People who enjoy Apatow are not necessarily sexist so I'm not painting with a broad brush here and I'm not imputing your intent as sexist. I don't believe that's true at all. I'm simply saying that his film presents a situation which only works with an audience because it re-enforces ideas which are prevalent in our society concerning the status of men and women in relationships. I think films aren't only a reflection of society, but have an effect of sanctioning behaviors that don't serve the greater good. I want to laugh at funny stuff on film too, but Apatow is funny at a price and I'm not willing to pay that price. It irks me that Apatow is the "voice" of the coming generation of men. (Apatow himself may be a lovely man, but the men he presents on screen aren't.)
You rock, Saltine. (You do, too, face.)
None of the women in these films are homely or overweight
Exactly. I think you failed the naming movies challenge, Sean.
Both
Pretty Woman and
Cinderella (I haven't seen the other two) are extremely problematic both from a feminist and a class standpoint.
Muriel's Wedding is maybe the closest thing to your description I can think of, Saltine? Hot, rich guy comes to apprectiate and even finds himself sexually attracted to slightly overweight, homely woman who ultimately rejects his offer to marry (stay married to) her because she discovers she doesn't need a man to complete her fairy tale.