Chick Flicks That Click

These movies are made for a woman but are strong enough for a man. By Bryan Reesman

What does chick flick really mean? Some view it as a derogatory term to describe any movie, particularly a tearjerker, that appeals to the female psyche - i.e., it explores emotions and relationships on a deeper level than typical Hollywood fare and is not crammed with action, effects, hot babes, and blowing stuff up. Of course, that is a positive in an era of low-calorie movies that could use more of a balance. Let's face it, plenty of women enjoy checking out event movies like Pirates of the Caribbean as much as men do, if for slightly different reasons. And while many men fear the notion of watching a soul-searching ensemble movie like Steel Magnolias or Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood as much as some women cringe at the thought of seeing the next James Bond movie, there are plenty of alleged chick flicks out there that tread a middle ground that couples can enjoy. With V-Day just in the rearview mirror, I thought I'd roll out some titles that will halt the battle of the sexes at the video store and easily solve the problem of what to watch.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002) British teenager Jess (ER's Parminder Nagra) was born into a traditional Indian family. While her older sister is going to follow the route of marrying and settling down, Jess wants to chase her dreams of being a soccer player, which worries her disapproving parents. When a big soccer tournament is scheduled for the same day as her sister's wedding, the tension rises. This vivacious movie works on multiple levels: as a feel-good flick, a sports movie, a culture-clash tale, and a romantic comedy. It also costars a prestardom Keira Knightley.