A man watching chick flicks? Yes, if that man is Nick Waters. Last month I interview Nick, a guy  from a small town in Oklahoma who planned to watch 30 Chick Flicks in 30 Days. Since then, Nick has not only learned something new about relationships, love and women, but he has become famous. In the past 30 days, not only has he watched 30 Chick Flicks, but he has also been interviewed by reporters all over the world.  Nick and his wife Nicci also appeared on the CBS Morning Show. There might even be a book deal in the works. Wow! That is the power of Chick Flicks at work!

I caught up with Nick again recently, after he finished his 30 day Chick Flick challenge.

Just Chick Flicks: Hello, there Mr. Famous Chick Flicks Guy. I saw your appearance on CBS Morning Show. You guys were really good.

30chickflicks: Haha, thank you. It was definitely an experience for both of us! I had been in NYC before, but it was my wife’s first trip.

Just Chick Flicks: I LOVE New York City.

30chickflicks: It is a beautiful city. We enjoyed our time; wish we could have stayed longer, though.

Just Chick Flicks: When we spoke in January  you were about to begin your 30 Chick Flicks in 30 Days Challenge. Did you have any idea then, that you would have received not only local and national, but international attention?

30chickflicks: Not to this extent. I knew this idea had potential, but I didn’t know that it would have the reach that it’s had.

Just Chick Flicks: You even have fans as far away as Ireland. Any plans for a trip over there?

30chickflicks: My wife, and I would love to go to Ireland. It would be an honor to visit the people that we’ve connected with there.

Just Chick Flicks: When you started the  Chick Flicks in 30 Days Challenge, your intent was to understand your wife better by watching movies about women. What is the most important thing you have learned from the movies you’ve watched?

30chickflicks: Wow, one thing?… The most important, sure.

I would have to say ‘Forgiveness.’

Every relationship at some level must have forgiveness. Whether it’s between a parent, and a child, a woman, and a man in love, or best friends, a lasting relationship contains forgiveness.

Just Chick Flicks: Very true…In which movie(s) did you see the best example of that?

30chickflicks: Honestly, this theme of forgiveness wasn’t something that I expected to see portrayed in so many movies.

Some examples, in the movie The Women, Couples Retreat, Georgia Rule and in Whip It.

I should clarify that forgiveness of self is big, too. One movie where that didn’t take place, and a character suffered was “Atonement“. The little sister never forgave herself, even in adulthood, and it affected how she did (or didn’t live) her life.

Just Chick Flicks: forgiveness. That is an important lesson to learn. So you have watched 30 chick flicks and your man card has not been revoked. Was it worth it?

30chickflicks: Hahaha, man card still in hand…It was worth every hour spent in front of a TV, and computer screen.

This whole experience has been just that: an experience. The things I’ve learned, the memories shared with my wife, the people we’ve met, the places we’ve been; it’s all worth it.

Just Chick Flicks: I bet am sure  were…. So, now what is next? Perhaps  a 30 Day Action Flicks in 30 Days for your wife Nicci?  I believe  a book deal might be in the works? What is the proposed topic of the book? Chick Flicks (I hope).

30chickflicks: No “dude flick” challenge; at least none that we know of, or have planned right now.

About the book…I’m in the process of working on a manuscript, and have been since last week. There is no guaranteed publisher as of yet. According to our literary agent, the process to being published begins with me having a portion of the book already written. Time is of the essence, and I’ve been given a six-week deadline to have that portion written and to the agent.

Just Chick Flicks: Who knew all of this would happen to a guy from Oklahoma who watched a few chick flicks? Did you have any plans to write a book before this challenge?

30chickflicks: No. People even asked me when the 30 days was just beginning if I would turn this into a book. I laughed.

Just Chick Flicks: Well, let me be the first  to say, that the book will be a hit and turned into a movie (ala Julie & Julia) . If you have room in the movie for Just Chick Flicks Girl, I want to be played by Halle Berry .

30chickflicks: It would fun to honor everyone that suggested a movie that I watched; both in a book, and in a film.

Just Chick Flicks: Congratulations on your success! One last question: Who is your pick for the Best Picture Oscar?

30chickflicks: Hmm, good question…First, let me clarify that I haven’t seen all the nominated films.

Of those that I’ve seen—Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, Inglorious Basterds, and Up—I choose…

Just Chick Flicks: …the envelope please….

30chickflicks: “Avatar” seems like the best answer. Though some might argue it’s a default selection because of its numbers (money), I take into consideration EVERYTHING that went into making the movie. Now, your pick?

Just Chick Flicks: They always pick something I have not seen, so I think it will be Up in the Air…Kathryn Bigelow will get best director, Avatar will get a bunch of technical awards , Sandra Bullock is likely to win for best actress and Mo’Nique is sure to win  for Precious. That way everybody gets a little something. How is that for Oscars in a nutshell? haha

30chickflicks: That covers it.

Just Chick Flicks: Thanks so much for taking time to do this interview. I appreciate it. Keep me informed on your continued success, the book and your other endeavors.

30chickflicks: Will do, and thank you for the interview.

Nick’s Favorite Chick Flicks

1. “Bright Star

2. My Life in Ruins

3. Couples Retreat

4. Whip It!

5. Atonement

Take the 30 Chick Flicks in 30 Days Challenge. This is Nick’s list of 30 Chick Flicks. Which movies have you seen?

That is the question that one man asked himself. Recently, I spoke with Nick Walters, a Oklahoma native that is taking on a very unique project. In order to understand his wife and other female family members better, Nick will watch 30 chick flicks in 30 days. The  idea is to watch 30-straight days; 30-straight chick flicks. It will begin Friday, January  15, 2010  and end  on the day before Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 13, 2010

What is 30 Chick Flicks?

• Nick  will watch a different chick flick every night for 30 days
• He will review each film on his blog 30 Chick Flicks on this site the next morning
• The movies I  must be first-time views for Nick
• All the movies will  date from 2007 to present
• 5 of the films will be chosen by myself, 10 chosen by a pre-selected “panel” of women—my wife, mother-in-law, and mother, and 15 chosen by everyone else.

Just Chick Flicks: Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do for a living?

30chickflicks: I’m from Oklahoma; born, and raised. I do freelance work from home in a small town (Pauls Valley: pop. 6,000-plus) in the field of communications. That includes writing, some photography, and developing content for the Web.

I’m also married. My wife, and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary last month. She’s a school teacher, and coach…We have no pets, no children, and one house plant.

Just Chick Flicks: Tell me about your blog 30 Chick Flicks and  why you picked Chick Flicks as your subject?

30chickflicks: The idea behind “30 Chick Flicks in 30 Days” dates back to July 2009. It was my wife’s birthday, and one of the things she wanted to do was watch a chick flick. I don’t recall (neither does she) what we watched that day, but during our watching I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat to watch 30 chick flicks in 30 days?‘

She said, ‘Yeah! Let’s start now.’ But I told her I wanted to wait, and put more thought into the possible adventure. Months went by, and the idea lingered. I even discussed the thought with my mother, and one of my  male friends.

As to ‘why chick flicks’, I’m trying to answer the question: How far would you go to understand the opposite sex? Chick flicks seemed appropriate given that I want to better understand my wife. Plus, watching movies with others can be fun. So chick flicks it is!

Just Chick Flicks: What do you guy friends think of you watching chick flick? I bet you have taken some teasing about it.

30chickflicks: Actually, very little  teasing has taken place. In fact, the two of my guys friends that know the story behind all of this are supportive. In fact, one of them is scheduled to watch a chick flick with me before the Super Bowl, Feb. 7th. He, his wife, me, and my wife, Nicci. The other male friend has shared ideas with me about 30chickflicks.com

Just Chick Flicks: Chick Flicks before the Super Bowl, that is a good one….Before you started 30 Chick Flicks in 30 Days, what was your favorite genre of movie? What is the title of your favorite (non-chick flick) movie?

30chickflicks: Favorite genre, wow! Hmm…Favorite “non-chick flick” movie…I like my share of “action movies”, but I don’t need mindless killing and explosions to be entertained. Depth of character, and an actual plot appeal to me. Comedies are nice; I like to laugh, but not at juvenile humor.
These are some favorite films:
Dances With Wolves
Black Hawk Down
The Cowboys, starring  John Wayne
Old Yeller (which is actually a Disney movie)

Just Chick Flicks: That is a great list. Especially Dances with Wolves. I saw that movie so many times, I could almost speak Lakota.

30chickflicks: Haha, that’s great!

Just Chick Flicks:  Have you finalized the 30 movies you plan to watch? If so, what are some of the titles?

30chickflicks: Finalized, not yet, but I do know some of the titles. I’m waiting until at least Wednesday, January 13th to finalize the list. That’s an effort to allow everyone the opportunity to suggest their recommended title(s). So far,  48 different, eligible chick flicks have been suggested.

Five films received five recommendations, each: Made of Honor, It’s Complicated, Sex & The City, Mamma Mia!, and (500) Days of Summer. All four of those titles were mentioned by my “panel of pre-selected women” (my wife, mom, and mother-in-law) They–combined–have a total of 10 films to suggest; my wife has dibs at the remaining six yet-to-be-chosen titles

The 30 movies titles will be announced this Friday, January  15th.   (Current suggestions )

Just Chick Flicks:  Great!  I can’t wait to see which movies made the list. Chick Flicks sometimes get a ‘bad rap‘, saying that they are cheesy , overly romantic or unrealistic. It will be interesting to get a man’s perspective on chick flicks. What do you hope to learn about women and chick flicks after the 30 days are over?

30chickflicks: First-and-foremost, I hope to gain a deeper appreciation for; and understanding of my wife. Secondly, I hope to have grown closer to my wife as we will have shared these 30 days and 30 movies together.

Just Chick Flicks: That is really sweet!

30chickflicks: I also hope to have some fun, and learn some things about myself.

Just Chick Flicks: Maybe after your 30 days of chick flicks, your wife will do 30 days of action flicks?

30chickflicks:  Haha Haha, we’ll see!

Just Chick Flicks:  Well, I can’t wait to see how this turns out. I am glad to have an ally in the chick flick arena. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with the readers of Just Chick Flicks?

30chickflicks: I appreciate the opportunity to have audience with the community that is JustChickFlicks.com. To your  readers, I encourage them to explore the answers to the question: ‘How far would you go to understand the opposite sex?’

Just Chick Flicks:   I am sure we all need to find the answer to that question. Thanks so much for talking time out of your Sunday afternoon to chat with me. Where can we find you?

To learn more about “30 Chick Flicks in 30 Days: One Guy’s Exploration of Romance Through Movies Loved by Women” visit  30 Chick Flicks

Nick Waters

Twitter: @30chickflicks

E-mail: 30ChickFlicks@gmail.com

Video: YouTube.com/30ChickFlicks

A Good Year For Chick Flicks

The Golden Globe Awards will be broadcasted on Bravo this week. This is supposed to be the precursor to the Oscars, but without all the glitz. Even though it is a much more relaxed ceremony, it is star-studded and  it is still interesting to watch. There are several movies on the list that I am ashamed to say that I haven’t seen. fortunately, most of them are now available on DVD.

This was a very  good year for Chick Flicks. Meryl Streep continues her comic reign in the delightful Julie & Julia and It’s Complicated. Sandra Bullock also had a good year (we won’t mention All About Steve) with The Blind Side and The Proposal. Disney gave us a Jazzy new Princess and  Rob Marshall’s Nine feeds my need for musicals.

See my reviews of some of the nominated movies:

500 DAYS OF SUMMER

Julie and Julia

The Proposal

Duplicity

The Nominees

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

AVATAR
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE
UP IN THE AIR

The Ones To Watch: Precious has received a lot of press and seems to be a popular choice. But Up In The Air may be a close contender.

Who I Want to Win: I suppose I should say Precious.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE –DRAMA

EMILY BLUNT   Young Victoria
SANDRA BULLOCK  The Blind Side
HELEN MIRREN    The Last Station
CAREY MULLIGAN    An Education
GABOUREY SIDIBE    Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

JEFF BRIDGES    Crazy Heart
GEORGE CLOONEY    Up In the Air
COLIN FIRTH    A Single Man
MORGAN FREEMAN     Invictus
TOBEY MAGUIRE  Brothers

The Ones To Watch: Sandra has 2 nominations this year and this is a first nomination for Precious star Gaourey Sidibe. For the men, Jeff Bridges has a great chance for playing an alcoholic, as does Tobey Maguire, who is playing quite a different role than Spiderman.

Who I Want to Win: It would be nice to see Jeff Bridges win, even though I think George Clooney might be the favorite. I think this will be Sandra Bullock’s year.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

500 Days of Summer
The Hangover
It’s Complicated
Julie & Julia
Nine

The Ones To Watch: Believe it or not, I didn’t see The Hangover. But the other nominees are all Chick Flicks. 500 Days of Summer is such an amazing movie, two movies with Meryl and a musical!

Who I Want to Win: 500 Days of Summer!

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE- COMEDY OR MUSICAL

SANDRA BULLOCK THE PROPOSAL
MARION COTILLARD   Nine
JULIA ROBERTS  Duplicity
MERYL STREEP    It’s Complicated
MERYL STREEP Julie & Julia

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE –COMEDY OR MUSICAL

MATT DAMON   The Informant!
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS    Nine
ROBERT DOWNEY JR    Sherlock Holmes
JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT    500 Days of Summer
MICHAEL STUHLBARG    A Serious Man

The Ones To Watch: Who knew Daniel Day-Lewis could sing and dance, but then again, he can do anything. As can Meryl Streep, nominated twice in the same category. We won’t discuss Julia (you know how I feel about her).

Who I Want to Win: Marion Cotillard was amazing in Nine. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the heart-broken young man in 500 Days of Summer.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Let’s just cut to the chase, you know I’m going to say: THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

PENÉLOPE CRUZ    Nine
VERA FARMIGA    Up In the Air
ANNA KENDRICK    Up In the Air
MO’NIQUE    Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
JULIANNE MOORE    A Serious Man

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

MATT DAMON    Invictus
WOODY HARRELSON  The Messenger
CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER  The Last Station
STANLEY TUCCI T  The Lovely Bones
CHRISTOPH WALTZ Inglourious Basterds

The Ones To Watch: Up in the Air has a lot buzz going, but those actresses are up against some very stiff compitition.

Who I Want to Win: No disrespect to Penelope or Julianne, but Mo’Nique went to another place to play the role of Precious’ horrible mother. I would be very surprised if she didn’t win this award.

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE

KATHRYN BIGELOW    The Hurt Locker
JAMES CAMERON    Avatar
CLINT EASTWOOD  Invictus
JASON REITMAN   Up In the Air
QUENTIN TARANTINO   Inglourious Basterds

The Ones To Watch: This is an interest category, since it is almost the same as the nominations for the Director’s Guild Awards. Except for the DGA nomination of Lee Daniels for Precious. The DGA’s will be held on January 30th. They are usually a good indication for the Oscar winner for Best Director.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE

CINEMA ITALIANO– NINE Music & Lyrics by: Maury Yeston
I WANT TO COME HOME – EVERYBODY’S FINE Music & Lyrics by: Paul McCartney
I SEE YOU – AVATAR Music by: James Horner, Simon Franglen Lyrics by: James Horner, Simon Franglen, Kuk Harrell
THE WEARY KIND  – CRAZY HEART Music & Lyrics by: Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett
WINTER – BROTHERS Music by: U2, Lyrics by: Bono

Who I Want to Win: I would have left this category out all together, but Bono and U2 were nominated, so you know who I want to win.

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

BIG LOVE (HBO), DEXTER (SHOWTIME), HOUSE (FOX), TRUE BLOOD (HBO), MAD MEN (AMC) AMC

Who I Want to Win: Mad Men, of course! See 5 Reasons You Should Watch Mad Men.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –DRAMA

GLENN CLOSE   Damages
JANUARY JONES   Mad Men
JULIANNA MARGULIES  The Good Wife
ANNA PAQUIN   True Blood
KYRA SEDGWICK    The Closer

Who I Want to Win: I really love Kyra Sedgwick as Chief Brenda Lee Johnson on The Closer, but January Jones gives such a wonderful perfomance as the repressed wife Betty Draper on Mad Men .

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

SIMON BAKER The Mentalist, BILL PAXTON Big Love, MICHAEL C. HALL   Dexter, HUGH LAURIE  House, JON HAMM  Mad Men

Who I Want to Win: Do I even have to say it. Come on…Hugh Laurie won last year, give Jon Hamm a chance.

The Lesser Luminaries

The People’s Choice Awards (January 6th) See the list of the Winners.

Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) ( January 23, 2010)

The BIG One.

The nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced Tuesday, February 2, 2010, and all of Hollywood is sitting on pins and needles to see is will be the chosen few. The Oscar show will air on Sunday, March 7th. Start planning your Oscar parties now.

I am taking a moment away from Chick Flicks, Summer movies and our typical  topics to bid farewell to three icons who have passed away this month. Micheal Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon. These people has been part of our lives and pop culture for as long as I can remember.

I Remember Micheal

I remember Micheal Jackson as the youngest member of the Jackson Five. When everyone was going crazy for the Osmond Brothers, The Beatles or other pop stars of the day, The Jackson Five gave young black kids in the 1970’s their own stars to love. When I saw them singing ABC-123 and I Want You Back  on  Soul Train, I jumped and screamed and danced around our living room with joy.

I remember the grown-up Michael who sang Off The Wall and Rock With You. The soft-spoken  young man who had so much talent. And I remember Thriller! Who didn’t have the Thriller album? (Remember albums?) It is one of those albums, like The Beatles White Album or U2’s Joshua Tree that defines an artist. The red leather jacket, white socks and a single jeweled glove. Was this creative young man really the same little boy?  As I grew older, so did Micheal,  and his talent was still there. But he was changing. Things got weirder and he appeared more in the tabloids. But I am not remembering that Micheal today. Today,  I remember the Michael in the purple hat, wearing a fringed leather vest, dancing with his brothers and singing I Want You Back on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Farewell To An Angel

Farrah Farchett was a Texan. And like most Texas women, she likes big hair. And when she appeared on Charlie’s Angels with that layered blond haircut, she started a trend. But it was more than just her hairstyle. I was her big smile and her personality that make her so popular.  Starring in a show like Charlie’s Angels wasn’t enough. She wasn’t satisfied to play the cute blond forever. She took on more challenging role and achieved critical acclaim for her performance in the Burning Bed.  Beautiful, blond and talented.

Heeerrrre’s Ed

Laurel and Hardy, Martin and Lewis,  and Carson and McMahon. I think you have to list Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon as one of the classic comedy teams. Ok…sure Johnny Carson was the comedian on the Tonight Show. But where would he have been without his straight-man, Ed McMahon. They were a perfect pair and I have stayed up late many nights to see them and laugh at the inside joke that they were kind enough to share with us. Good Night Mr. McMahon.

Dallas is becoming the home of some quite prestigious film festivals.  This week  the USA Film Festival brings  a host of movie stars to town.

Star Powered Tributes

Actor and musician Paul Williams will be in attendance at the screening of The Phantom of the Paradise (filmed at The Majestic Theater) Brian DePalma’s 1974 cult classic version of The Phantom of the Opera.

Character actor Brian Cox (Troy, The Bourne Supremacy) will be on hand for the screening of The Escapist.

Ray Liotta, star of Field of Dreams, Goodfellas and Narc will attend the festival Saturday evening.

Featured Films

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Phantom of the Paradise/Tribute to Paul Williams

Battle for Terra

The debut of a new animated feature based on the short film that won the Animation Prize in the 2004 USAFF National Short Film and Video Competition. This animated features the voices Evan Rachel Wood, Luke Wilson, Brian Cox, James Garner, and Danny Glover.

The Yellow Handkerchief

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Is Anybody There?

Shorts Showcase and Tribute to Joe Sedelmaier

The Maiden Heist

Veteren actors Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman and William H. Macy star in this hilarious caper movie about museum security guards decide to rob the museum their favorite works of art.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Arrancame la Vida

The Lost Skeleton

Returns Again

The Escapist/Tribute to Brian Cox

Sita Sings the Blues

Baghdad Texas

Made in U.S.A.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Imitation of Life/Tribute to Juanita Moore

The Nature of Existence

Tribute to Ray Liotta

Must Read After My Death

The Vicious Kind

On the Count of Zero

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Short Film Awards

Automorphosis

Don McKay/Tribute to M. Emmet Walsh
Haunted by a tragedy that forced him to leave his hometown 25 years earlier, mild-mannered and lonley school janitor Don McKay, played by   Haden Church get a letter from his high school sweetheart Sonny (Elisabeth Shue), saying that she must see him. Writer-director Jake Goldberger, producer James Young, Thomas Haden Church (who also produced) and M. Emmet Walsh in attendance.

Management

Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn and Woody Harrelson star in this romantic comedy centering on the awkward romance between a hopelessly mismatched

couple. Steve Zahn plays Mike, a man trapped behind the front desk of his parents’ roadside Arizona motel. Writer-director Stephen Belber in attendance.

I am especially excited about the tribute to Juanita Moore, the star of Imitation of Life. This movie was the subject of my first post on Just Chick Flicks and is the inspiration of my list of great tearjerkers. If you have never seen this movie and you live in Dallas, head to the Angelika Film Center on Saturday or rent it. And don’t forget your tissues.

Schedule of Films