Romantic Movies Men Can Tolerate for Valentine’s Day

 

It’s that time of year again….V-Day. For women in relationships, it’s the happiest day of the year. It’s a day where most women don’t have to do much other than gush over the amounts of money their men are spending on them. For men, it’s a dreaded day full of anxiety because of the unnaturally high expectations bestowed upon them. They have to make sure everything is just right and if it’s not, they will never live it down.  However, it’s all worth it in the end, because if they get everything right, the night is usually met with an extremely romantic “pay-off.”  (In a way, Valentine’s Day is a day of legal prostitution if you ask me.)

Since times are hard right now with the recession, every penny spent on this day for lovers should be spent for both partners’ enjoyment. Going to the movies has always been a costly date and shelling out money for one-dimensional and conventional romantic comedies such as He’s Just Not into You and Confessions of a Shopaholic is not something men will be particularly excited for. (Also, he might still be shell shocked from the experience of having to go watch the Sex and the City two and a half hour epic piece of crap last year.)

Why not watch something both of you can enjoy? So here’s a list of movies both men and women can get a kick out of instead of going to watch the numerous clichéd rom coms starring someone from “Must See TV.”

 

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

This latest effort from Kevin Smith is probably one of the most realistic romantic comedies (aside from the actual porno) I have ever witnessed before in my lifetime and it was really refreshing to see a movie with real dialogue and real characters. It’s not a movie that is riddled with tongue in cheek voiceovers and has characters buying and wearing expensive fashion labels from their freelance writing salary. It’s a modern day When Harry Met Sally and it makes Seth Rogen into a very believable romantic lead despite the constant profane things coming out of his mouth. I’d rather watch a romantic comedy that refers to Amazon.com bought vibrators and period panties over Prada any day. 

 

True Romance

Almost every one of my close guy friends have stated that True Romance is their ultimate favourite romantic movie. Helmed by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, this is an essential guy’s movie that is driven by romance, yet is full of kills and action. I mean, what is more romantic than watching a guy fall in love with a hooker, kill her pimp, steal his coke and then go on the run together “Bonnie and Clyde” style? Well if that doesn’t sell her…tell her Brad Pitt is in it. (Leave out the pothead part though.) 

 

Out of Sight

Out of Sight is one of my favourite movies of all time and I find it very surprising that a lot of people have not seen it yet. I own the VHS, the DVD, the soundtrack and the huge vintage poster that I always get compliments for. (Thanks Jay!)  The chemistry between George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez is so mind-blowing that it’s surprising that George Clooney didn’t become a real-life ex-husband for J.Lo after this. Full of great performances, actors and the most sensual and homaged love scene without nudity in history, it’s a movie destined to be enjoyed by couples. 

Shaun of the Dead

The term “rom-zom-com” was helmed after this 2004 now cult classic arrived on the horror scene. It’s a romantic comedy with zombies….need I say more?

 

The Best Man

This 1999 movie resurrected the career of Morris Chestnut and received great reviews, yet it was hardly seen from the general public.  Now that majority of the film’s stars are now budding stars themselves, (Terrence Howard, Harold Perrineau and Taye Diggs) it’s a movie that should be revisited and watched with a significant other. Giving away the “conflict” in the movie would do you a disservice, but all I can say is that this romantic movie was made for men and deals with conflicts and moral dilemmas men go through in relationships. It’s as insightful to men as an episode of Sex and the City is to women. 

 

Chasing Amy

Kevin Smith just knows how to write honest and genuine romance and he nailed it out the park with Chasing Amy.  Although, I would not usually recommend to watch this movie on Valentine’s Day because the ending is so depressing and bittersweet, I think it’s a great movie for men to watch to teach them to get over their own insecurities. Girls, the perfect time to show this is if you have just told your man “your number.”

 

One Fine Day

This is my all time favourite romantic movie and the only reason why it’s not higher on the list is because everything about it says “stereotypical chick flick.” It is however a chick flick that’s entertaining for both genders (especially divorcees) and is a humorous watch. Unlike other gushy rom coms, Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney spend majority of the movie insulting each other and it never gets old.  If you must face the “romantic comedy” gun, this film will be quick and painless. 

 

As Good as it Gets

I love this movie. Almost everybody I know loves this movie….and just like Jerry Maguire, I can’t exactly tell you why. If I see it on TV, even if it’s on Peachtree, I have to watch it. Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson deserved both of their Oscars and that line, “You make me want to be a better man” is a line that continues to bring tears to women’s’ eyes and curse words to men’s’ mouths for not being able to think of the line first. 

 

 The Mexican

Brad Pitt. Horseface…I mean Julia Roberts. James Gandofini. Murder, intrigue and 20 minutes of actual romance displayed on screen. A perfect romantic comedy for any man. 

 

Friday the 13^{th (remake)}

It may not be a romantic movie per say, but if you’re going to see a movie this Valentine’s Day, this is the one to see. Plus, it’s only fair if you dragged him to see the awful He’s Just Not that into You last week. (Sorry honey!) Plus, horror films are natural aphrodisiacs.  

 

Killerfilm.com readers, I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day. If you’re single, spend it with the friends you love and enjoy those half off martinis and for you couples out there, be creative and original and more importantly..be on a budget!  It doesn’t matter if you can’t afford lingerie, chocolates, erotic oils and karma sutra videos. As long as you have each other, redtube.com, and an aerosol can of whipped cream, you will have a great day!

 

Once again, Happy Valentine’s Day to all!