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When it comes to movie watching, there is a contrast between what men and women find appealing. Guys tend to favor more action-packed films, while girls are more likely to watch romantic films. This can be frustrating for women when it comes to a romantic night with the boyfriend.
A movie night for couples involves snuggling and watching a romantic movie that is meant to match the mood. Let the disputes begin.
Regardless of how good a romantic movie may actually be, a guy will usually ignore its qualities if it is too feminine. In fact, few guys I know appreciate Chocolat or have the patience for The English Patient, and those movies are far less feminine than many of the chick flicks out there.
Instead, we males will probably suggest some Judd Apatow movie like The 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up and I even know someone who suggested Zack and Miri Make a Pornoto his girlfriend. All of these movies incorporate raunchy dialogue to aid the
A still image from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. (Courtesy of Filmcritic.com)
storytelling which, let’s face it, is sometimes difficult to classify as romantic.
Men are wrong. A night of romance does not involve watching a movie with people using dialogue that could describe porn, but since men and women have different tastes, a middle ground is hard to ascertain.
That’s why I am going to make it easy for all the ladies, by taking away the need for compromise. I pride myself on giving all movies a chance — I have seen many chick flicks — and there are some romantic movies that a couple can enjoy to add to the mood. These movies will either provide a unique perspective on love, or simply use witty humor and a good pace to entertain both parties.
With that in mind I present my “Top Ten Movies for Boyfriend and Girlfriend” list:
- When Harry Met Sally – The excellent chemistry and dialogue between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan helps make this movie one of the funniest and smartest movies ever written.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – A movie about erasing the memories of a loved one. Only a story this unique and creative could overshadow Jim Carrey’s most brilliant performance alongside the always excellent Kate Winslet.
- Shakespeare In Love – Though I contest its winning the Academy Award for best picture, there is no denying that the charm and frequent comedic moments make this film pretty great.
- (500) Days of Summer – Watching Joseph Gordon-Levitt chase after an unreachable love will bring out many laughs, as the movie often pokes fun at its own genre.
- Ghost – Patrick Swayze plays a ghost who tries to reconnect with his wife through a fake psychic played by Whoopi Goldberg. What results is a combination of good comedy and genuine sweetness that will always compliment a date night.
- Definitely, Maybe – Ryan Reynolds tells a love story with honesty, sincerity, and simplicity, making the film more mature than its charm suggests.
- About a Boy – Watching an attractive man (Hugh Grant) become more open with his feelings may sound too feminine for guys to handle, but the films wit makes it entertaining and the movie itself has a nice message to offer.
- Garden State – The quirky comedy is shadowed by dark elements as Zack Braff and Natalie Portman turn out to be an unexpectedly interesting pair in this romantic comedy.
- Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail – Both movies star Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in situations where they are unaware of their love for each other until late in the movie. Though I find Sleepless in Seattle to be the better film, both are light hearted and enjoyable for both genders.
- Fever Pitch – This story is initially difficult to buy. Once you do, the relationship between Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore becomes both interesting and funny as they learn to sacrifice what they love for who they love.
Obviously this list is interchangeable based on taste, and for those wondering why Casablanca isn’t there, I applaud you for asking. However, each of the movies in my list contains elements that, in general, will appeal to guys. They also contain material that is both relevant and a part of our everyday lives.
So maybe these movies aren’t perfect love stories for you ladies, but hopefully they will help perfect your own love story.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Edward Quartin at Ddward.quartin@colorado.edu.
