I like rewatching movies I watched when I was in school or college as it reminds me of a time when life was simple, besides filling me with nostalgia of an age when my biggest worries were finishing the homework, getting permission to use the landline phone, and not having enough pocket money.
Most of the movies that are being made today are so elaborate that the charm of a straightforward story is sometimes missing. There is so much happening that it confuses you. Even simple romances have grand settings and convoluted plots. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that but compared to the movies I grew up watching, I find movies today to be unrealistic and over dramatic.
Recently, thanks to all the OTT platforms available today and the relaunch of old movies in high definition, I’ve gotten to enjoy some of my favorite Julia Roberts’ movies. These have calmed my overactive mind and soothed my soul and this week I’m recommending three of those movies because I feel everyone could do with a little cheer in their lives.
Notting Hill
The movie was released in 1999 and features Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in leading roles. It’s essentially a love story of a small town British bookseller (Grant) and a famous American actor (Roberts). It’s funny and heartwarming, with all the hallmarks of a classic romance, including but not limited to unexplained attraction, heartbreak, deceit, and finding your way to the one you were meant to be with despite the circumstances. The dialogues are witty and all the actors are convincing in their roles. You might be able to predict the ending but it’s still enjoyable to watch it all unfold. It has a 7.2 rating on IMDb and is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Pretty Woman
Featuring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, ‘Pretty Woman’ is a 1990 film that will make you laugh till your belly hurts. I must have watched it a dozen times when I was in high school. A rich businessman (Gere) hires a prostitute (Roberts) to accompany him to social events but the trouble starts when he falls in love with her and they try to bridge the gap between their worlds. Robert shines in her role, leaving you wanting to be every bit as sassy and confident like her. The romantic comedy has a 7.1 rating on IMDb and was originally intended as a dark cautionary tale about prostitution and class divide.
Erin Brockovich
The movie is based on a true story and is a feel-good film that makes you believe in the power of sticking to what is right and following your heart. A single mother (Roberts) becomes a legal assistant and discovers that a powerful California-based energy corporation has been polluting the city’s water supply. She’s determined to see that they are punished and provide compensation to those whose health has been impacted by it. It’s a feisty movie that has you rooting for Erin all throughout. The movie came out in 2000 and got Roberts the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
