While the classic movie date is beginning to verge on cliché, it certainly seems to have lasted the test of time, even with the rising trends of online streaming (and stealing) of films. But with the day of love and romance approaching and last minute connections and plans being made in time for the holiday week, here are some movies to fall back on for unplanned dates.
Endless Love
This young lovers’ drama stars Alex Pettyfer (Beastly, Magic Mike) and Gabriella Wilde (The Three Musketeers, Carrie) as the lead characters, David and Jade. The story centers on both Pettyfer’s “wrong-side-of-the-tracks” character and sheltered, privileged Jade falling passionately in love. Drama ensues when the two families try to tear them apart. It’s interesting to note that this is a remake of the 1981 Brooke Shields’ Endless Love, with nearly the same plot and almost identical character names. The premise takes from Romeo and Juliet, and, from the looks of the trailer, it appears melodramatic, but it could prove to be interesting.
About Last Night
This movie, starring Kevin Hart (Think Like a Man, Ride Along), Michael Ealy (Takers, Think Like a Man), Regina Hall (Love & Basketball, Law Abiding Citizen) and Joy Bryant (Antwone Fisher, Honey), is also loosely based on the 1986 version starring Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, James Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins. Both versions center on what happens when one-night stands develop into more substantial relationships and the problems that occur in both their friendships and their romances. Again, same basic premise and same character names but with a slightly more modern twist. Looks funny, sounds interesting and if a new (or old) comedy is what you’re looking for, this could be the movie for you and your date.
Winter’s Tale
Although not a remake of a previous film per se, by the looks of this trailer, it gives off a similar vibe like The Time Traveler’s Wife, though with a more supernatural feel. After Colin Farrell’s (Horrible Bosses, Saving Mr. Banks) character falls in love with dying Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, Albatross), he discovers he has the gift of reincarnation and sets out to save the love of his life, even though heaven and hell try to stop him. The movie is set in both the past and the present, which could make for an engaging watch.
RoboCop
Although technically not coming out on Valentine’s Day, this action-packed thriller is potential draw for those who are either more “anti-Valentine’s Day” or simply not interested in seeing a romantic film on their date. Clearly, this is a remake of the 1987 blockbuster with an updated, more futuristic look.
Claire Farrow can be reached at claire.farrow@spartans.ut.edu