What constitutes a "Chick Flick" ??? [Archive] - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

MsManhattan

02-09-2006, 10:08 AM

OK, being a "chick" myself, on a board largely composed of "non-chicks," allow me to ask an honest question: On what basis do you categorize a film as a "Chick Flick?"

I'm not trying to stir up any controversy here -- I am genuinely interested in your thoughts.

Personally, I am not sure how I feel about that designation. I guess if I made a feature film, which I hope to do, I'd be disappointed if it got categorized as a "Chick Flick" just because I happen to be female. I would probably feel that the term marginalized my efforts.

Someone told me recently that he hadn't been interested in seeing The Hours -- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0274558 -- because it was a "chick flick." I would definitely disagree, but because it starred three women, that's how he classified it. The book -- a Pulitzer Prize winner -- was written by a man (Michael Cunningham), and while the main characters are women, the story hinges on a male character. Anyway, this is just an example of how I find the "chick flick" classification confusing.

On the other hand, I would myself probably classify, say, Sleepless in Seattle as a "chick flick..." And when I say that, I would have to admit that I am using the term somewhat dismissively.

So, what do you consider a "chick flick" and why? Is the term a way of dismissing a film? Or simply a synonym for "date movie" or "sensitive movie" or what? And is there a male equivalent -- do you think of "shoot-em-up/blow-em-up" films as "Testosterone Joints" ???

Aaron Koolen

02-09-2006, 10:17 AM

If I had to sum it up, I'd suggest that "Any movie where there is an emotional (read, whatever we call this thing called "love") connection" - Usually this connection is between male and female, but I don't think it's necessary.

These are the sorts of films that most people I know call chick flicks. As a man, I feel it's quite an offensive term as it suggests that only women enjoy emotionally connected films. Unfortunately, like most generalisations or cliche's, it became a coined phrase for a reason - most movie watching men I know ARE emotionally disconnected :)

I say - bring em on!

Blaine

02-09-2006, 10:49 AM

I can't tell you exactly what it is...but I know it when I see it. :grin:

Some examples that come to mind:
Steel Magnolias
Fried Green Tomatoes
Terms of Endearment

I'm afraid these movies don't interest me. I was dragged to see them at the theater and I feel like the guy in the Coke commerical who gets water from the ice on his eye and his girlfriend mistakes it for a tear. :grin:

The light comedies are a little easier to take. I've seen quite a few and have enjoyed some of them. These would include: Bridget Jones' Diary, When Harry Met Sally, Notting Hill and Shakespeare In Love.

It's kinda funny. When a lady suggests she doesn't like Braveheart or Last of the Mohicans because of the violence, I explain that it's really a love story and by inference, a "chick flick." :evil:

Beat Takeshi

02-09-2006, 10:52 AM

If I walk out of the movie crying... its a chick flick. King Kong was a chick flick.

I would say I think of movies that deal with any complicated lover relationships. These movies attract women more than any other movie so I think thats why the term Chick Flick was invented.
In the case of King Kong, if you look past all of the eye candy its a complicated relationship and is probably more of a chick flick than anything but will never recieve that designation because it has action and CGI fx in it. I bet many women will not even go to see it because in their mind they will think its just another monster movie.

MrBirdBoy

02-09-2006, 11:00 AM

The opposite of the Simpson’s.

Homer, Homer, Homer, Homer ... Chant the holy name.

J.R. Hudson

02-09-2006, 03:02 PM

What constitutes a "Chick Flick" ???

It suck's? :cheesy: :beer:

Chick Flicks: trite, sappy, emotional, soap-opera-ish, cliched, melodramatic, weepy, and trivial...

Alright, alright....

I too have watched some of the lighter romantic comedies and have enjoyed them. I love When Harry Met Sally, Ghost, Working Girl, Fried Green Tomatoes, Four Weddings and a Funeral and What Women Want...

Sleepless in Seattle was nice, even some of the Kate Hudson, Jennifer Anniston films are 'tolerable' for light entertainment....

The probelm with Chick Flicks is that they are sometimes just too:

Well, this is spot on:

""I can be cute and assertive too" (http://www.filmsite.org/chickflicks.html)

and

"I'm emancipated but it's OK to long for romance, to get hung up on a guy, to obsess about mothers or children." (http://www.filmsite.org/chickflicks.html)

I don't know. They generally just suck. Too cutesy. Too formulaic. Too safe. Too White Bread. Too sugary.

MsManhattan

02-09-2006, 11:37 PM

If I walk out of the movie crying... its a chick flick.

LOL... By that definition, Saving Private Ryan could be construed as a chick flick. Of course, your definition sort of dovetails with what Aza said -- films with emotional connections. But I guess this is where I find the phrase confusing because... don't we love movies because of the emotional connection that either (A) we as viewers feel toward the characters or (B) because they are emotionaly resonant in some way. I mean, yes, obviously we love movies sometimes strictly for the entertainment value, but even the Simpsons, to borrow from Birdboy's post, can be emotionally resonant, right?

Anyway, I am learning a lot from these responses -- please keep 'em coming.

Blaine

02-09-2006, 11:52 PM

LOL... By that definition, Saving Private Ryan could be construed as a chick flick.
I think you've got it. Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart, Last of the Mohicans, Blade Runner and the list goes on and on...:shocked:

angrynerdrock07

02-09-2006, 11:57 PM

Too formulaic. Too safe.

I agree. My favorite thing is to see the actors in these films talking about how they wanted to do the film because the stories and characters were so original and like nothing they had ever seen before.

J.R. Hudson

02-10-2006, 12:32 AM

Totally Right ?

Woman (Insert job; writer, housekeeper, advertising executive, lawyer, waitress) is (single, divorced or in a dead end relationship) and meets Man (Insert job) where they generally disagree (Or are against each other for some reason, or trapped together in a situation) but love will find away as they realize they are really in the same boat.............................

Of course this is all after one of them drives the other one batty. One of them is usually a player of sorts while the other is the more grounded and real person. By the end of the film, one of them goes against their normal choice and take's a chance on love.................

Sigh (Sniff)

Jim Kilgour

02-10-2006, 01:22 AM

Chick Flick:

She cry's.

You hope no one recognizes you.

MattinSTL

02-10-2006, 06:43 AM

Hudson's got some good analysis going there. I'd say it's probably about that simple.

I feel sorry for the actors that fall into a series of those roles, because it's hard to shake it. McConaughey is about to become the next Hugh Grant.

Even Brokeback Mountain is a chick flick. (100%) I'd expound but I can't say it any better then JH just did... too effin' sugary... these are my feelings and now watch me talk to everybody about them for two hours.

spidey

02-10-2006, 06:49 AM

anything were the most of the actress are in their 50's and its a large group of them and some one dies of a diesase that comes out of no where.

Ought2bCommitted

02-10-2006, 10:41 AM

Chick flick to me.... a bunch of scantily clad silicone enhanced women having a no men allowed slumber party...the pillow fight leads to the scanty clothes coming off.... and much frolicking ensues...

Oh...wait... not that kind of a chick flick?

Then to me it's the kind of movie that only your more "sensitive" man would like, and still not admit to liking or even seeing in a bar full of his buds.

Hello, I'm Robert... I have seen...and enjoyed....even....cried...at several chick flicks in the comfort of my own home....

Ought2bCommitted

02-10-2006, 10:47 AM

Even Brokeback Mountain is a chick flick. (100%) [/I]

I really don't think those in the gay community at large would agree that Brokeback Mtn is a chick flick.

I think its narrowminded and beyond a generalization to say a movie about emotions or talking about your emotions, etc. is chick flick material. If a movie is "sugary" then its a chick flick? It has to have testosterone and explosions to be "man's movie"? Come on!

I think the whole Chick Flick label is appalling anyway. A good story is a good story period. You should be able to relate or enjoy it regardless of sex, ethnicity, etc. As a society we seem to be obsessed with keeping everyone separate again and make a point of showing what makes us all different rather than the things that make us all the same.

Fight the power!

Rick Meyer

02-10-2006, 12:53 PM

Obviously, to sum up the definition of "Chick Flick" is going to take some subjective reasoning. It doesn't mean the same thing to everybody.

To me, a "chick flick" is a much more character-driven story than a non-chick flick, which is more plot-driven.

If you take a non-chick flick, you will see that they usually have one thing in common: a lot of eye candy. However, its ironic that the eye candy in non-chick flicks is everything BUT a woman. It's usually cars blowing up, or cool special effects or funny slapstick antics. I mean, this non-chick eye candy actually BECOMES part of the story and very integral in the storytelling. The main focus on these stories is the plot. The entertainment value on these films is based on what you see, or how its told, i.e pacing, cutting, etc.

A "chick flick" has less eye candy and have plot lines that are centered around how the protagonist is "feeling". The entertainment value on THESE films are based on what you feel. Its the emotional state of the protagonist that drives the story, not the plot. In a chick flick, virtually nothing has to happen, but as long as we identify with the emotional state of that lead actor or actress, its a chick flick. i.e girl#1 meets guy. girl#1 loves guy. guy is dating girl#2 who is all wrong for him. guy dumps wrong girl#2 and hooks up with girl #1. They live happily ever after. Simple.

In a chick flick, we will find EVERYTHING out about her. How she brushes her teeth and argues about being single with her mom; at the same time. How she loves to watch her favorite TV show at night with her girlfriends by having the TV on and the speakerphone on at the same time. How she likes her coffee. Or how she paints her toe nails. What she does for a living, and so on and so on. It is a literary trick that endears us to her. Women feel like they can identify with her (or for the guys, we identify with Billy Crystal in WHEN HARRY MET SALLY for example). We know those people and are familiar with their story and since she and he are playing "US" out here in audience land, we are rooting for them and their happily ever after.

In a non-chick flick, we could care less about the little things that make up the protagonists. What does he do for a living? Who cares? Unless hes a cop trying to save the world, it doesn't matter. Even in that situation, an action hero, his job description is nearly pointless (Insert Harrison Ford movie here).

So, for me, in a nutshell, a "chick flick" is character-driven. A non-chick flick is plot driven.

I happen to like chick flicks a lot. Not because I am a wimp. But, I act. So, I can appreciate stories that give me more character information. I also prefer the tempo of films that chick flicks usually adopt. I love films that are set in small towns or focus on the microcosmic dealings with someones life. I like that 'Americana' feel behind many of them. Movies that stir up the same feelings in me that COUNTRYTIME LEMONADE commercials attempt to evoke.

But thats my bag. I'm straight and I'm sticking to it.

Hope this helps.

Rick

Ought2bCommitted

02-10-2006, 01:12 PM

Really, all joking aside, for me a chick flick is really a movie where all or most of the main characters are women. Very simple. I liken it a lot to those Lifetime movies. Their stories about women someone somewhere feels speaks to all women kind or something like that.

I just feel when you get to the heart of it, a good story has all the basic elements to make anyone relate, empathize, etc. with your characters. Everything now a days get pigeonholed even more because we're on a separtist marketing kick... for example, I wrote a story where one of the main characters was gay. All of a sudden my cool weird things happening at summer camp short story became "gay fiction"... yes, I am generalizing a bit, but so is the term "chick flick" "chick lit" etc.

I don't think its about emotions or being sappy etc. Is "Field of Dreams" a chick flick? No, and is it just because its really about Costner and his dad? Would it have suddenly become a chick flick if it were told about Costners wife and her mom?

Another reason I really dislike the term in general is that it does limit your audience at the same time as trying to streamline it. Mention "chick flick" and see how many average males go... mention Afro-American see how many Caucasians go....etc. A good story crosses all boundaries. Then again, how many of those Lifetime movies have good stories...or even stories.... hmmm....

Rick Meyer

02-10-2006, 01:40 PM

Yes, I can see what you are saying about "streamlining your audiences" and using terms like "chick flick" tends to label a portion of your audience. However, I think its unavoidable. People catagorize and generalize things. It helps us to understand it. We do this with the types of cars we drive, the types of foods we eat, types of places we live, and definitely the types of movies we watch. I think "chick flick" is a term that gets the bad rap because it borders on political INcorrectness. However, no-one has a problem with the genre labeling; suspense, horror, western, comedy, etc. So, I accept the label myself. If someone says, "it's a chick flick", I know what to expect.

I personally think FIELD OF DREAMS was a chick flick. It was unique though because instead of being a love story between a man and a woman, it was a love story between a man and the game, as corny as that sounds. And men, in general, can accept that. And Kevin Costner, when he is on, is cool.

If a "chick flick" can be defined by a movie with women in it, then CHARLIES ANGELS would be considered a chick flick. And we all know there was a lot of LOVELY eye candy in that crap movie.

That's my take.
Rick

Ought2bCommitted

02-10-2006, 01:56 PM

Yes, I do think genre labeling is necessary. I like having it broken down, like for example...(sorry, I can't stop doing literary refs because I'm working on a novel) Fiction-Horror. Maybe some slight subs as well...ghost, zombie, etc.

I remember working in a bookstore 10 years ago and being screamed at--I mean SCREAAAMMMMEEED at-by a woman who was upset that we didn't have an Afro-American section. I felt the same way then. Fiction is fiction. We don't have an Afro section, we don't have an Irish-American section, we don't have an Italian-American authors section.... FICTION. Plain and simple. My rationale again is that it gets nuts...you have an Afro-American homosexual Jewish author...where does it go???!!!!

Anyway, I would agree that Field of Dreams has many similar elements to what has become know as a Chick Flick, but it was more male slanted. And yea for me in alot of ways Charlie's Angels is a Chick Flick in the modern sense...girl power. True it will appeal to males who aren't uptight about seeing sexy girls kick butt but it is more action and therefor mainstream. If the three Angels were nuns coming to terms with life in the convent there wouldn't be a question of it being a Chick Flick...worse yet a Catholic Chick Flick. LOL.

To say like I did its central chars are all women is too broad, forgive the pun, I know... there are tons of exceptions, blah blah.... but that's part of the reason I think the whole term is ridiculous anyway. In the end its a term that turns people off because it may not be a masculine movie to see, or its going to be sappy, blah blah.

I guess in the end it doesn't matter if we call it fluff or chick stuff, people will get the same connotation (ie: type of piece it is).

Perhaps for me it is just a question of needing to constantly find a niche to exploit or pander to or to just try and sell garbage to a specific group of people by attaching their name to it.

I still don't know what a chick flick is, but I know I don't like the term. LOL!!! Sorry!

Rick Meyer

02-10-2006, 02:03 PM

Perhaps...it is just a question of needing to constantly find a niche to exploit or pander to or to just try and sell garbage to a specific group of people by attaching their name to it.

Ms. Manhattan-

I think theres your answer right there!

Rick

Ought2bCommitted

02-10-2006, 02:09 PM

LOL.
Maybe!

Here's my afterthought though... may or not help....

Shawshank Redemption... chick flick? Has many elements thematically. Set it in a women's prison...

Just for Men hair dye.... its the same freaking hair dye but they slap a super masculine dude on the box and write JUST FOR MEN in all bold caps and somehow this is okay for Joey Bagofdonuts to use on his hair instead of the Loreal 3 feet away...

Same product...slight changes....marketedly differently for a select group.

For me, that's a chick flick! A movie that someone somewhere thinks they can make appeal to women and get them in to spend their money without or with their boyfriends and husbands...

Ideally, and I stress ideally, I would hope a chick flick actually is about women and their issues and stories, but usually its not. Its just some sappy love story or disease of the week movie or woman getting even with her man movie that's been packaged to appeal to women.

Forget this. I'm going to watch G.L.O.W.... gorgeous ladies of wrestling. A real chick flick in my book! ;-)

dmc

02-10-2006, 10:18 PM

LOL.
Maybe!

Here's my afterthought though... may or not help....

Shawshank Redemption... chick flick? Has many elements thematically. Set it in a women's prison...

I hear what you're saying. There were many aspects of that film (and what a great film!) that could be considered to fall within the "chick flick" category - particularly from an emotional point of view.

That said, how would Dead Man Walking be categorized? What about Braveheart, Magnolia, Crash, Sling Blade, Monsters Ball, and The Godfather - all have HUGE emotional content. Incredible human exchanges within some very weighty subject matter. Yet for some reason, none of these are typically considered within the "chick flick" category. It seems that maybe the stakes are simply too high within the context of the film to permit the "fluffy factor" to prevail.

Interestingly enough a terrific film like "The Hours" really nails a tone that balances the gravity of the subject matter yet still retains "chick flick" status.

hmmm...

dmc

Blaine

02-10-2006, 11:14 PM

In my best John Hudson impression: "Who cares." :shocked:

Blaine

02-10-2006, 11:17 PM

Now, I'm feeling a little bad for making light of what is obviously an important point of discussion for some people... would Pookie think any less of me? :evil:

dmc

02-11-2006, 10:22 AM

Now, I'm feeling a little bad for making light of what is obviously an important point of discussion for some people... would Pookie think any less of me? :evil:

Don't get me wrong - with very few exceptions, I can't stand chick flicks!

Just thought it was kinda interesting - that's all.

dmc

Rick Meyer

02-11-2006, 03:58 PM

In my best John Hudson impression: "Who cares." :shocked:

That's pretty funny.

kimko

02-11-2006, 07:10 PM

that chicken cartoon movie? chick flick hmmm ......a bunch of women in the movie and no men (women behind bars) you know i went to the play Vagina Monologues with a girlfriend i got her the present she wanted. it was rather good but there were a few things that puzzled me. like the story where an aunt had taught this young teen (same sex) about her her special purpose.and how grateful she was for showing her in depth, hmmmm wouldn't that be molestation.

Blaine

02-11-2006, 07:12 PM

Not to mention incest. :shocked:

Brandon Rice

02-11-2006, 07:15 PM

I like "chick flicks"

Blaine

02-11-2006, 07:17 PM

I like "chick flicks"
Turn in your "man" card immediately! :evil: :grin: :grin:

Bigmagic

02-11-2006, 08:13 PM

Anything with Hugh Grant in it is definately a chick flick. I wouldn't worry about making one since it is one of the staples of the industry. Its a sexist comment on the film industry. Sad but a lot of people have to "categorize movies" so they can feel superior. I'm guilty myself. I'm also guilty of enjoying the occasional "chick flick". If its good I don't care what you call it. I enjoyed Titanic and I knew the boat was going to sink.(my daughter watched it 13 times in a theatre) Make your "chick flick" and let the chips fall where they may. Good luck.

Beat Takeshi

02-11-2006, 08:24 PM

I like them too because they have their own look to them cinematically. I love to watch them for ideas to store away for when shooting the same situations. The lighting in most "chick flicks" is very soft and elegant.

SilverWolf

02-11-2006, 09:43 PM

A chick flick is:
A: anything on Lifetime
B: anything that involves traveling pants
C: anything that involves a group of sisters and their turmoils and how they overcame them and ended up back together.
D: anything that has an all or mostly female cast and none of them shoots a gun or weapon

Brandon Rice

02-11-2006, 10:51 PM

Turn in your "man" card immediately! :evil: :grin: :grin:

It takes a real man to watch a "chick flick" and somewhat enjoy it :)

Blaine

02-11-2006, 11:29 PM

It takes a real man to watch a "chick flick" and somewhat enjoy it :)
Welll then you should be busy because tomorrow E! is having chick flick Sunday starting a 2:00pm. Then at 8:00pm they are having a show called The 50 Greatest Chick Flicks. :grin: :evil: :beer:

Brandon Rice

02-11-2006, 11:54 PM

Welll then you should be busy because tomorrow E! is having chick flick Sunday starting a 2:00pm. Then at 8:00pm they are having a show called The 50 Greatest Chick Flicks. :grin: :evil: :beer:

Wow, you just have great comesbacks for everything don't you! Well... maybe I'll catch a few of those flicks... LOL! Right now I'm on my way over to write my review on Firewall.

kimko

02-12-2006, 11:35 PM

Blaine

02-12-2006, 11:43 PM

hmmm.... now how did you know that Blaine, hmmmm......:rolleyes:
:D :D I'll never tell :cool:

Rick Meyer

02-13-2006, 06:03 AM

Shawshank Redemption... chick flick?

Well, if you buy the premise that "chick flicks" are more character driven then non-chick flicks which are more plot driven, then yes Shawshank Redemption would fall under the "chick flick" catagory. However, this film has a very pro-male audience appeal. And as an aside, this movie is just plain INCREDIBLE! So, if a film has "chick flick" elements, in terms of its treatment of characters, pacing, cinematograpy, but appeals largely to a male audience, like SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, FIELD OF DREAMS, THE GODFATHER, etc. why don't we just compromise and call these "dick flicks"?

thartley

02-14-2006, 05:54 AM

If not 'chick flick' then how about 'femme film'?

Chick Flicks to me are ones that appeal to the cerebral template that is inherently female. And we all know that men have that feminine side, which explains why some men will admit to liking some of these movies.

Chick Flicks are like soft serve ice cream. Still tasty, just a different feel.

:thumbup:

Rick Meyer

02-14-2006, 06:47 AM

david jerome

02-14-2006, 08:13 AM

kimko

02-15-2006, 12:29 AM

beachin man!

Matthew B. Moore

02-15-2006, 04:31 PM

Any movie that a guy has to go see to get the play. They can be good, I guess, but I know I went to see "Titanic" for some post-movie lady play.

thartley

02-15-2006, 05:06 PM

So was it worth paying the $7.50 for the movie ticket?

(I'm talking about the movie, you mongrels!) ;)

ericyoung

02-16-2006, 09:55 AM

For me, a guy, a chick flick would be a movie that felt strange sitting in a theatre and watching with one of my male friends. For example, a long time ago went to the movie "Beaches" with a buddy, felt strange, Chick Flick! So basically, a movie when there needs to be a chick around is a "Chick Flick". I actually really liked "Beaches."

Think this is getting close! I don't feel uncomfortable at all, but would much prefer talking it over afterwards with a woman, than with many male acquaintances, who frankly would be bored by the subject matter. :)

Would the equivalent of a chick flick by John Hudson's definition above be a "buddy movie". One wild card gets paired up with the play safe guy, but they learn to respect each other through shared trials?

ZFarms Productions

02-16-2006, 09:59 AM

this reminds me of a joke i heard... can't remember who said it but here's the joke "a chick flick is ANY film in which the woman has a speaking role"

thartley

02-16-2006, 06:05 PM

this reminds me of a joke i heard... can't remember who said it but here's the joke "a chick flick is ANY film in which the woman has a speaking role"

:mad:

:p

Nik Nerburn

02-16-2006, 07:40 PM

Romantic Comedy=Chick Flick.

Well, in my book, anways.

Matthew B. Moore

02-18-2006, 01:30 PM

So was it worth paying the $7.50 for the movie ticket?

(I'm talking about the movie, you mongrels!) ;)

Well, yes...but I still had to watch the movie.

blckhawk542

02-19-2006, 09:03 AM

I dont kno about u all..but i think the most highly rated "chick-flick" movie....must go to The Notebook...

I was at a friends house...we were watching the Power Rangers movie...then after that a few girls that were there were like...OMGGG WE MUSST WATCH THIS MOVIE!! ITS SOO ROMANTIC!!...right away...my manly senses came into play wen i knew i had to get out of that room that wuld soon be filled up with buckets of tears and overflowing trashcans of tissues.
Me and a few buds threw our shoes on...and tried to make it to the backdoor...but hope failed...we were trapped...and were forced to watch that movie.

I felt like Alexander 'Alex' de Large from Clockwork Orange...eyes pried open..forced to watch...

after the movie was done...i declared that the biggest "chick-flick" of all time...and then fell to the ground into a mountain of tissues.

Rick Meyer

02-20-2006, 05:50 AM

I dont kno about u all..but i think the most highly rated "chick-flick" movie....must go to The Notebook...

I don't know...I kind of liked it.

Luis Caffesse

02-20-2006, 06:43 AM

So what seprates some romantic movies from others?
Or are ALL "relationship stories" considered 'chick flicks' by most of you?

I'm thinking here of something like "Eternal Sunshine" - which was definitely all about a relationship, but I wouldn't call it a 'chick flick'....

Another kind of "relationship" movie is something like Sex, Lies, and Videotape - definitely wouldn't call that a 'chick flick'

Or something like 'American Beauty' - I wouldn't call that a 'chick flick' either.
So what makes these movies different?
Any thought?

Or am I just wrong - and you all consider those to be chick flicks as well?

Rick Meyer

02-20-2006, 10:06 AM

I think ALL chick flicks have romantic ideals, but I dont believe ALL movies with romantic ideals are chick flicks. When the stories are romanticized it doesn't necessarily make it a chick flick. The character driven story of the Shawshank Redemtion, seems to appeal to a largely to a male audience. Why? Because there are men in it? Because Morgan Freeman isn't sexy? Because it has more to do with redemption and less to do with love? Personally, I can't say for sure. But, I do believe it is a character driven movie that does NOT set its primary focus on one persons love for another person, but rather on redemption.

So far, thartley said it best.
Chick Flicks to me are ones that appeal to the cerebral template that is inherently female.

So could that be a closer definition of CHICK FLICKS; a character driven story which sets its primary plotline on the love between two people?

Rick Meyer

02-20-2006, 10:10 AM

I'm thinking here of something like "Eternal Sunshine" - which was definitely all about a relationship, but I wouldn't call it a 'chick flick'....

You got me with this one? I think "Eternal Sunshine" IS a character driven movie about the love between two people. However, I don't think it FEELS like a chick flick either? Why? If we can agree that this movie doesn't feel like a chick flick, maybe we can use it as a good model, and find the elements in it to determine what seperates this movie from the standard "chick flick" mold?

Could it be the non sexual eye candy that seems to appeal to men? i.e non-linear storytelling, VFX, sci-fi vibe of the movie?

As thartley said "Chick Flicks to me are ones that appeal to the cerebral template that is inherently female." Perhaps "Eternal Sunshine", while having many "chick flick elements, largely 'appeals to the cerebral template that is inherently male.'??

thartley, Msmanhattan...would either of you like to chime in?

spidey

02-20-2006, 10:15 AM

when women start crying as soon as the title appears. now thats a chick flick.

Blaine

02-20-2006, 10:16 AM

I think you can put almost all the romantic comedies in the "chick flick" column. I still like a lot of them, though. :o But then there are the more hardcore chick flicks. I think Terms of Endearment, Steel Magnolias, Fried Green Tomatos are some examples of this type. These I have to steer clear of, I just can't sit through them. I've been forced to try (when I was married) and I just couldn't get into the stories.

No, I don't think Sex, Lies... is a chick flick. Nor would I put American Beauty into that column. ( Am I the only person in America who hated American Beauty?)

A hardcore chick flick deals with emotional relationships and feelings. It usually requires a box of tissues, because it is invariably going to be a tear jerker.

To paraphrase a judge (I think - who was talking about pornography) "I may not be able to give you a definition of a chick flick, but I know one when I see it."

Really, I think there are two categories of chick flick:
Romantic Comedy
Hardcore blubbering relationship movies (Tear Jerkers)

Like I said earlier, I'm kind of a sucker for the romantic comedies, though. As long as I get some good laughs out of them. A bad one is like any other bad movie...bad.

thartley

02-20-2006, 10:35 AM

As thartley said "Chick Flicks to me are ones that appeal to the cerebral template that is inherently female." Perhaps "Eternal Sunshine", while having many "chick flick elements, largely 'appeals to the cerebral template that is inherently male.'??

thartley, Msmanhattan...would either of you like to chime in?

Part of what I meant was that chick flicks (to me) are the ones that pull at the feminine side of us, the maternal side, the caregiver, the part that understands what having a close female friend is all about. There does seem to be a broad (no pun intended, heh!) generalization of what a chick flick is. Its focuses less on the action and shoot 'em up, and more on the emotional side of things, but SPECIFICALLY emotions most often associated with women and/or the characteristics of female friendships and relationships (i.e. Waiting to Exhale, Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Steel Magnolias, Fried Green 'maters). To me, that's why these movies are characterized as being Chick Flicks. Its not so much that men cannot enjoy them, but they may have to dig deeper to find the parts of them that can identify with the characters and subject matter, whereas for women, we only need to blink to get it.

Blaine

02-20-2006, 10:39 AM

Part of what I meant was that chick flicks (to me) are the ones that pull at the feminine side of us, the maternal side, the caregiver, the part that understands what having a close female friend is all about. There does seem to be a broad (no pun intended, heh!) generalization of what a chick flick is. Its focuses less on the action and shoot 'em up, and more on the emotional side of things, but SPECIFICALLY emotions most often associated with women and/or the characteristics of female friendships and relationships (i.e. Waiting to Exhale, Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Steel Magnolias, Fried Green 'maters). To me, that's why these movies are characterized as being Chick Flicks. Its not so much that men cannot enjoy them, but they may have to dig deeper to find the parts of them that can identify with the characters and subject matter, whereas for women, we only need to blink to get it.
That is a VERY good explanation. I couldn't even get to the emotional point necessary to MAKE the explanation. Thanks. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif

Rick Meyer

02-20-2006, 10:40 AM

Part of what I meant was that chick flicks (to me) are the ones that pull at the feminine side of us, the maternal side, the caregiver, the part that understands what having a close female friend is all about.... Its not so much that men cannot enjoy them, but they may have to dig deeper to find the parts of them that can identify with the characters and subject matter, whereas for women, we only need to blink to get it.

Yeah, I think you are onto something here.

By the way, you look hot in your avatar.

thartley

05-16-2006, 05:26 PM

I had to dredge up this thread and post this trailer...could be the next big chick flick, so guys take note depending on what you want to get out of your date. LOL! :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

This Flick (http://thelakehousemovie.com/)

Just make sure you have a tissue on hand for her.

J.R. Hudson

05-16-2006, 05:44 PM

Damn chick flicks

ZFarms Productions

05-16-2006, 06:32 PM

that movie looks so dumb...

-zach-

05-16-2006, 08:43 PM

Some examples that come to mind:
Steel Magnolias
Fried Green Tomatoes
Terms of Endearment

I agree.
Some more:

Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde 2
Mean Girls
The Notebook
Return to Me
The Wedding Planner
What Women Want (it was definitely a chick flick)
Jersey Girl
Gigli (Who saw that?)
Sleepless in Seattle
Splash
Casablanca (good movie ,though)
It Happened One Night
Ugh... The Big Chill
Out of Africa
Pretty In Pink
Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Most of them... Eewww.

It is one sub-genre I do not care for.

z

maverickstunts

05-16-2006, 09:11 PM

Ahhh Jeessssssuussss! I saw the trailer for this last Sunday at Poseidon. Kaaaack! What a pointless movie. You would really have to want to "get some" to take a chick to this, or maybe thinking about a sex change operation.

Blaine

05-16-2006, 10:06 PM

Blaine

05-16-2006, 10:11 PM

Casablanca (good movie ,though)
While on the surface, one might think Casablanca could be a chick flick, I think it actually predates the category. Yes, it has some chick flick elements but on the whole it is just a classic movie.

thartley

05-17-2006, 03:28 AM

What did DVXuers think of this movie based on the not-so-subtle romantic trailer? Let's see. Here they come now. excuse me, Mr. Hudson (he's the first one blazing a trail from the theater!) Mr. Hudson, what are your feelings about the movie's potential based on the trailer you saw?

Damn chick flicks (never slows down for further questions)

Oh well. Ah, Ravinesedge, all the way from Hell, what did you think?

that movie looks so dumb...

I agree. It is one sub-genre I do not care for.

hmmm, and here we have Maverickstunts. How about you dear? How did this trailer hit you? Make you warm and fuzzy at all?

Ahhh Jeessssssuussss! I saw the trailer for this last Sunday at Poseidon. Kaaaack! What a pointless movie. You would really have to want to "get some" to take a chick to this, or maybe thinking about a sex change operation.
(I wonder which he's going for?)

And Blaine...*nice to see you, btw* How do you think the public will respond to this film?

OMG another Keanu Reeves movie...whoa...

Well, there you have it! If the laws of the universe hold true, and attraction continues to begin its journey in the realm of opposites, then the other half of our filmgoing community will surely find this movie, at least theoretically, immensely satisfying emotionally. Some may even wish they lived 2 years apart from thier other halfs.
Thartley, reporting for "Watch it!" Now back to whoever else is around here.

Evan S

05-17-2006, 09:30 AM

Chick Flick -
A film that indulges in the hopes and dreams of women and/or girls. A film that has a happy, fuzzy, ridiculously unrealistic ending.

according to, http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=chick+flick .

Mark Harris

05-17-2006, 10:58 AM

I dunno people, this movie has a temporal distortion!!!! I think that puts it in the guys' camp as well...

Blaine

05-17-2006, 11:09 AM

MsManhattan

05-19-2006, 11:36 AM

Wow, I am really behind on my DVXuser surfing... Glad to see this thread has been revived. I watched with a lot of interest as opinions were posted.

I still need to install Flash 8 to watch the Lake House trailer, so I can't weigh in on that one. But I have some thoughts on the term "chick flick." I certainly use it from time-to-time, usually in reference to films that are marketed directly to and primarily for women and those that clearly are likely to appeal more to women than men, e.g., Fried Green Tomatoes or Steel Magnolias -- I have no problem calling those chick-flicks.

But in general, I dislike the phrase. I think it's demeaning to the filmmakers and the film viewers, and it's a way of marginalizing a film's integrity and a fan's intelligence. And it just perpetuates the whole double-standard type of thinking that most of us are so accustomed to, we don't even realize we are operating on it most of the time.

Sorry, I'm getting off track -- don't think I don't know men and women are fundamentally different in many outward ways and some inward ways, and I relish the differences. But, getting back on the topic of film, I object to the idea that if a movie is emotional or about relationships, then it is inherently a "chick-flick."

To me, all movies are about relationships; all movies are emotional on some level. When they are not, they usually are not any good. What is the ruling tenet of good screenwriting? A scene must have conflict. And what is conflict but an emotional state or a way of putting the viewer into an emotional state? ANd if we leave the movie theater not feeling anything -- whether just pure joy from a comedy that made us laugh, or sadness, or exhilliration or fear or whatever -- then can we say we enjoyed the film? Shouldn't all art forms evoke some kind of emotional response. Isn't that what separates human from beast, regardless of gender?

And, in my view, even the most testosterone-fueled, fX-laden, plot-driven films are about relationships -- if they weren't, they wouldn't be very interesting. Examples: Terminator (while this movie has plenty of plot and fX eye candy to keep us engaged, it suceeded as a franchise because of the "relationship" between the Terminator and Linda Evans); King Kong (I don't think this requires any delineation); Star Wars (multiple relationships of interest here); etc. And yet, no one ever uses the phrase "d*ck flick" to marginalize these movies or the fans who love them.

So, while, as I said, I think some films are clearly made for, and about, women and, in these cases, can certainly see them being called "chick flicks" without insulting anyone, in general I find the term is thrown around as an insult in a context that just perpetuates negative feelings and behavior.

DISCLAIMER: Just my personal opinion. I certainly do not intend to ignite a "battle of the sexes," which I think is fruitless because the differences between men and women are what make the world go round. I dig dudes for their dudeness, and I dig dudettes for their dudette-ness, and I am the first to admit that we all exploit the differences for better and for worse. I just think that sometimes we use language without really looking at what it means in a broader context, and this is one of those phrases that -- as a person who wants to make films and tell stories that mean something to me and, hopefully, to others AND as a woman -- we should use sparingly.

LearningVideo

06-02-2006, 03:35 PM

Well, any movie that is about women, women issues, that is targeted towards women enjoyment are chick flicks.

The overwhelming majority of musicals, romance, and love story are chick flicks. Sizable majority of drama and comedy are chick flicks.

To the extent, it is easier to state what is not a chick flick.

J.R. Hudson

06-02-2006, 03:40 PM

Meg Ryan's entire career.

LearningVideo

06-02-2006, 03:43 PM

Meg Ryan's entire career.

WOW: LOL

Isaac_Brody

06-02-2006, 03:54 PM

Anything with Richard Gere or Durmot Mulrooney in it.

J.R. Hudson

06-02-2006, 04:06 PM

Richard Gere ! Yes ! What is his problem anyway ? His last good film was Internal Affairs

Anyway's Meg is a 60% Chick Flicker

She has 2 films out of 28 that even had any resemblance of a ball sack. For Meg, it is Light Comedy or Light Romantic Comedy

-

I cannot stand Julia Robert's but at least she has shown some range over the years.

In the Land of Women - (Drum Roll) Chick Flick
Against the Ropes - She looked smoking in this; but I don't understand why this film was made. A chick flick (I am woman, here me roar) disguised as a light comedy sports film
Kate & Leopold - Chick Flick
Proof of Life - Chick Flick disguised as action film. Still alright though; it has Crowe
Hanging Up - Chick Flick
You've Got Mail - Chick Flick
Hurlyburly - An interesting ensemble
City of Angels - Chick Flick
Anastasia - Chick Flick
Addicted to Love - Chick Flick
Courage Under Fire - Her best role and gutsiest
Restoration - a surprising period piece; still a Chick Flick
French Kiss - Chick Flick
I.Q. - Chick Flick
When a Man Loves a Woman - Chick Flick
Flesh and Bone - Finally choose something off the beaten path in her career
Sleepless in Seattle - Chick Flick
Prelude to a Kiss - Chick Flick
The Doors - Stone gives her her first meaty role; go down Meg ! Waaayyy down ! Bravo ! Bravo !
Joe Versus the Volcano - Light Comedy
When Harry Met Sally - Chick Flick
The Presidio - Another nice spin; when Harmon tried to be cool.
D.O.A. - A nice role; when Quaid was cool.
Innerspace - Light comedy
Promised Land - Angsty art film
Armed and Dangerous - Light comedy
Top Gun - Chick Flick
Amityville 3-D - Obligatory Lo-Budget Horror Film
60 %

CallaghanFilms

06-02-2006, 04:14 PM

...
Top Gun - Chick Flick...http://www.geocities.com/the_callaghans/emoticon-06.gif:shocked: :huh:
WTF?
You checkin' to see if we are paying attention, or what?

J.R. Hudson

06-02-2006, 04:17 PM

Okay; I guess technically it is a gay flick. http://www.geocities.com/the_callaghans/emoticon-05.gif

-

Come on. Let's be serious. I love Top Gun. Great film. Rah rah. Formulaic perfection. Iceman, Navy pilots. But it is a chick flick 100%

'Take my breath awaaaaaayyy......'

IMO

CallaghanFilms

06-02-2006, 04:24 PM

I don't know if there is an absolute definition of chick flick...
but one of the odd films (like this one) that can be quoted at length by any guy anywhere can't possibly qualify...can it?

J.R. Hudson

06-02-2006, 04:34 PM

Maybe Top Gun is Unisex ? Like Titanic ?

MattinSTL

06-02-2006, 05:23 PM

Oh my God man... don't give in! Top Gun is a TOTAL chick flick! They only threw us a bone (no pun intended) with the jet fighter action sequences... if you want to loosen your stance at least say it was intended for Tomboys.

And what's up with the criticism of somebody labeling a movie as a chick flick? I could care less if somebody calls The Matrix a guy flick... I still like it. I don't care what label you put on ANYTHING I enjoy... I don't stop enjoying it regardless of what you think.

Lakehouse? Uh... yeah... chick flick squared.

Somebody on here said it best when they mentioned all the time shifting romantic mushfests through the years... like Kate and Leopold... etc.

I think the primary difference between chick flicks and guy flicks is that chick flicks are driven by emotional ideas while they play to stereotypical female fantasies... and guy flicks are driven by situations of action, logic, and problem solving... which are the typical male fantasies.

But sex is up for grabs... it goes both ways. (okay two intentional puns that time)