Pick 'Em: Go-To & Sleeper Valentine's Day Films
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so here are some last-minute film ideas to enjoy by yourself or with your significant other this year.
Each Decoder will select their no-brainer Valentine's Day film and a lesser-known or non-traditional Valentine's Day film. For repeat watchers and potential first-timers.
Isaiah's Go-To: 50 First Dates (2004)
Romance films are hard for me to enjoy because I get cringed out easily, but I have a soft spot for rom-coms. 50 First Dates is an obvious choice for me.
While Adam Sandler plays his typical self, Drew Barrymore plays a more somber role. Her character suffers a traumatic brain injury, which short-circuits her memory.
50 First Dates brings hearty laughs while still fostering emotional value. Plus, it's shot in Hawaii, so there's an awesome aesthetic throughout the film. In my opinion, 50 First Dates is a must-watch for Valentine's season.
Isaiah's Sleeper: Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Although Hacksaw Ridge is a far cry from a niche film, it's easy to be swooned over by Andrew Garfield's character on the battlefield; his character, Private Doss, is heroic at war and is often forgotten for his boyish life outside of the war.
Prior to being drafted to serve in World War II, Private Doss shares an endearing relationship with Dorothy, a nurse, played by Teresa Palmer. He's forced to leave his home and his love, but the soldier gladly risks his life to save others.
Directed by Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge is a beautiful true-story film cinematically and narratively. I believe the love aspect of this film is underappreciated, which led me to choose it for my sleeper pick.
Isaac's Go-To Pick: La La Land (2016)
Now, I know what you're thinking: that's an unoriginal take. I'm just right; that's the way I see it. Everyone agrees with me.
What better way to spend your Valentine’s Day than watching Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone tap dance. Don’t get too excited yet. That’s not even the best part. It’s got pretty colors, too.
For those of you that haven’t seen, I won’t spoil anything, but if you’re looking for something to pull on your heartstrings and make you grateful for the person beside you, give this a watch.
Click to read Isaac's Letterboxd review here.
Isaac's Sleeper Pick: Flipped (2010)
This is a sleeper, for sure. I don’t hear anyone talk about this movie. Honestly, guys, going into Flipped, I wasn’t expecting much.
As you could probably guess by the placement of this pick, I was pleasantly surprised. Speaking of pleasant, Flipped has an overall pleasant story. Now, don’t get me wrong, I was out of my seat the whole time watching it. There’s conflict. Very stressful.
Watch Flipped with that special someone.
Click to read Isaac's Letterboxd review here.
Jacob's Go-To Pick: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You is a fan favorite among many out there. I came for Heath Ledger’s performance but stayed for Julia Stiles' and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's characters. They surprised me, and they show out in this one.
There are many iconic scenes from the paintball date to the cheesy speech at the end. A little bit of coming of age sprinkled in gives this an edge over other romantic films.
You can watch 10 Things I Hate About You anytime, but why not Valentine’s Day?
Jacob's Sleeper Pick: WALL-E (2008)
What’s more romantic than a rusty old robot finding a hot new model?
Seriously though, this one is as emotional as it gets. WALL-E is a prime example of having so much to say with hardly any dialogue in the film. It’s hard to find another film where you're rooting so much for the main protagonist and his friends to succeed.
Why waste your time on a cheesy rom-com when Pixar exists?
It amazes me how they can make people care about fictional CGI robots. Whenever I think of Valentine’s Day, this film pops into the back of my mind, not just because there’s a love story within, but because the whole film radiates raw emotion.
Click to read Jacob's Letterboxd review here.
Luke's Go-to: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Edgar Wright’s graphic novel adaptation refuses to conform to the mold of the conventional romcom, and it’s all the better for it. It maintains an eccentric pace, is unapologetically witty, and never fails to impress stylistically.
Scott Pilgrim is a guaranteed boredom-buster and possibly an accurate depiction of what you would like to do to your partner’s ex-lovers.
Click to read Luke's Letterboxd review here.
Luke's Sleeper: Gone Girl (2014)
Are you feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day?
Look no further than Gone Girl. David Fincher’s thrilling masterclass will help you realize that your singleness could be a blessing in disguise.
This adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s 2012 novel is truly an edge-of-your-seat experience. I’ve seen very few, if any, mystery films that execute an unpredictably interwoven narrative this well.
