Find love on Valentine’s Day the easy way–on DVD

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
February 14, 2003

Valentine’s Day is here and we’ve been there, done that–and may not have had a particularly good time at it, either. So how about settling on a sure thing: a delicious take-out dinner (including a nice dessert, of course) from your favorite restaurant and renting a good DVD or two. It doesn’t matter if you’re in love or out. Here are some selections to please every movie palate.

MODERN ROMANCECoupling–Season 1 (Warner Home Video): Think of this as the British television equivalent of “Friends,” only a little dirtier and sexier. Each episode perfectly dissects the lives of six 30ish Londoners who are either each other’s exes or best friends. Never mind that in real life, that would more likely lead to carnage than carnal knowledge, but these Brits seem to walk the fine line between love and hate. The first episode sets the tone for the season: Jane refuses to acknowledge Steve’s attempts to dump her. Boyfriend by default? We’ve dated worse.

The Object of My Affection (Fox Home Entertainment): Paul Rudd is probably the only man in America who’d turn down Jennifer Aniston. But then again, this is just a movie. Rudd (who now appears on “Friends” as Phoebe’s boyfriend) portrays a gay man who is the unobtainable object of Aniston’s affection. When she gets pregnant by an indifferent boyfriend, she decides to raise the child with Rudd rather than the baby’s father. The ending is a little saccharine, but a little sugar overdose isn’t such a bad thing on Valentine’s Day.

Angel–Season One (Fox Home Entertainment): “Buffy” fans will remember that Angel went quasi “bad” after falling in love and consummating his relationship with the vampire slayer. The first season–the best, if you ask us–features all 22 episodes and shows how the renegade vampire came to become a private eye of sorts. The bonus featurettes and interviews with the actors are mildly interesting, but it’s the show itself that takes a big bite of your attention.

Sweet Home Alabama (Touchstone): Reese Witherspoon is torn between her rich, high-society fiancee and her first love, to whom she still remains married. He still loves her and, convinced that she still has feelings for her, won’t give her a divorce. Who loves whom is obvious. While the plot won’t surprise anyone over the age of 16, it’s well executed and irresistibly cute. Note to men: Do not be intimidated by the proposal scene at Tiffany’s. Real women don’t expect that kind of treatment. We just dream about it.

UNLIKELY COUPLESKissing Jessica Stein (20th Century Fox): Taking LUGS (Lesbians Until Graduation) one step further, this film presents a charming, different kind of love story. Jessica Stein is a straight New York copy editor who–after dating one loser guy too many–decides to give women a shot. She answers an ad written by a bisexual woman, who becomes a friend as much as a lover. Without preaching or making any political statements, “Kissing Jessica Stein” shows that romance doesn’t always come in the standard package.

Dogfight (Warner Home Video): What starts out as a cruel joke turns into a touching love story, thanks to the superb acting by its stars (the late River Phoenix and Lili Taylor) and director Nancy Savoca’s adept touch. Phoenix plays a Marine who participates in a “dogfight”–a contest in which the man with the homeliest date wins. Taylor plays the shy waitress he picks who’s flattered by his attention but doesn’t completely trust him. The beauty of this film is they share a heartbreakingly sweet romance but don’t end up happily ever after.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (HBO): OK, we know what you’re thinking: What’s so unlikely about Nia Vardalos and John Corbett? Not much, except the whole premise of the movie is that her Greek-American family is dead set on her marrying a Greek. And Corbett’s a lot of things, but he’s definitely not Greek. Their romance is modern but charming and should ring a familiar note to anyone who has dated someone from a different ethnic background.

STORYBOOK ROMANCERomeo and Juliet (Paramount): There has never been a better romantic movie than Franco Zeffirelli’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting–real teens at the time (what a concept!)–the film is a faithful rendition of Shakespeare’s tragic play. Though the relatively inexperienced young actors at times are overzealous in their roles, they both are strikingly beautiful and convey the awkwardness of first love. The costumes are gorgeous and the music evokes the appropriate emotions. There aren’t many extras on this DVD, but the movie is more than enough to hold your attention.

The Princess Bride (MGM): This adaptation of William Goldman’s superb book gets a light touch from director Rob Reiner. He effortlessly spins the tale of Buttercup (Robin Wright, before she married Sean Penn) and her faithful farm boy Westley (Cary Elwes). Chris Sarandon is wonderful as the evil Prince Humperdink, who forces Buttercup to marry him. The latest DVD edition includes new interviews with all the principal actors. There’s also exclusive footage shot by Elwes during the making of the film.

Ever After (MGM): Before “Charlie’s Angels,” Drew Barrymore was showing some major grrrl power in this kinda/sorta interpretation of “Cinderella.” When her wealthy father dies, she is left to care for her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. When she meets her Prince Charming, she helps him escape from a band of robbers by literally walking off with him on her back.

FAMILY FUNA Little Romance (Warner Home Video): Diane Lane won an Oscar nomination for her work in “Unfaithful.” In “A Little Romance,” which was made 24 years ago, an adolescent Lane portrays a bright American girl who experiences an innocent flirtation with a French boy that transcends puppy love. When her mother objects, the young couple decides to seal their love for each other by sharing a kiss at sunset … in Italy. The story is perfect enough for the little ones, who’ll enjoy the adventure element. As for us adults, it brings us back to a time when a kiss could solve even the most complicated problems.

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (Paramount): Who can resist the antics of the Peanuts gang? In this episode, poor hapless Charlie Brown waits to receive Valentine’s Day cards, while Linus buys candy for his teacher. Charlie Brown’s sister, Sally, mistakingly believes the chocolates are intended for her and enlists help in creating a special Valentine for her not-so-secret crush. The DVD also includes a couple bonus episodes: “You’re In Love, Charlie Brown” and “It’s Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown.” There’s also an interactive game, but it’s little more than a commercial for the upcoming “Charlotte’s Web 2.”