Wednesday, February 13, 2013

This One's for the Ladies...(fan request!)

Several of our lovely lady fans wrote in this week, asking:

"Franc, I love your post on movies my man should pick for us to watch. I found it to not only be spot on accurate, but also flawlessly, and incredibly written. Only someone incredibly well-spoken, blindingly brilliant, and with the heart and soul of the world's greatest composers, poets, and lovers, could write something so elloquently.

My only wish, nay, my life's one desire, would be that you would do a follow up post on some movie ideas that I could use to wow my, when compared to you, sub par companion this Valentine's day!"

Well, very real, and not at all imaginary or exaggerated women, wish granted!

Please remember, this is not meant to be a list of the greatest man/action movies of all time. Rather, it is a list of 5 films that I believe are great examples of movies he will love, that also have some sort of romantic element (afterall it is Valentine's), and that you ladies will not mind having to sit through.

Like before I'll also give you a "Talking Point" to wow your man. However, I'll keep them simple, as they are geared for men afterall.

So without further adieu, here's the list, counting down to the #1 must watch Man-entine's movie!

#5 Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas, and starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman and John Rhys-Davies.

This is hands down the best of all the Indiana Jones films. Perfect blend of story and action, and even a nice romance thread woven in for you. You won't be overwhelmed by any one element however, and that is what puts this one on the list. Plus, who doesn't love a little 1980's Harrison Ford eye candy?

Talking Point: Simply comment how this film is far better than the other three. Temple of Doom was annoying, and kind of scared you (we like feeling like the protector), Last Crusade was good, but of course it was, it had Sean in it (Sir Sean Connery that is), and Crystal Skull was an embarassment. Then crack open two of his favorite beers, give a little cheers, and nuzzle in close. If you really want to win him over, refresh them in 15 mins.


#4 Casino Royale (2006)
 
Directed by Martin Campbell, written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, and starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench and Mads Mikkelsen.

Probably the best Bond in 20 years. Daniel Craig brings a raw, and gritty humanity to the role, that was unexpected and much appreciated. After decades of the smooth, overly glossly secret agent. We now have a Bond we can truly envision existing in the real world, and maybe, just maybe, even become ourselves.

Couple this with the passionate love brewing between Craig and bond-girl Eva Green, it shows us that even the worlds most epic man, is putty when he finds the one.

Talking Point: I'm going to give you two options for this one, you can decide which will best suit your own "Double O":

Option 1: Part way through the movie, look at your man in the eyes and say, "You know baby, when I first laid eyes on you, I could see you had a strong 'Bond-vibe' going on. It's definitely what drew me to you. Confident, strong, a little dangerous, but somehow, made me feel safe, that's when I knew I was yours."

Make sure you hit him with the sexy eyes...watch Eva in the movie, you'll understand.

Option 2: When Craig walks out of the ocean all ripped to pieces in his man-kini, turn to your man and say, "You know baby, I get that he's all ripped and what-not, but honestly, that can't be comfortable at all for Snuggle-Fest 2k12. I much prefer a strong, yet soft man I can nuzzle."

Make sure to put the emphasis on the "strong" bit, and what the hell, a little of the afore mentioned sexy eyes can't hurt.
 

#3 Unforgiven (1992)


Directed by Clint Eastwood, written by David Webb Peoples, and starring Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman.
 
This movie is incredible, and could easily be on any list of the greatest movies of all time. A few words of warning. This one is a true western, not a ton of action, but a lot of story, perfectly told, and incredibly delivered. Personally, I think Eastwood gives his greatest performance in this movie, and delivers some of his most memorable lines.
 
Also, the romance arc in this one isn't as prominent as in some of the others. However, the idea of an outlaw, changed for ever by his one true love, and devoting himself to her memory for the rest of his life, what could be more romantic than that? Certainly better than anything Hugh Grant ever did.

Talking Point: This was only the third western to ever win a Best Picture Oscar. With that in mind, make your man his favorite snack, settle in close, and just sit back and enjoy the show. If he's a true western fan, you simply wanting to share this one with him, is all you'll need to say.

 

#2 V for Vendetta (2005)
 
Directed by James McTeigue, written by Andy and Lana Wachowski, and starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves and Stephen Fry.

Don't let the fact that this is a "comic book movie" turn you off. It's not your average comic. Sure, you get some elements of incredible strength, reflexes and fighting ability. But you also get a story originally written by the great Alan Moore. With an interesting look at society, and a world fighting for survival, this movie will not only entertain him, but I think you'll be surprised and how intriguing you find it as well.

Pay extra close attention to Weaving's incredible acting. He wears a mask the entire film, yet he manages to emote so perfectly. By the end you'll swear the mask has been changing faces the whole time. For an old, retired school mascot like me, it's pretty impressive.
 
Talking Point: This one's pretty easy, part way through the movie, turn to him and say, "You know baby, if Natalie ever gave you a shot, I'd totally let it slide". He's already wondering about it, and feeling really guilty to be sure. So relieve the guilt so he can enjoy the rest of the evening with you.
 
Few key things to remember though. Make sure to sound sincere, and almost as if it's just one of the guys talking. This is key, as a statement like this can often be a set up to a vicious trap. If you don't pull this off perfectly, you could put him on his toes for a few days. Use this one with care.
 

#1 Braveheart (1995)


Directed by Mel Gibson, written by Randall Wallace, and starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan and Brendan Gleeson.
 
Honestly, I'm sure every man has seen this a thousand times, and every woman has been forced to watch it at least 3 times. If you haven't seen this one, you should be ashamed.
 
For me, this was an easy pick, incredible action, amazing, true story, and what a romance. Married in secret to protect her honor, in love with her since childhood, and when she's taken, he's driven into a mad blood lust of revenge. Perfect.
 
Fun fact, the line, "Every man dies, not every man truly lives", was actually written by William Wallace. However, it was William Ross Wallace, the 19th century American Poet. No need to mention it to him, just a fun tidbit for you.
 
Talking Point: For this one, it's easy. Durning the scene where they are talking about some men being longer than others. Turn to him, and give him a little wink. We like thinking we're special, and different from all the others. We're idiots really.


So, there you have it, my top 5 Man-entine's Movies. Send us a message and let us know which one you went with, and how impressed your valentine was. Reach us at Facebook, or by email at pausedreviews@gmail.com. I'd love to share your success story on our next podcast!
 
I'll leave you now with my Man-entine's Netflix Instant pick, and our list of honorable mentions.

Netflix Pick:
Top Gun

Honorable Mentions:
Last of the Mohicans
Rocky
Kick-Ass

Thanks for reading, and good luck!
- Franc

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