I don’t know about you, but I just LOVE nostalgia. Join me in reminiscing about some classic “chick flicks” that never get old!
The Princess Diaries 2 (2004)
Three words: Anne, Julie, Chris. Need I say more? The cast of the iconic 2004 sequel is STACKED with talented actors, including Hector Elizondo who plays our beloved Joe.
For those who aren’t familiar (where have you been???) — let me give you a quick synopsis. Princess Mia (Anne Hathaway) graduates college and is quickly on her way to becoming Queen of Genovia. However, her regal — and very demure — Grandmother (Julie Andrews) informs her that she must marry quickly in order to ascend to the throne. As a result, Mia is courted by two handsome suitors (Chris Pine, Callum Blue) vying for her hand in marriage.
Disclaimer: Do NOT watch this movie while in possession of hot liquids, any type of glass object, or a baby because you will immediately drop whatever you are holding when you see how hot Chris Pine looks in this. WHEWWWWW — But, I digress.
Eventually Mia decides that she doesn’t need, nor want, to be married in order to be Queen and presses Genovian Parliament to change their sexist, and quite frankly ridiculous, law.
The messages about independence, love, and female leadership in this movie have aged immaculately and will be continued to be loved by audiences for generations to come.
Cheetah Girls (2003)
I can confidently say that I have every piece of choreography to come out of Cheetah Girls 1 logged in my brain. Now granted, I’m a little rusty. But, it’s all in there.
The ‘Girl Power’ movie went triple platinum in my household. Unsuprising considering Whitney “The Voice” Houston produced the 2003 flick.
Arguably one of Disney Channel’s most popular and well crafted original films, Cheetah Girls was ahead of it’s time. Showcasing four, young, talented women of color living their dreams in the big city, the movie provided positive representation of black and brown girls — something we desperately need more of.
Songs like ‘Girl Power’, ‘Together We Can’, and ‘Cinderella’, had us dancing in our rooms and believing we could do anything.
And the fashion. THE FASHION. I know I am not the only one who wanted the high boots, cheetah print qipao-style tops, big loop earrings, and suede handbags. Each cheetah girl was DRESSED TO THE NINES no matter the occasion and I couldn’t get enough.
The type of representation and modeling that Cheetah Girls offered is needed now more than ever. Shows and movies featuring black and brown girls as leads are being cancelled left and right, leaving young girls of color underrepresented and unheard. The film industry needs to do better, but until then, I will never stop celebrating what movies like Cheetah Girls have done for us.
A Cinderella Story (2004)
I love this movie for a myriad of reasons —if you don’t get butterflies when Sam and Austin kiss in the rain are you even living? — but mostly because of the characterization of Sam (Hilary Duff).
She’s smart, independent, and loyal. Someone who is not afraid to stand up for herself. Calling Austin (Chad Michael Murray) out on his crap in the middle of the boy’s locker room while he looks at her with puppy dog eyes? QUEEN.
She’s also a hard worker who takes care of herself and the people around her, and successfully reclaims her sense of agency from her evil stepmother (Love you, Jennifer Coolidge!).
This modern take on the classic film repositions Cinderella as a budding young woman who takes control of her life, rather than a damsel in distress who only exists to fall for the prince.
It serves as a good reminder that as women, we are the main characters of our stories and everyone else is supporting cast.
What are some of your favorite Chick Flicks? Comment below!
Ms. Pop 
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