell you to feel it, not think it. I think it’s a perfect representation of what love can be, especially in today’s social climate where love is hard to come by.
The film can be found on DVD at Bexley Public Library, available for checkout.
“Jerry Maguire”
I could write an entire article about Tom Cruise’s potential before settling into the “Mission: Impossible” franchise as his career-defining work, but I won’t bore you. “Jerry Maguire” is a masterpiece that features everything a viewer could want from a movie.
Directed by Cameron Crowe (“Almost Famous,” “Singles,” “Vanilla Sky”), the film also stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Renee Zellweger and Regina King.
“Jerry Maguire” follows a sports agent named (yes, you guessed it) Jerry Maguire who quits his firm after an existential crisis. He questions his moral practices and faces the hard truth that morality might not be the key to success in the sports world.
Maguire meets Dorothy (Zellweger), a single mother who also wants direction in her life.
“Jerry Maguire” is an extremely touching film that suggests the most powerful relationships in our lives are those that are genuine and that love requires sacrifice.
The film can be found on DVD at Bexley Public Library, available for checkout.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
Not everyone has a significant other; this movie is for the heartbroken.
It’s amazing what a comedic actor can do in a dramatic role, and Jim Carrey optimizes that claim in this film. Alongside Carrey is another strong supporting cast: Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo.
“Eternal Sunshine” follows Joel, who finds out that his ex-girlfriend has gone through a procedure that erased him from her memory. In a fit of rage, Joel does the same thing with his own memory; however, he comes to realize the effect she has had on his life.
While “Eternal Sunshine” is a tearjerker, it is a must-watch for everybody. This film will hug you at your lowest and lift you at your highest, telling you to be grateful for what you have.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” can be found on DVD at Blackmore Library.
“Moonrise Kingdom”
Ah, young love.
“Moonrise Kingdom” is a film by legendary director Wes Anderson and is arguably his most relatable film to audiences.
It also has a strong supporting cast (maybe I just like movies with a good cast, sue me), as most Anderson movies do.
“Moonrise Kingdom” follows Sam, a Khaki Scout living in foster care, who falls in love with a girl named Suzy. They run away together, and the town and the scouting post work together to find them.
If February were any rainier, I would say this is the perfect movie for your Valentine’s Day viewing. Unfortunately, you will have to settle for snow.
“Moonrise Kingdom” can be streamed on Netflix. It can also be found on DVD at Bexley Public Library and Blackmore Library, available for checkout.
