Love is in the air this week as Valentine’s Day swiftly approaches.
In the dreary weather of February, it might be nice to spend this Saturday inside with a movie.
“Set It Up” (2018)
The assistants of two corporate executives, played by Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, hatch a plot to set their bosses, Taye Diggs and Lucy Liu, up with each other. But, as the assistants try to manufacture a relationship between their bosses, they begin to fall for each other.
“Set It Up” is a wonderfully sincere rom-com made by its stars. Deutch and Powell have wonderful chemistry and work so well together as romantic interests.
Diggs and Liu play the bosses so perfectly rude. Their performances feel so accurate to a mean boss.
Netflix rom-coms have developed the same reputation as Hallmark movies, rightfully so given their usual quality, but “Set It Up” is the exception. It’s very simply charming and funny. The movie isn’t going to change your life, but it’s certainly worth your time.
“Set It Up” can be watched on Netflix.
“Begin Again” (2013)
A depressed, washed-up music producer’s chance encounter with a young, up-and-coming artist turns into an opportunity for them both to begin again.
Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley lead this movie, and they’re just absolutely perfect. Director John Carney gets the most out of all his actors and the integration of music is genuinely something I’ve never seen in another movie.
A young Hailee Steinfeld plays Ruffalo’s daughter, and she gives a great performance. It’s really impressive to see a kid acting on the same level as her co-stars.
“Begin Again” is a great example of a movie where all of its elements come together in a really magical way and create a truly unique film.
“Begin Again” can be watched for free with ads on Tubi and Amazon Prime Video.
“But I’m a Cheerleader” (1999)
High school cheerleader Megan is sent to a conversion therapy camp when her parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian. Now, away from home and surrounded by gay people, Megan is given the chance to rediscover herself.
Natasha Lyonne delivers a brilliant performance as the lead of “But I’m a Cheerleader,” and Clea DuVall plays her love interest perfectly.
The dichotomy of the cheerleader in denial of her own sexuality and the edgy girl who embraced her identity is perfect. DuVall and Lyonne’s chemistry is terrific.
“But I’m a Cheerleader” is a rom-com that puts the emphasis on comedy. The movie hilariously, but very accurately, portrays puritanical culture. Director Jamie Babbit crafted a near-perfect mix of comedy and romance that speaks authentically to the queer experience.
“But I’m a Cheerleader” can be watched for free with ads on Tubi.
“My Bloody Valentine” (1981)
A masked killer attacks the young people of the town, 20 years after a mining accident on Valentine’s Day that claimed the lives of five miners.
“My Bloody Valentine” is a wonderfully entertaining Canadian slasher movie. It’s got a lot of charm missing from other slashers like “Friday the 13th.”
Unlike other slashers from the time, the movie has a focus on its charming characters and unique setting. Instead of teenagers at a summer camp or babysitters in the suburbs, “My Bloody Valentine” sets its sights on working-class 20-somethings in small-town Canada.
It’s a fun, light slasher that’s good for new horror fans and veterans of the genre alike.
“My Bloody Valentine” can be rented from all major digital retailers.
“Notting Hill” (1999)
William Thacker, the owner of a quaint bookstore in London, has a chance meeting with famous actress Anna Scott that leads to an unlikely romance.
“Notting Hill” is one of my favorite films ever made, and I think it makes for a great watch on Valentine’s Day. The leads, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, are two of the greatest actors of their generation. But, unlike many rom-coms, “Notting Hill” doesn’t just rely on its leads.
Director Roger Michell brings out the best from everyone in the cast and crafts a charming B-plot about a blossoming romance between two unlikely characters that only pays off because of the journey the movie takes.
The film is one that utilizes everything at its disposal to be one of the best of its genre. Every side character feels fully fleshed out. William’s two best friends and his sister are super charming supporting characters that provide more than just comedic relief.
“Notting Hill” can be watched on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock with a subscription.
