What are chick flicks? A chick flick is a slang used most generally to describe films catered towards women with female protagonists and frequent romance plots. This is my favourite genre of film, and I am not afraid to admit that I love them wholeheartedly.
People have always derided ‘chick flicks’, seeing them as superficial films without a good plot, and have therefore even assigned a derogatory connotation to it as a genre. As a self-proclaimed ‘chick flick’ connoisseur, I stand my ground with my love for the genre. Sure, the protagonists may seem self-absorbed and the film’s plot isn’t ‘deep’ or ‘thought-provoking’, but for the most part I honestly enjoy them for their supposed ‘cringeyness’ and their unabashed way of expressing femininity. Defending these films would take a whole other article, but I found this informative video made by Moderngurlz to be a convincing argument for chick flicks.
These films, even the worst, bring me so much joy, and I would love to share my experience with all of you (whether you are a first time watcher or a seasoned expert like me!). Listed below are 5 of my favourite chick flicks and why they slap hard (spoiler-free, I hope!).
Horror for the Spooky ladies
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Starting off strong with Jennifer’s Body, what more do I have to say? You’ve got Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried as the main characters in a high school horror comedy where Fox’s character Jennifer Check literally consumes men after being possessed by a demon. With a plotline ahead of its time, it covers the strength of female relationships, exploration of sexuality, and questionable female empowerment all bound together in a surprisingly sentimental narrative with witty one liners.
A heads up, this is not a film you want to watch if you want something that will scare you to your core. For someone like me who can’t handle horror at all, the jumpscares shocked me, but did not render me petrified with primal fear.
Overall, although this film is worth watching for the humorous interactions between Fox’s and Seyfried’s characters, the final circumstances (post credits included!) will leave you pondering. We’ve won, but at what cost?
Sports, friendships and family (with romance on the side)
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Directed by Gurinder Chadha, Bend it like Beckham is a film which primarily focuses on Parminder Nagra’s character Jess, an aspiring football player whose family’s intentions and values incline towards the traditional, standing between her and her dream to play football professionally. Upon making a new friend, Jules, she gains the opportunity to play football on a larger playing field. The movie follows her as she navigates between difficult choices (her obligation to her family’s wishes and her dream), friendships, conventions of femininity, and romance.
I’d think that this film, while not necessarily the most ‘realistic’, does a good job in illustrating the struggles one may face when pursuing their passion, and this issue, in its universality, speaks to us viewers. Another interesting aspect which I appreciated from the film was its refreshing break from white-centric perspectives that would have saturated the cinema back then. While I cannot comment on the accuracy of the depiction of Jess’ British Indian Sikh family and their culture, it’s always interesting to note how the film addresses racism and the possible clash of values that may occur as a result of them living as the minority within the United Kingdom.
Literally, the magic of friendship
Aquamarine (2006)
Ever dreamed of encountering a mermaid as a kid? Then Aquamarine will be the movie to fulfil your childhood desires. This is a film about two good friends (one about to move away) living beside the beach in a seaside town. Together, they encounter a mermaid named Aquamarine after a stormy night, promising the friends a wish should they agree to help her prove that true love exists. Together, they attempt to get their local lifeguard to fall in love with Aquamarine, developing a lasting friendship in the process.
I quite liked this movie for the simple message that it sent about friendship and how it showed how romantic love doesn’t always need to take centre stage in chick flicks (eugh, who needs romantic love all the time anyway). By the way, it ALSO features a young Emma Roberts!
Although this feel-good movie was tailored towards younger audiences, its elements of fantasy will transport you straight back into childhood nostalgia. This is a movie I would totally recommend watching during a sleepover with your closest friends, when you’re huddled up and reminiscing about the past.
A campy cute satirical cult classic
But I’m A Cheerleader (1999)
When I first heard about But I’m a Cheerleader, I wasn’t too sure what to expect, except for my knowledge of it as a cult classic within the Lesbian community. I was drawn by its visuals that are equal parts camp and saccharine sweet. This film follows Megan, a cheerleader, who is sent to True Directions, a conversion camp after an intervention by her friends, boyfriend and parents. There, she struggles to come to terms with her sexuality but finds love at the same time.
I found the seemingly eccentric characters who have been marginalised along with Megan in this conversion camp intriguing with a special mention of the character Andre who left my friend group and I laughing with each dramatic gesture. I also quite liked the pacing of the romance within this film as I found it more natural as compared to most other chick flicks. Another aspect of this movie which I adore is its soundtrack which features a very charming indie vibe.
Surprisingly romantic and wholesome
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Saving the best for last, 10 Things I hate about you is my personal favourite chick flick. A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, it primarily features the relationships that the two sisters, Kat and Bianca, encounter in High School. The main plot surrounds a complicated bet (a very common trope in late 90s rom-coms) concerning Kat– known for her prickly attitude throughout the school.
This movie surprised me in many ways, but the detail I appreciated the most was its unexpected wholesomeness with regards to relationships and boundaries. Without any spoilers, Patrick, played by Heath Ledger, turns out to be quite the gentleman, especially in one scene where he refuses to give in to Kat’s desires in a situation that may potentially be compromising to Kat.
Enough said! Watch the film to admire Heath Ledger and his musical performance!
With these five amazing films as a taster to the wide, wide world of chick flicks, you are bound to get hooked on them sooner or later! With the upcoming recess week, many of us might spend it toiling for essays and midterms due the week after. However, you should remember that a well-deserved break, too, is important in the grand scheme of things, so why not take a day off and spend the time refreshing your mind with these movies! What are you waiting for? Get your devices out, call your friends up and start watching!