A Valentine's Day Tribute

For those of you who are living under a rock or in a foreign country, today is in fact Valentine's Day. You know, that day when lovers show their love through extravagant gifts and blatantly obvious displays of affection, and when everyone else wallows in disgust. Well, in honor of the holiday, I decided to come with a list of ten movies for the lovers, and ten movies for the haters.

Lover's Movies:
Pride and Prejudice- What list of romantic movies would be complete without this film? It's got romance, intrigue, and a hunky leading man; what more could one want? If you're a purest, you'll want to go for the 5 hour A&E version with Colin Firth (start now to get it all in!). However, if you just want the romance and the basic story line, go for the new version with Kiera Knightley. Some refuse, but hey sometimes you don't have 5 hours.

While You Were Sleeping- The ultimate romantic comedy that effortlessly balance romance and humor. Sandra Bullock is cute and funny, and Bill Pullman is loveable. It's a great movie with some classic, unforgetably hilarious scenes. Watch with a significant other or even some friends and know that sometimes "things don't always work out the way you plan."

Sleepless in Seattle- A truly romantic movie with humor, disappointment, and hope all rolled into one. The ultimate leading man (Tom Hanks) and leading lady (Meg Ryan) have chemistry that cannot be denied (the movie also references another romance classic An Affair to Remember) which makes this the perfect movie for Valentine's Day (seeing as it is also an important holiday in the movie). If you're liking the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan action check out You've Got Mail as well.

Ever After- A twist on an old fairytale this one's got a little of everything with a handsome prince, an evil stepmother (and sister), a humorous friend, and an independent Cinderella who doesn't necessarily have to be rescued from her fate. Drew Barrymore plays the perfect confident Cinderella where finally the evil stepsister and mother get their comeupppance (unlike the Disney version). If you want a little more modern Drew Barrymore watch Never Been Kissed, and for a little funnier Drew go with 50 First Dates.

Much Ado About Nothing- What's a Valentine's Day without a little shout out to Romeo himself? An all-star (and culturally diverse) cast brought together by Kenneth Branagh performs Shakespeare's play in a way I'm sure Will would have appreciated. It covers a broad range of emotions, with betrayl, mischeiviousness, pain, humor, love, and eventually happiness for all parties involved. If you're into the more classic, tragic love story, by all means watch Romeo and Juliet (any version, although I'm a little weary of the modern one with Leonardo DiCaprio for those wanting the classic story), and if you're feeling a little more musical try Moulin Rogue.

The Princess Bride- A hilarious movie that not only has a romantic, fairytale-like story, but memorable quotes that bring laughter time and time again. If you're weary of another love story, fairy-tale at first, by the end you will be just like the little boy wanting to know what happens next. I mean who doesn't love some kissing and British accents?

Sweet Home Alabama- A unique love story where the original couple at the beginning aren't who we fall in love with. Reese Witherspoon is simply adorable, and with two very attractive men (good ole boy Josh Lucas, and McDreamy Patrick Dempsey), it's a tough choice. It's cute, funny, and definitely a movie to get one into the holiday spirit.

The Lakehouse- A perfect portrayl of love knowing no bounds, even that of time. Not one for those looking for humor, but is more for those wanting a truly romantic love story. It's a terrific movie with heart-breaking scenes as well as heart-felt ones. Will the two soul-mates finally be together? Only time will tell...

Hitch- For some quirky, funny, romantic movies go with this one. Who doesn't think Will Smith is sexy? Will is the perfect fit for a love doctor, and it is interesting to see if the love doctor gives himself his own prescription. And, as a bonus, we get two love stories for the price of one. Sweet!

Runaway Bride- A classic Garry Marshall movie that brings with it love, humor, and some action. In hopes to receive vindication, Richard Gere hopes to prove his theory about Julia Roberts correct, only to become part of the story. Let's hope your significant other doesn't get any ideas after watching this one.

Hater's Movies:
First Wives' Club- The ultimate men hating movie in which superb actresses, namely Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler, join together to get back at their cheating husbands. They take a stand for themselves and for women everywhere. A great girl power movie that proves that sometimes we don't need men. (Although not a terrific movie, Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, also deals with women overpowering men. There is a small love story in it though, just to warn you).

Calendar Girls- Sometimes all we need to cheer us up is some quality time with the girl friends. This movie is hilarious, and proves that friendship can help us get through the toughest times. If today is not your holiday, get together with a few close friends and watch this movie.

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood- Kind of along the same lines of Calendar Girls, this movie has a lot to do with friendship. But, it is mostly the story about a girl who finally, after hearing the background and real story, connects and truly understands her mother. She knows why her mother is the way she is, and essentially by knowing her mother, she knows herself. An excellent movie that lets us know that despite what happens, our mothers do love us.

The Three Amigos- This is a friendship movie for the guys. Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short join up to create an awesome crime-fighting trio that really is all an act. It has gun fighting, a ridiculous bad guy, and a great ending. There is of course a tiny little love, but really nothing that gets in the way of the comedy that this trio bring to the screen. This movie will bring a "plethora" of laughs as you try not to choke on your popcorn.

City Slickers and The Sandlot- These two are also for the guys. What's a better way to prove your manliness than wrestling up some cattle as a cowboy and playing a mean game of baseball? There's no girls (ok maybe there's a few) in these movies to mess up the manly bonding that can be witnessed in these movies. Along with humor, these two are quite the action adventure movies that any man without a gal would love.

Gone with the Wind- These are for those of you who like a love story but love the tragic, and perhaps all too fitting ending in which the girl does not get the guy. If you're willing to not only watch this long movie, but to watch the ridiculous and really obnoxious Scarlet O'Hara, then perhaps Valentine's Day really isn't for you. But really perhaps it's all worth it for the classic line from our all too favorite Rhett Butler, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."

My Girl- Again this goes with those who like a really sad and tragic love story. This movie definitely fits the bill. It's cute, and touching and remind us of the childhood crushes we had when we were young and liked Valentine's Day (you know where everyone was required to give you a Valentine). But, our nostalgia all comes crashing down when we witness the horror that bees can do to someone who is alergic. I cry every time.

Steel Magnolias-Also a crying movie. It kind of combines the friendship movies with a tragic ending. The actresses in this movie are truly amazing, and do an excellent job in portraying a truly Southern friendship at a hair parlor. It is heartbreaking to watch Sally Field's remarkable performance at her daughter's funeral, but then we are relieved when finally laughter breaks up the somber mood. To watch this movie is a very cathartic experience, and maybe on Valentine's Day, that's what you need.

The Terminal- Unlike the tragic love story movies earlier, this one has very little to do with the love story and more to do with one man trying everything he can to fulfill the one promise he made to his father. Your patience will be rewarded because at the end you finally find out what is in that can Tom Hanks keeps caring around. Yes there is a small "love" story with Catherine Zeta Jones, but it really is not central to the plot. It is about a man, stuck in an airport, a few steps from where he wants to be but forbidden to take those steps, trying to survive in a country and language he does not know. How romantic.

Live Free or Die Hard (or basically any action movie like the Bourne series, the Ocean's series etc)- I singled out Live Free or Die Hard because it's recent and basically I think Justin Long is amazing. What I like about this movie is that you don't have to have seen the other Die Hard movies to understand it. It is definitely action packed with explosions and fire right and left (watch the amazing scene with the car and the helicopter). There is only a slightest faint hint of a love interest at the very end, but really is nothing and if you wanted to, you could ignore it completely. If you don't have someone who's stolen your heart, why not watch a movie where someone literally takes someone elses? Ahh what a perfect Valentine's Day.

And for those of you who can't decide, who want many different kind of love stories, some sad and tragic, some happy and romantic, watch Love Actually. It is amazing and has a little of everything. Whatever you end up doing know that we love you! Happy Valentine's Day!