Aloha to Chick Flicks and Friend Recommendations

 I spent last week moving oldest back into his dorm room at college. I also had the opportunity to catch up with a college friend. Since her husband does not care for "chick flicks", we enjoyed two movies together.

From 2007, THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB,

Six Californians start a club to discuss the works of Jane Austen, only to find their relationships -- both old and new -- begin to resemble 21st century versions of her novels.

The movie featured an ensemble cast of Hollywood's favorite - Emily Blunt, Kathy Baker, Amy Brenneman, Jimmy Smits, and Hugh Dancy. We spent just as much time naming the actors' previous works as watching the plot line. Perhaps my favorite scene is Grigg (Hugh Dancy) attending the first meeting with a large black compilation of Jane Austen's six novels (listed down the side of the spine) which he thought were sequels.  

Although the movie was predictable, it was still entertaining, especially as we joined the book club in discussing what we loved - and loathed - about each classic novel.

We then opted for another romance that my friend adored ... CUTTING EDGE from 1992:

A temperamental figure skater and a former hockey player try to win Olympic gold as a figure skating pairs team.
CUTTING EDGE throws numerous tropes into the pot - rich girl meets poor boy, enemies to lovers, underdogs overcome adversity - to jump on the figure skating bandwagon.  It was a fun movie to watch despite the "retro" cinematography (technology has improved in 25 years) and the "retro" music blaring to add drama to the skating competition.  

We chatted about other "chick flicks" we love - MISS CONGENIALITY with Sandra Bullock, BRIDGET JONES DIARY with Renee Zellweger, and LEGALLY BLONDE with Reese Witherspoon.

I am giving away a swag pack from RWA17 - approved by Elle Woods from LEGALLY BLONDE - to four randomly selected commenters from my posts published in the month of August. To enter the giveaway,

1. Can you recommend a "chick flick" that, no matter its flaws, still makes you smile?

I adore Drew Barrymore in THE WEDDING SINGER (a loving tribute to the 80s), EVER AFTER (a feminist remake of Cinderella) and NEVER BEEN KISSED (undercover reporter returns to high school).

2. Comments are open through Thursday, August 31, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Friday, September 1.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City