LOVE ON THE SCREEN: WHICH VALENTINE'S MOVE WILL YOU WATCH?

With Valentine's Day being the main focus of February it's the perfect time to watch a great romance movie, whether with your partner, your friends, or by yourself. If you’re looking for something funny, sweet, or even a little emotional, 10 Things I Hate About You and The Notebook are two must-watch films.

JULIETA ORTIZ AND JAIDYN CALKINS ENJOYING POPCORN AND CHATTING ABOUT MOVIES; PHOTO BY LOUISE ANIEKE

10 Things I Hate About You is a fun romantic comedy with great humor, memorable characters, and just the right amount of romance. Some scenes, like Patrick singing to Kat in front of everyone, were a little awkward, but they added to the charm of the movie. Joey and Bianca’s relationship is interesting, but Bianca’s attitude in the beginning wasn’t great. Luckily, she grows by the end. Their dad is also a great character—dramatic but caring.

Joey, though? He’s arrogant and rude, while Patrick is just misunderstood. The way people talk about him without actually knowing him is frustrating, but that’s what makes his relationship with Kat so meaningful. The movie also has one of the best love confessions ever—Kat’s poem: “I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare. I hate your big dumb combat boots and the way you read my mind. I hate you so much it makes me sick; It even makes me rhyme. I hate it, I hate the way you’re always right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry. I hate it when you’re not around, and the fact that you didn’t call. But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.”

Mrs. Moore, a fan of the film, said, “Heath Ledger is smoking hot. But in all seriousness, 10 Things I Hate About You is where I found my love for Shakespeare. The movie is a modern adaptation of Taming of the Shrew, and through this film, I was able to begin appreciating the complicated writing of each character.” If 10 Things I Hate About You is a fun rom-com, The Notebook is an emotional rollercoaster. Noah and Allie’s love story is rare and unforgettable. Noah wrote her a letter every single day for a year, proving his dedication. And Allie waited seven years for him, showing her commitment. Love like that doesn’t happen often.

At first, I didn’t realize the older couple at the beginning was actually Noah and Allie—I thought he was just reading a story. But as the movie went on, it all started to make sense, and by the end, I was completely hooked. Noah never gave up on Allie, even when she got sick, which was heartbreaking but beautiful. Everyone told him to let her go, but he refused, proving that real love doesn’t fade, even when memories do. The movie has a lot of emotional moments, but its most famous quote sums up their love perfectly:

“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours.”Not everyone is a fan, though. Ms. Moore wasn’t convinced, saying, “The Notebook is a hard pass for me. I think it’s overrated and slightly cheesy. Like, in what universe do two people hold hands and die together?” Meanwhile, Ms. Okopski called it her “guilty pleasure” and loved Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling’s chemistry, even if her partner, “the lovely Jon,” fell asleep while watching.

So, what’s the verdict? If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted rom-com, 10 Things I Hate About You is the way to go. But if you want something emotional that might make you cry, The Notebook is the perfect pick. Either way, both movies are great choices for Valentine’s Day—so grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy!