Manic Pixie Dream Girl

The Onion AV Club has finally put a name to the film archetype I despise the most: the cute, quirky, spontaneous yet ultimately completely shallow girl that swoops in on some poor schlub of a man to save his life from whatever self-absorbed personal crisis he is currently experiencing. (Yes you, Natalie Portman in Garden State). The AV Club takes a look at 16 movies over the years that feature this so-called "MPDG". My favorite quote: "Oh, Natalie, your unconventional ways are so inspiring, and your beauty is surprisingly non-threatening! In Garden State, she's a loveably eccentric little angel in the body of a smokin'-hot goddess, spreading good cheer and tuneful indie rock to depressed boys everywhere." Brilliant.