Chick Flicks 2016
The Top Upcoming Chick Flicks in 2016
Although there aren’t an abundance of chick flicks lined up for a big screen release, there are more than enough 2016 romantic movies worthy of a mention and a few that may in fact be some of the top chick flicks of the year. Me Before You, in particular, looks as if it could be the year’s tearjerker.
One of the most anticipated is the 11th Nicholas Sparks adaptation, The Choice, which is set to be one of the best chick flicks of 2016 as well as one of the most romantic movies of the year. Other films in the line-up include female-focused comedies are How to Be Single and Mother’s Day. The latter is an exciting release as it sees Jennifer Aniston featured in the genre she is most well-known for starring in.
This latest big screen adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel tells the story of neighbours Travis and Gabby who experience love at first sight after Gabby moves into a house in a Southern coastal town named Beaufort. Despite Gabby’s initial apprehension when it comes to Travis’ affections, the two soon pursue a relationship together but must face a number of life-altering events that ultimately test their love for one another. The movie stars Benjamin Walker and Teresa Palmer in the lead roles and is directed by Ross Katz who produced Marie Antoinette and Lost in Translation.
How to Be Single – Release Date: February 12th 2016
As the title suggests, How to Be Single is a comedy revolving around a group of people who must deal with the problems of contemporary romance by learning how to effectively not be in a relationship and still have a good time. Alice, Robin, Lucy, Meg, Tom, and David are all singletons living in New York City but their lonely hearts prevent them from truly enjoying their freedom. They must help themselves and each other to overcome this by pursuing a life away from tradition as they learn that self-love can beat romance. The movie stars Rebel Wilson, Dakota Johnson, and Leslie Mann.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant – Release Date: March 18th 2016
With Twilight and The Hunger Games hanging up their box office gold for good, Divergent is the last teen sensation in town. Granted, it may lean towards the former in critical mockery, but that doesn’t keep Shailene Woodley’s daring Tris from pulling in big numbers time and time again. This time, as the first in a two part finale based on the book series, our hero is forced to venture past the ruined walls of Chicago in order to battle the oppressive powers that be. Joined by teen heartthrobs like Miles Teller, Zoe Kravitz, and Ansel Elgort, this CGI spectacle is one of the many epics arriving in theaters this year.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 – Release Date: March 25th 2016
The original My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) was such a surprise smash hit that it’s since developed cult classic status. As such, it’s both exciting and slightly nerve racking to see writer/star Nia Vardalos return a decade later with this anticipated sequel. Tula (Vardalos) and her husband Ian (John Corbett) are now married and have a child, but issues arise and they’re forced to overcome financial concerns, family drama, and an impending wedding with the biggest Greek flair imaginable. Directing duties have since been switched to Nanny McPhee (2005) filmmaker Kirk Jones, but the fun-loving spirit of the original seem to be front and center for a whole new generation.
The Boss – Release Date: April 8th 2016
Melissa McCarthy just can’t miss. The run of success she’s had in the last few years; starting with Bridesmaids (2011) and continuing with The Heat (2013), Identity Thief (2013), and Spy (2015), have been second to none in female-drive farce. Newest outing The Boss keeps the hot streak going, as the comedy fireball plays a business titan sent to jail for insider trading. Once out on parole, the busy-body finds trouble establishing herself, until an opportunity to lead a girl scout gang to success ignites a spark. Co-starring Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage, and McCarthy’s offscreen husband Ben Falcone (who also directs), The Boss is aptly titled proof of the comedian’s stardom in Hollywood.
Mr. Right – Release Date: April 8th 2016
A plucky young woman (Anna Kendrick) with bad taste in men finally finds “the one” in charming older guy Francis (Sam Rockwell). Unfortunately, for her, the streak continues and Francis turns out to be a professional assassin with an unlikely M.O. – killing the clients who hire him. This obviously throws a hitch in things for bewildered Martha, who is soon caught up in an eclectic cast of Tim Roth, Anson Mount, and The RZA. Still, the poor girl struggles to maintain her relationship with Mr. Right while he does the undeniably wrong. Helmed by Spanish director Paco Cabezas, it’s an utterly unique outing with rom, com, and gunfire to boot.
Mother’s Day – Release Date: April 29th 2016
Mother’s Day features an all-star cast and tells the stories of a selection of mothers who all have different intersecting lives that eventually come together in a grand finale. The film’s big names include Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, and Hilary Duff. The movie sees the casting of Jennifer Aniston, who has inadvertently become the post-millennial figurehead of the romantic comedy genre. Mother’s Day is also directed by Garry Marshall who has many decades worth of experience in the genre, having directed part of the The Odd Couple TV series, as well as movies like Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries, and Valentine’s Day.
A Bigger Splash – Release Date: May 4th 2016
Marianne Lane (Tilda Swinton) is a famous rock star with a dashing photographer boyfriend (Matthias Schoenaerts). The unorthodox duo hightailed it down to an Italian village, where an attempt to relax goes awry after the arrival of old friend Harry (Ralph Fiennes) and daughter Penelope (Dakota Johnson). Given it’s title as a French-Italian erotic thriller, there will be plenty of scandal and scantily clad women to make viewers sit up and take notice – though the outright acting chops of Swinton, Fiennes, and Schoenaerts will keep it from being strictly a skin flick. Director Luca Guadagnino, last seen with 2010 outing I Am Love, knows full and well what he’s doing, and audiences everywhere will reap the benefits.
Maggie’s Plan – Release Date: May 20th 2016
Romantic comedy, Maggie’s Plan concerns itself with a young woman, who is also the movie’s titular character, played by indie star Greta Gerwig. Maggie decides that she would like to have a baby which she will raise as a single mother. Unfortunately, her dream doesn’t quite go to plan as she finds herself romantically entangled with a married man named John, played by Ethan Hawke who is 13 years her senior. However, after essentially destroying his marriage, Maggie starts to believe that John and his wife, played by Julianne Moore, might’ve been perfect for each other all along.
Equals – Release Date: May 26th 2016
Another Twilight Zone sampler, this time delving into the advent of emotions and dystopian oppression. Existing in a society where medication eradicate human desire, illustrator Silas (Nicholas Hoult) stumbles upon an infection that leaves him an outcast. Struggling to find his place as an individual of feeling, the young man joins forces with a fellow infectee (Kristen Stewart) before setting off on a hectic escape plan. Co-starring Guy Pearce (Memento) and Jacki Weaver (The Fighter), Equals is a startling experience of romance and undying human will – stylishly directed by Drake Doremus (Like Crazy, The Beauty Inside). Not so much com to the rom, but enough brevity to outlast any genre boxes with ease.
Me Before You – Release Date: June 3rd 2016
Another chick flick based on a bestselling romance novel, Me Before You follows the life of a girl named Louisa, played by Emilia Clarke, who is assigned the task of taking care of a paralyzed road accident victim. During the caring process she finds herself bonding with the man as she learns more about him and the life he once had. Sam Claflin plays the wheelchair-bound William Traynor who has lost his girlfriend, his job, and everything he once enjoyed about life. Me Before You is the feature film debut of British theatre director Thea Sharrock.
The Intervention – Release Date: August 26th 2016
The glorious weekend getaway is typically a big no-no when it comes to romantic bickering and relationship salvaging. Naturally, this classic practice continues with four unified couples at a lavish resort. It’s all hunky-dory with spa days and complimentary drinks, until one of the couples discover the trip is in fact an intervention on their marriage. Not the kind of sweet sound one cares to hear when sporting a bathrobe. Actress Clea DuVall (Girl Interrupted, 21 Grams) steps up as first time director, and her tender touch keeps a cast of Cobie Smulders, Alia Shawkat, Ben Schwartz, and herself nimble with emotional authenticity. It might not be a blockbuster romantic outing, but this mild indie effort will most certainly find a cult audience in the future.
Passengers – Release Date: December 21st 2016
Set adrift on a spacecraft traveling great distances, Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) is accidentally awaken when his sleep chamber malfunctions. Lonely, and faced with the possibility of living the rest of his life alone, the astronaut awakens another passenger (Jennifer Lawrence) for stout companionship. Directed with panache by Academy Award nominee Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game), Passengers looks and sounds like a big-budget rehash of a Twilight Zone episode in the best way possible. Megastar duo Lawrence and Pratt will provide enough charisma to heat an entire solar system, and as such, their likable starpower will drive fans to the theaters in droves.