Media shapes culture as much as how we think and act inform what we produce. Chick flicks fall into a light-hearted, romcom category where viewers are often looking for a feel-good time with a little bit of sentiments and lots of laughs. Therefore any cultural movement or agenda pushed through which can be received in ways entirely up to the viewer— a conscious interpretation or a convenient context, breaking the fourth wall or much ado about nothing. This makes me think chick flicks are feminist only as much as the audience is feminist.
I agree. I believe that the delivery of a specific message within movies can only be successful if your audience is able to receive it. I think that often times many people try to highlight serious issues with humor also to avoid backlash or confusion.