I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for chick flicks.
I’m completely aware of the many flaws that nearly all films in the sub-genre possess. I know they’re totally cliche, bear extreme material resemblance with one another, and embody false hopes and an unrealistic yet ideal universe.
Sometimes though, people need something to sit, watch and “aww” at, without having to ponder over what’s happening in the film. Depth is virtually non-existent in most chick flicks & rom-coms, and that’s okay sometimes.
The latest tear-inducing romance “The Vow” certainly did abide to the rules of the typical chick flick. However, I can say that it ultimately caused me to examine my own life- as well as the lives of my loved ones- in an entirely non-typical manner.
“The Vow” stars romance veterans Rachel McAdams as Paige, a car crash victim who suffers from severe brain damage, and Channing Tatum as Leo, her faithful, loving husband. When Leo (Tatum) discovers that Paige (McAdams) has lost every memory from the last five years of her life, including her ever meeting, dating, and marrying Leo, he sets out to win her heart again and uphold the love of a lifetime.
First of all, I must mention that “The Vow” is based loosely off of true events. There’s an abundance of discrepancies between the Hollywood version of the story and that of the actual couple’s. As expected, the audience is presented with the standard bad guy vs. good guy plot lines that play to the usual Hollywood romance storylines. I highly doubt that the “true events” involved a ex-fiance competing for Paige’s affection or an overtly devious father-in-law. Hollywood has to make every story more elaborate and dramatic, right? That being said, the “true story” aspect of the film is still what allows it to stand out (a little) in the chick flick genre. As I previously stated, “The Vow” will have you reflecting about your life and loved ones. What would you do if you lost all memory of being with your significant other? The film certainly presents an intriguing concept, and it may allow one to appreciate the people who surround them a bit more. I know I did (I suppose this is where my emotional side comes in).
Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum were pleasantly convincing in each of their roles. Tatum especially shone as a faithful husband who will do anything to win back his reluctant wife’s everlasting love. Tatum managed to connect with the audience (or at least the females in the audience) and allow them to comprehend the suffering that his character must have been going through. One scene in particular, just after Leo learns that his wife has no recollection of their life together, had me tearing up. Tatum managed to brilliantly convey the intense pain and anguish of a truly broken heart. It’s obvious from the beginning of the film when Tatum’s voice is heard narrating that his character is meant to represent the average female’s idea of the “perfect husband”-a clever tactic that will surely cause many women to flock to the theater for second viewings.
I enjoyed “The Vow”. Will it ever be nominated for an Oscar? No. Is it dripping with cutesy emotion and warmth? Certainly. “The Vow” opens nationwide Friday the 10th. If you appreciate corny, romantic films every once in a while (especially around Valentine’s Day) then go see it. If you vehemently loathe any kind of girly romantic movies with a blazing passion, then stay away. I feel like I must add that “The Vow” IS a step in the right direction when it comes to the stereotypically sappy films that come around Valentine’s Day each year. The film is better than the usual whatever-the-latest-Nicholas Sparks-adaptation is. Therefore, I’m recommending it. Ladies: don’t worry, you may not cry as much as you did while watching the trailer, but you’ll tear up, and laugh every once in a while too. Oh, and men: here’s a tip. Take your wife/girlfriend out to see the movie. Its really not that bad (unless you’re one of the people who vehemently loathes any kind of girly romantic movies) and you’re sure to get rewarded for it. Ultimately, “The Vow” is all you’ll expect a chick flick to be, but it certainly does carry a unique charm. Sit back, relax, and check it out.