Posted 8:16 am Sunday, March 07, 2010
What Movies Should Every Girl See?
Last week we discussed essential movies boys should see on their journey to manhood.
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The responses were outstanding, and all who submitted suggestions will receive prizes. The outpouring of quality information was so rich, we compiled it for easy reading.
On our TylerPaper.com home page, where the "Is It Just Me?" columns are regularly located, look for the reader responses. Others can share in the reviews and values our readers submitted with their suggestions.
This week, we naturally need to explore the movies young women should see to finish their journey to become women. My conversation started with my daughter, Rachel, 15. Her first two suggestions were "A Walk To Remember" and "Mean Girls." Then my oldest, Sarah, 20, insisted over Rachel's objections to include "The Sound of Music."
Is there a girl in the world who has seen "The Sound of Music" and not dreamed of being Maria waltzing down the aisle toward her beloved? Or wearing that dress in that church? Elizabeth, my wife, loves "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Steel Magnolias."
I've known some Southern women in my life like Shirley MacLaine's brilliant Louisa "Ouiser" (pronounced "Weeza") Boudreaux. The nasty disposition she wore was only a cover for the deep sentiment she shared for all around her. Her statement about Southern women being afflicted with the sentence to wear straw hats and grow tomatoes they don't care to wear or eat is one for the ages.
"Weeza" demonstrates the strength of a woman lies in her tenderness no matter how dour the exterior.
Diana says "Breakfast At Tiffany's" is essential for any list of girl movies. Perhaps a comprehensive list of Audrey Hepburn movies for girls is as important as an exhaustive list of John Wayne movies for boys.
If we peer into the soul of movies appealing to women, there seems to be a pattern of deep friendships and intimacy between individuals, male and female. A camaraderie that suggests ramming the car of a smart aleck parking space thief in a grocery store parking lot should not only be legal, but repeatable.
These stories illustrate the feelings of pain and passion as they connect the audience with the hero or heroine.
Then I turned to my students in Dr. Busby's graduate journalism class at The University of North Texas. Mary was quick to add "Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood" and "Beaches" (one of my favorites).
Rebecca added "Beauty and The Beast" and "Pride and Prejudice." She said, "Every girl should be familiar with at least this Jane Austen story.
The hard-core Austen fans insist that the six-hour one is the only way to go, but I think both have something to offer."
Elise said of "The Little Mermaid," "Every little girl I know was shaped by this movie at some point in her life and learned valuable lessons. Rebelling from daddy, not accepting gifts from strangers, making your own mark on the world, and not getting by on just good looks -- you need a voice, too!"
Then she recommended "Ever After" with this review: "Very memorable and influential. It takes the story of Cinderella and treats it as if it was a truly factual event that occurred in the Middle Ages, thereby giving every girl the impression that she could have, at one point, really been Cinderella. Great storytelling."
Amanda said, "'Erin Brockovich' is one girls should see to get inspiration!"
After the excellent responses from last week, it is time for the women to help me compile the essential list of movies every girl should see. Help me define that moment that puts a smile in your heart and a tear in your eye. You know, the one that we guys tend to ruin by asking you what is wrong or thinking it was something we did. And you look at us and say, "You just don't get it!"
The prize for each respondent this week will be a $10 donation to the Susan G. Komen Tyler Race for the Cure. This will be in addition to any amount already committed by our company for sponsorship up to $2,500.
Tell all your friends to send their suggestions to isitjustme@tylerpaper.com or by fax to 903-596-6344 or by mail to Movies That Help Young Women Become Ladies, 410 W. Erwin, Tyler, TX 75702.
When we get the lists compiled for boys and girls, we may have a contest for you to vote on your favorites.
And don't worry. We also will be compiling a list of books, an important note brought to my attention in the last week by my sister and my editor.
