Reaction: Steel Magnolias

I think we did it! I think he may have liked it....let's get Sean's opinion on our very last chick flick.
Our last movie? Ready yourself…

Get ready to take my man-card -- I loved it! This film was the antithesis of all the movies I struggled to get through.. it was real! Throughout this challenge I found myself thinking “this would never happen in real life” and rolling my eyes a lot, but this movie was heart-warming, inspirational, and did I mention – real!?! I laughed, I cried, and even felt suspense.. I didn’t know what that wacky Sally Field was gonna do next J Ok, just kidding about that last part.

Why do women like this movie? …Probably for the same reason I do! I see it as a tribute to strong women everywhere. That being said, behind every strong woman in this movie.. was a loving, supportive man J

Good choice for a closer, ladies. Well done.

Last One!! Movie #15

STEEL MAGNOLIAS!!

Yes we have to end with a classic!

Hopefully Sean has a bit of love left for the chick flick so he can enjoy this one whole-heartedly :)

I love this one...you can still find it at the video store - and if you have never seen it watch it - it is a great way to end our challenge!

Reaction: Sleepless in Seattle

So - it was a classic last night...Sleepless in Seattle....think Sean liked it?

Read his response below:
I feel like I should start by saying.. I'm chick-flicked out. I think if I would've watched this movie on your average Wednesday night, I would've enjoyed it more than I did. For the 2nd night in a row, we have a man who has lost his wife...and he (or at least his character) is irresistible to women. Do women like men who are grief stricken? Do women like men who they feel sorry for? Or is it that the emotional vulnerability that goes along with losing a spouse? There's even an episode of Seinfeld about this.. Jerry does a sociological experiment and pretends to be a widower? And guess what.. he, again is irresistible to women.. what gives? I don't have the answer, but I sure do have lots of questions...

Movie #14: Sleepless in Seattle

Ok - we are ending with 2 classics that Sean has never seen....tonight's is Sleepless in Seattle. (It looks weird when I spell Seattle...every time I spell it it looks weirder...)

I think Sean will fall hopelessly in love with this film...or maybe it will turn out like last night's where he just doesn't get it at all...we shall see.

You may have this at home...dust it off, and let's watch together....Enjoy!!

Reaction: Return to Me

Sean watched my ultimate favorite chick flick last night.

What did he think of it? His thoughts follow:

Good movie.. but so far removed from reality. I screamed at my TV more than once: "This would never happen!!" But again.. a nice feel good film!Why do women like it? Well, that's easy.. It's a beautiful story. Very touching. Guy's wife dies and he winds up falling in love with the transplant patient who gets her heart. Really beautiful, but again I say.. "This would never happen!!."Here comes a big disconnect... It was a beautiful story, but as far as a walk away lesson, moral, etc -- it didn't happen for me.. because (one more time).. "This would never happen!!" Mandy?

I think women think that it may actually happen! (this is Mandy speaking) Maybe deep down we know that it could never be...but we are still able to connect in a way that men might not...yes, when we have to relay the plot it sounds ridiculous coming out of our mouths, and yet we still love it.

I think that may be why women watch soap operas...it is an escape. The stories are crazy as the day is long but they connect to their characters...I don't know - I don't get why my husband loves James Bond movies...those whould never happen, but he owns 'em all :)

Movie 13: Return to Me

This is gonna make alot of the people on facebook very happy...I'm listening ladies!!! :)

This is one of my favorite, nope, this is my favorite chick flick....I have seen it too much probably. It is my "sharing movie" - if anyone says...Oh I've never seen that...I give it to them as a gift or let them borrow mine...but that is rare b/c I don't want to lose my copy :)

If you have not seen it - we found it on netflix or they still sell it many places...it's not that old :)

Enjoy!!

Reaction: My Life

So I was wrong...Sean did not enjoy it. Maybe he is overloaded on chick flicks and if he watched this at a different time he would cry like a baby. It is possible he just didn't like it. I don't understand :) Here is his response:

First of all.. this movie wasn't very funny. Kidding. I know it wasn't supposed to be. Actually, it was super slow.. (I dozed off a few times).. and you're just waiting for the inevitable... the main character is going to die. The whole movie is about him filming a video of himself for his yet to be born son. Kind of like watching Titanic, I suppose.. you're just waiting for the inevitable.. you know the ship is going to sink (that being said.. I think Titanic was a much better movie overall, but I digress). Once the main character is given a terminal diagnosis, he does his part to repair broken family relationships, he strives to leave a lasting impressions on friends and co-workers, and he really begins to make every moment count.. especially those shared with his wife. Bottom line: none of us are promised tomorrow.. we should live like we're dying everyday. We spend so much of our time thinking about the past or worrying about the future, and we miss the miracle of THIS moment.. and this is the only moment we're guaranteed.

Movie #12 My Life

This may not be one you have heard of - I saw it in high school...I know - this makes me old.
If you asked me what movie made me cry the hardest...it would be this one. I still can't think of a time I cried harder during a movie...so sad.
It may be hard to find - I wrangled it up on netflix...but it is worth the trouble - so good.
Hopefully Sean feels the same way :)
If you would like to watch this movie - it stars Michael Keaton and Nicole Kidman...enjoy

Reaction: 500 Days of Summer

so we are almost done with the chick flick challenge...I'm sad.

Sean may be happy :) but I am sad. I want this to go on everyday until infinity :)

Yesterday's moive was 500 days of Summer. Here is Sean's response:

Well this movie was different. It was perhaps the most unique chick flick I’ve watched so far… That being said, some elements are a little on the crude side… but I did find a redeeming/hopeful message to walk away with…The main character in the film loses his girlfriend of sorts (which feels like the worst thing). It’s almost as if he believes that he’ll never feel “normal” again.. that he may never emerge from the valley. But guess what… he learns in the valley, he grows in the valley, and in time… he comes out of the valley. We’ve all had valley periods.. where we think we’ll never feel “normal” again… Maybe it’s death of a loved one, divorce, a job loss, sickness, etc... But if you’re a follower of Christ.. whether you’re in a valley or on a mountaintop today.. the Lord is with you. And when you trust in Him, you have the assurance that the worst thing will never be the last thing.

Movie #11 500 Days of Summer

So when Nick Waters (the guy we got the idea from for the Chick Flick Challenge) was picking his movies - this one was on his list....Sean has not seen it yet so he asked that it be added to our list. I remember watching this in the theater with my sisters - and there were 2 other chicks there...so I know this is a chick flick...my sisters loved it, I thought it was ok...I am undecided how Sean will feel.

Haven't seen it? Watch it with us this weekend....we'll talk about it on Monday!

Reaction: Everybody's Fine

Still not sure if this is a chick flick...I think the jury is still out - but the concensus is that it was a good movie with a lot of life lessons...and i do believe Sean said he teared up one time :) Here is Sean's takeaway from last nights flick: Not sure this qualifies as a chick flick, which is probably why I liked it more than some of the others! JBottom line take away… people want to feel needed. The film shows an older gentleman traveling across the country.. visiting his grown kids. They’re dishonest with him and act almost as if his visit is a bother. He just wants to feel loved and needed.. like even though their grown, they still need their daddy. I feel much the same way about our walk with God sometimes… we’re dishonest.. we try to hide things from him and we act as if prayer, serving others, etc… we act as if those things are a bother. Just as the father figure in this movie wants his kids to come to him with child-like dependence and appreciation… God wants the same from us.

Movie #10: Everybody's Fine

Is this a chick flick? That is a good question. I think it is - it is a new movie - out in theaters over Christmas and we wanted a "little known" movie on the schedule.
Sean is watching Everybody's Fine tonight - I know March Madness is upon us so your tv may be booked for the next few weeks...but if you can squeeze it in - you may really enjoy this movie.

Reaction: The Proposal

I knew Sean would like this flick...it has Betty White - of course he is going to dig it...
Though there are take aways in this movie...both things to do and things not to do....overall it was a good movie and Sean's review follows:
I like Sandra Bullock. I love Betty White. So, naturally… this movie gets an A+ in my book. This is quite possibly the most “guy friendly” chick flick in our challenge so far… And there are a multitude of lessons one can extract from this film, but none quite so obvious as (drum roll please)… HONESTY! Sandra Bullock’s character is about to be deported.. and to prevent that, she pretends to be engaged to Ryan Reynolds character. They have to convince both the immigration folks and their families of their “love.” As is often the case… one lie just leads to another. The Bible says “the truth will set you free.” – obviously the ultimate truth of Christ will set you free… but even beyond that, simply being honest with those we’re in relationship with – that will set you free too. By the time the movie is over, the characters seem to be completely imprisoned by all of their lies. Just as there often is in life.. there’s a breaking point in the film where the truth comes out.. and fortunately in this case, there’s forgiveness and reconciliation – and while you always hope for that in real life.. it’s not guaranteed. I came up with a phrase that we can all walk away with.. and it even rhymes. Ready? Here it is.. “honest is the best policy.” Ok, so maybe I didn’t come up with that, but whatevs… it’s good!

Movie #9 The Proposal

Time for another "newer flick" - this one was recommended by you and I think Sean will like it.

It has Betty White in it - and Sean loves him some Betty White :)

The Proposal came out a year ago - I remember having a girls night out with some friends and checking this flick out - I sat next to a guy with his lady and he laughed harder than all of us - so that should be a good sign for Sean.

If you haven's seen The Proposal....watch it with us tonight! You can get it at Redbox or Blockbuster and enjoy with us tonight...with fruit -after the cake - i want to balance it out with something healthier :)

Reaction: Win a Date with Tad Hamilton

I think Sean may be getting burnt on the chicky flicks :) He thinks that most are predictable... I would agree that they have a certain formula but that doesn't stop me from loving them :)

Here is Sean's response to Win a Date with Tad Hamilton:

Ok, it goes without saying at this point that chick flicks have a formula. Girl and boy.. something happens to break them apart.. something happens to bring them back together. The circumstances are different in each case, but that's the basic formula. So to say this movie is predictable would be a gross understatement.The big take away? It seems to me that women value transparent communication a little more than men do.. at least when it comes to emotions and feelings... Maybe guys don't like to feel emotionally vulnerable, but you know what -- sometimes we need to.. and I think that vulnerability just might even be attractive to a lot of ladies.This is a classic story of boy almost losing girl because he fails to speak up about the feelings he has for her. So, bottom line... speak up. If you care about someone and you're not in relationship with them, but you'd like to be ... but especially if you're already in a relationship with them -- communicate, let them know what you're feeling. So many people fail to communicate effectively and as a result they hold a lot of bitterness, pain, etc inside.

Movie #8 WIn a Date with Tad Hamilton

Ok - if you haven't seen this movie - you are missing out!

This is a lil gem I found a few years ago and I just love it love it love it :)

If you are looking for a movie this weekend - may I recommend this one? Just so cute :)

Sean is going to watch it tonight - not sure he is going to like it - might be a little too syrupy sweet but we shall see!

Watch it with us...pretty sure you can still get this at any movie store!

Peace out kittens!

Reaction: Dan in Real Life!

Controversy a brewin'!!

Seems that some feel Dan in Real Life is not a chick flick...ok maybe...I see your points - though I am still going to weigh on the side of chick flick only because I found it in the romantic comedy section of the video store :) I have to side with the Blockbuster experts :)

Here is Sean's review of the film:

Liked it! But then again.. Steve Carell could sit on camera and read the phone book and I'd be entertained.That being said, I struggled a little bit "learning" much from this movie... what I observed, however, was the deep family connection in the film. There's some... how you say -- family drama up in here.. and you get a peek into what family life should be and really would a marriage could hopefully be -- you can go through just about anything together.. and after -- you're still together.

Movie #7 Dan in Real Life

Some have said today's movie choice is not a chick flick - I have to disagree.
Any movie that can make me cry and laugh and get all weepy - I have to put it in the chick flick category :)
If you haven't seen it....Dan in real life is a great story of family and love and more - :)
Grab some cake (I want cake) and enjoy the movie :) We will discuss it in the mornin'!
Bye Kittens!

Reaction: Fever Pitch!

Ladies and Gentlemen...we have a winner!
Sean liked Fever Pitch - maybe it was his love of baseball...or his seriously like of Jimmy Fallon... either way - Sean says Fever Pitch is a winner and here is his response on the film:

Of all the movies I’ve seen as a part of our chick-flick challenge so far.. this is my favorite! I laughed out loud several times and even got misty eyed once.

Jimmy Fallon’s character is an obsessed Boston Red Sox fan… so obsessed that it negatively affects his relationship with Drew Barrymore’s character. His actions seem to indicate that he values his beloved baseball team more than he values her… Perhaps with the exception of God, most women probably wouldn’t respond well to a man placing things or people above her – and rightly so. There’s nothing wrong with being passionate about baseball or any other hobby, but it seems to me that God is most passionate about people.. and so that’s what we should be most passionate about too.

Jimmy Fallon’s character is a teacher and he gets a little nugget of advice from one of his students that causes him to change his course… the student says something to the effect of “You love the Red Sox so much, but have they ever loved you back?” At this point in the film, he decides to sell his Red Sox season tickets. The girl, realizing that he’s willing to sacrifice the tickets for her… stops him from doing it. So, you have Fallon’s character saying… you’re more important to me than a baseball game and I want to sell the tickets for you.. and you have Barrymore’s character saying.. I know how important the Red Sox are to you – don’t sell your tickets. IT’s really a beautiful picture of 1 Corinthians 13 which says… Love cares more for others than for self… It’s both parties looking out for each others interests… it’s both parties showing a willingness to compromise… and that’s key to a healthy relationship.

Movie #6 Fever Pitch

You picked it!

We were unsure of what movie to choose for the weekend - so we left it up to you!

Gave you the choice of Dan in Real Life, In Good Company or Fever Pitch....Fever Pitch won by a coin flip b/c at last check Dan in Real Life and Fever Pitch were tied....

Just so you know - we have a few favories scheduled for next week inlcuding Steel Magnolias and Return to Me (my ultimate fave) and My Life (that one is going to make him weep)!

So for Monday - here is the flick - Fever Pitch. It stars Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore and it is about love and baseball - so hopefully the baseball will suck Sean in and he will stay around for the love part.

Reaction: Confessions of a Shopaholic

Did you watch with us? Did you like it? As suspected, Sean wasn't that into it (i still loved it) here is his response:

I want to buy things now. Just kidding. As a graduate of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, this movie almost made me sick to my stomach :) On an entertainment value, the movie gets a D- .. but on the life lesson front, I gotta go higher.. maybe even an A.

There are obvious overtones about contentment. The main character is trying to fill some void in her life with material possessions... and yet with each purchase she seems to feel less and less satisfied. It's almost as if she's searching for acceptance and she thinks she'll get it if she wears the right clothes or has just the right look. What the character fails to realize is that true friends will accept you for you you are.. no matter what you wear, what kind of car you drive, or how you look. They like you for you and not for who you want them to think you are.

The movie also made me think of one of my favorite songs that we play on Air 1.. "God Shaped Hole" by Plumb. We all have this God shaped hole in our lives and as the song says.. it's a void that only He can fill. Trying to fill it with other things just leads to pain and frustration.

Movie Rating : C (I say this with a heavy heart - I would have given it at least a B)

Kleenex Rating: Sean didn't cry...I did...but again - I say Mighty Ducks

Movie #5 Confessions of a Shopaholic

Ok don't tell Sean...but I am not sure he is going to like this flick. I thought it was cute - and there is an obvious lesson - and yes I cried (remember - I cry at Mighty Ducks...my opinion shouldn't count) but it is a TOTAL girl movie - 100%...hopefully he can make it through :)
Tonight's movie is Confessions of a Shopaholic. It is a fairly recent release. If you have netflix - it is available as an instant view on your computer - that is how I watched it a few weeks ago. Sean taped it from the tv so he is ready for a fun night...maybe!
Join us for day #5 of Sean and Mandy's Chick Flick Challenge!!

Reaction: You've Got Mail

This movie got TONS of great feedback...and since it is considered a "classic" (that makes me feel old...so we are not going to say that) we decided to give it a try.
What was Sean's reaction? Read his response:
It reminds me of the adage… “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Meg Ryan’s character seems to have a strong disdain for Tom Hanks’ character because of his title.. because of his label (he’s owner of the big book store that’s forcing hers to close)… but once she gets to know him, she appreciates his character and actually falls in love with him. So, here’s the question/challenge for us… Are there people who we toss aside or write off because of their label? Are there people who we seem to have disdain for? People in the Bible were like this.. they wrote off tax collectors, lepers, etc… Jesus, on the other hand didn’t judge a book by its cover.. he didn’t judge these people based on their labels. Maybe it’s not a label.. maybe it’s taking the initiative to forgive and really get to know someone who has hurt you – and just like Meg Ryan’s character, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Movie Rating: I think this one gets an A...I think anything with Meg and Tom should get an A
Kleenex Rating: 1 tissue...yep Sean got a lil teary near the end - you try not to cry when Meg and Tom realize their love - I dare ya! :)

Movie #4: You've Got Mail

Ready to go back a few years?!
This movie was given GREAT reviews from our facebook friends - and I think this will be a new one to both of us....loved Sleepless in Seattle - does that mean I will like this one too?
I think these two have great chemistry - so looking forward to it on my end....Sean??....not so much. I think he is a little gun shy after yesterday's debacle of a movie - but as always - there are lessons to be learned from chick flicks and our job is to find those lessons - while enjoying the cuteness that is Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan

Watch with us! We will discuss it tomorrow!!

Reaction: Just Like Heaven

Ok - houston we have a problem....It's only been 3 days and Sean is revolting. Now granted, maybe not the BEST plot I have ever heard...but Sean was not pleased with Just Like Heaven.

Here is his response:

Just like watching paint dry.. that’s about how engaging this movie was. Seriously people. I know we’re only on movie #3 of 15, but I’ve been a good sport so far… this movie, on the other hand… is straight up ridiculous. Reese Witherspoon is brought out of a coma by some guys love.. but only after her “spirit” haunted him. I found a lesson in this one (but only because I was looking for one)…

To quote the great philosopher Kris Allen… we gotta “live like we’re dying.” Reese’s character is so consumed with work that she has little time for anything else… and then she’s involved in a nearly fatal car accident. Balance and time management are things that we all struggle with… in our relationships with others and in our relationships with God too. I make time for re-runs of the office and time for Facebook, but I’m often “too busy” to serve others or I’m “too busy” to call and encourage that friend who needs it. I think women (and men, for that matter) relate to this movie because it bears a message of second chances and of the importance of living a balanced life.. which is something both men and women battle.

Movie Rating: I give it a B - Sean - he refuses to grade it...said it deserves worse than a failing grade

Kleenex: yeah he didn't cry...I think I did the first time :)

Movie #3: Just Like Heaven

Tonight's feature is a fairly recent flick called Just like Heaven...and just like we so often do...Sean is already "pre judging" the movie based on the cover....I, for some reason, own this movie which means I either REALLY liked it at one time...or found it for 24 cents at a garage sale and could not resist...or I kept it too long at Blockbuster and ended up buying it (that is probably a very likely scenario) REGARDLESS :) Sean is not too pumped at having to watch this flick... we will see what lessons can be learned from Just Like Heaven (if any) tonight!! Join us!

Reaction: Fried Green Tomatoes

Last night it was Fried Green Tomatoes. FGT, as we like to call it, was one of my favorite chick flicks growing up and I wanted to see what Sean's reaction would be to a movie about 4 southern ladies and their journey thru struggles and triumphs...here is his response:

It turns out the movie is better than the food. I mean that. Have you ever had Fried Green Tomatoes? Disgusting!

Here's what I learned... The elderly lady at the end summed it up -- "The most important thing in life is friends." I'd broaden that and say the most important thing in life is relationships.. with God, with friends, with family...

Also.. in the movie, Kathy Bates chooses to invest in this nursing home resident and it changes her life. How many opportunites have I been presented with in my life to invest in someone.. and I've failed to do it? There are opportunities/people around us every day... people who may enrich our lives or whose lives we may enrich. I actually felt challenged after watching this chick flick.

Movie Rating? Another Solid B

Kleenex Rating? Sean did not cry in this movie...very shocked by that - I cried several times...but I have cried at Mighty Ducks before so my opinion should not be weighted that heavily. :)

Movie #2 Fried Green Tomatoes

So seeing that this is really Sean's experiement...I am making him watch one of my favorite movies, "Fried Green Tomatoes". I LOVED this movie growing up...though I will admit that I watched it not too long ago and thought it was SUPER hokey...maybe I have just seen it too much but I think Sean will enjoy it - I am sure there is a lesson to be learned there somewhere :)

If you have it somewhere...watch it with us tonight - I happened to find it on DVD but Dan Dillard our news guy said he is going to brush off his old VHS and watch it with his wife tonight so we will talk more about Fried Green Tomatoes tomorrow during the 15 Chick Flick Challenge!

Reaction: Love Happens

So movie #1 is in the books....or out of the dvd player I guess.

I have to be honest....I did not make it thru "love happens" - totally fell asleep about 2 to 3 minutes in.

Sean stayed up for the entire flick - enjoyed it - said the last 30 seconds in the BEST...

So what did we learn?

Well Sean said that Love Happens is more about a man learning about himself. Sometimes we need to know ourselves b4 trying to know someone else.

My husband stayed awake for the feature and agreed with Sean's perspective...it is easy to blame other people when you have problems or issues in your relationship...but a lot of times the problems are within ourselves!

Movie Grade: We give it a solid B

Kleenex Rate: Sean cried twice - so lets give it 2 hankies up!

Movie #1 "Love Happens"

Tonight we are watching "Love Happens"!

We got a lot of recommendations for this movie from our facebook page so we thought we would give it a try.

Sean is not the greatest fan of Jennifer Aniston, so I know this is a stretch for him :)

We both found the movie at our local redbox - so it is only costing us a buck - yeah cheap movies!

Sean is watching with a friend...my husband started out watching it with me but as I write this he is snoring up a storm... either he is tired or not a fan of the movie :)

We will discuss our responses to the film tomorrow on the show - join us then!!

Why?

Hi!

Last week, Sean and Mandy took on the challenge of watching 15 chick flicks in 15 days (weekdays that is...so 3 weeks total).

We decided to take on this challenge after interviewing Nick Waters, an Air1 listener, who watched 30 chick flicks in 30 days leading up to Valentine's Day. He took on this challenge to learn more about women...and also to strengthen his relationship with his wife....you can read about his story and his experiment by clicking here.

We were intrigued by his challenge...and the lessons learned...so we thought we would give it a try.

We will be watching one chick flick every weeknight for 3 weeks...We have taken your suggestions via our facebook page and have put together a list of great movies that you can watch with us...or just share your thoughts on the film if you have already seen them.

Thanks for your interest in this challenge!