Love is a Many Splendored Thing...

...especially if you've got a 'chick flick' to watch and your favorite guy by your side. Bring on the Red Vines, M-n-M-'s, plain and peanut, Milk Duds, Mike and Ike's, Junior Mints and plenty of popcorn. Here are Joy and Phil's Valentine's Day movie recommendations.

Who can reisist Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in "You've Got Mail'? Her hair is perfect, she owns a bookstore, the dialogue is witty and clever, Tom Hanks plays the bad-guy-turned-good-guy-turned-love-interest to a tee, and it reminds us that 'daisies are the friendliest flowers.' Everytime I see the end I get goosebumps. By the time Somewhere Over the Rainbow starts playing and she sees him coming towards her with his dog, I am crying like a baby. She says, "I wanted it to be you. I wanted it to be you so badly." And in true big-screen hero style he wipes away her tears, and says, "Don't cry, Shopgirl." Of course, they kiss in a field of flowers and life is once again perfect for Meg and Tom. Perfection on the screen. Every time.



"High Society" starring Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and the lovely and timeless Grace Kelly. Great music...beautiful clothes...mansions and swimming pools...and the chance to go sailing with Bing Crosby on the 'True Love'. This movie is classic. It never gets old, only better with time. Kind of like wine, but I wouldn't know. I don't drink wine. Try talking with Grace Kelly's 'noveau riche' accent for a few minutes. It always makes me feel so much classier than I really am. It's a good dream. I mean, who doesn't want to be like 'Grace Kelly'? (See playlist song #20)

My all time favorite movie for Valentine's Day is Return to Me with David Duchovney, Minnie Driver, and the hilarious Bonnie Hunt, David Alan Steer, and James Belushi. This is one amazing ensemble cast. Too many funny lines to quote, although I will share, "Grace has Bob's dead wife's heart" and "Look, kids, Sammy Sosa!" Again, this movie makes me laugh and cry and rejoice in good old-fashioned love stories. Don't forget about those funny old men, including the late, great Carroll O' Connor. Their discussions concerning Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra ("Frankie never hit anybody. His people did, but he did not") crack me up every time. Plus this movie always makes me want to go bowling in a cool bowling shirt. What's more romantic than bowling? I just can't think of anything! And the piece de resistance...a Soundtrack TO DIE FOR! You haven't lived until you've heard Dean Martin sing "Return to Me"...it makes you want to fly to Italy right now and ride a cool bike with a nun!

Out of five stars, I give it 10***********

*Also recommended...Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, Pillow Talk, The Thrill of It All, Send Me No Flowers, Sabrina (either version) and That Touch of Mink!