Once you become a parent, Valentine’s Day takes on a new meaning.
Where once there was a five course degustation, complete with wine and witty conversation, there’s now Netflix, the couch and a heated argument over who is going to get up and take the four-year-old for a poo #romance.
Whether flowers are your thang or you’d be happier with your partner vacuuming under the table after dinner without having to be asked, you can’t really go wrong with a movie for V-Day.
This year however, say ‘screw you’ to The Notebook and ‘I’d rather change a post-fish finger dinner pooey nappy’ to How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days. No more schmaltzy rom-coms, ladies. These are the romantic movies with a difference that we actually want to watch.
5 Romance Movies Mums Actually Want to Watch on V-Day
1. The eye candy: Magic Mike (the original OR the sequel)
Yes, there’s a chance your partner may suddenly remember that they actually have soccer training but really, is that truly a big deal? Who needs romance when you’ve got Channing in a welders mask breaking it down to some Ginuwine? #notme Magic Mike is generally appreciated more by those who enjoy the flexible yet masculine moves that can only be performed by male ‘exotic dancers’ so if you’ve got a girlfriend at a loose end, tell her to swing by and bring the ice cream.
2. The pulse racer: Fifty Shades of Grey
Yes, ‘Fifty Shades Freed‘ (the latest instalment) may have copped a beating by the critics but really, are we in it for the storyline? That’s what I thought. When Jamie Dorman is strutting around, getting his bondage on, there isn’t a huge need for dialogue. Your partner may not be as keen to press play but you shouldn’t need to bargain too hard if you Google image search ‘sexiest scenes from fifty shades of grey‘ and show him the results. We’ll leave it there.
3. The quirky one: Silver Linings Playbook
While this may stray slightly into traditional ‘rom-com’ territory, there is SO much more to this Oscar nominated piece of poignant brilliance than fluff. JLaw (Jennifer Lawrence) and B-Coops (Bradley Cooper but there’s a chance no-one ever calls him that) play characters that are ‘star crossed’ in the most modern of ways and the onscreen chemistry between the two is off the hook. Throw in a classic soundtrack and some ‘I’m not crying, you’re crying’ moments and you’re onto a Silver Linings Playbook winner that both you and your partner can enjoy.
4. The classic: Pretty Woman
There are so many contenders for this category. Narrowing it down is almost an impossible task. Bridget Jone’s Diary, Sleepless in Seattle, The Princess Bride, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, it’s a long list. Why does Pretty Woman take the prize? It’s got something to do with Julia Roberts hair (glorious), the epic lines (‘Big mistake. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now’), Richard Gere in his prime, that bubble bath but mostly, it’s just the way it makes us feel. There are so many fist pump moments intertwined with a fairy tale ending. Oh and the soundtrack doesn’t hurt the cause. ‘King of Wishful Thinking’ anyone?
5. The giggle-fest: Bridesmaids
It may not be your typical romantic movie, but any flick that celebrates the bond between girlfriends is one that gets the thumbs up from us. Bridesmaids may at times stray into ‘frat boy’ humour but it’s funny as heck with scenes and situations that leave you nodding along and recognising parallels in your own life. And the ‘food poisoning at the bridal boutique’ scene? It’s the kind of poo us mums can actually laugh at (and not have to deal with, making it all the sweeter).
Need some extra last-minute Valentine’s Day inspo? Check out our 17 date night ideas for parents stuck at home with the kids.
