Cozy Cinema: “You’ve Got Mail” Still Delivers

Open Your Heart

The 1998 Nora Ephron film is the epitome of cozy cinema. There’s the magic of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, whose characters are involved in an online romance amid an offline rivalry.

Warner Bros.

There’s also scene-stealing Parker “I’m having my eyes lasered” Posey, the sunny romantic-comedy genre, witty script, and a crisp New York in the Fall. Although it could be seen as somewhat dated, for one of its supporting characters is AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail” announcement, the film still holds true today, as contemporary social-media outlets can also serve as an option for (love) connection, yet now more Wi-Fi than dial-up. Timeless themes of opposites attract, internal beauty as crucial component, and a faith (and fate) in love (“the dream of someone else”) make this film a feel-good essential.

Joe (Tom Hanks) has an epiphany he’s stuck in more places than just an elevator:

Lana Del Rey Delivers the “Love”

Most songs by the singer, Lana Del Rey can certainly be described as melancholic. Her ‘60s/‘70s-retro look and torch-style vocal delivery of airy highs and seductive lows surround material that’s often heavy and haunting, yet with a light, dreamy sound. With previous album titles such as Born to Die and Ultraviolence, Del Rey has never shied away from brutally honest lyrics dealing with the sadder, darker side of love and belonging, a young woman navigating as best through life, despite, as sung in her emotionally raw 2012 single, “Ride,” “… a war in my mind.”

Yet it’s the release of “Love” that presents Del Rey seemingly in a whole new light—smiley and hopeful. Its sound is still reminiscent of her previous work, with that David Lynch “Twin Peaks”-inspired lounge vibe, as best exemplified by the bass intro.; its lyrics optimistic: “Doesn’t matter ‘cause it’s enough/to be young and in love.”

The video for “Love” features Del Rey and band performing for an audience of young men and women in an interplanetary venue. An eclipse viewed by the “young and in love”; a tranquil kiss between a couple all make for stunning highlights. “Love” is peaceful meditative pop; four minutes of positive escapism that even has the normally introspective Del Rey singing, “Don’t worry, baby.”