A couple of days ago, I gave some thought to the ultimate chick flick…
Pretty Woman? When Harry Met Sally? Mamma Mia?
And then, sadly, Patrick Swayze died, and the news reports featured girls of all ages all declaring their love for Swayze and Dirty Dancing and well, I guess that's the one - there is no question.
But what is it about these movies that make us girls pop open the wine and buy up sections of our local supermarkets (savoury picky bits for me, but I believe ice-cream cabinets are popular with real girlie girls)? What is it that makes us want to pull on our jammies and invite our girlfriends round for a sleepover? What is it that makes a great chick flick?
Here are my thoughts:
1. A great chick flick must have strong female leads. We women enjoy watching women who act like we do – people we can relate to, and if all of our friends agree then it makes us feel normal and human.
2. A great chick makes you laugh and also makes you cry. Again, by laughing at our funny female selves with our female friends we gain a sense of solidarity, and crying together is always a great bonding experience.
3. A great chick flick always has a happy ending. This is almost always the girl ending up with a guy – but occasionally there’s a supporting role gay girl on girl ending for non-heterosexual chicks.
So, if you hunted out that old copy of Dirty Dancing last night in memory of Swayze, or you’re saving it for the weekend, or you’re waiting for one of the channels to change their schedules and put it on (might happen, I’ll keep my eyes peeled), then you’ll no doubt be in the chick flick mood?
And that’s good news because we’re halfway through the week and there’s a great choice on TV tonight – something for all ages, in fact:
A chick flick for real chicks (ie, young ‘uns) who’ll love this teen romcom starring Hilary Duff. It’s a modern-day Cinderella tale in an American high school setting.
Showing on ITV2 at 8pm
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
A chick flick for little Brit chicks, this is another teen comedy, but this time it’s in a UK school setting.
Showing on Sky Family at 8pm
OK, we’re still at school, but this classic Jane Austen-inspired comedy also works on us older gals. Alicia Silverstone stars as fashion-obsessed Beverly Hills high school girl Cher in this coming of age flick. When she does some well-intentioned meddling into her friends’ lives she learns some important lessons about life.
Showing on E4 at 9pm
OK girls, we’ve finally graduated – to college (Harvard Law School to be exact). Reese Witherspoon - the actress who grew up wanting to be Dolly Parton, inadvertently had a chance to imitate her hero by playing not so dumb blonde Elle Woods in this feelgood comedy.
Showing on BBC3 at 9pm
Ah yes, one for grown up women. This sitcom spin-off romcom can be watched on its own, but it’s far more fun making a weekend of it and working your way through the series boxset (and a big box of chocolates too, of course).
Showing on Sky Comedy at 8pm
And if none of the above appeals, then you can’t really go wrong with this vintage romcom. It’s got Audrey Hepburn’s 60s style, pre-SATC Big Apple, and the chance to sing along to Moon River…
Showing on Sky Classics at 7pm
