10. The Lake House—I’ll admit. This really wasn’t all that great 
of a movie (hence the #10 spot). However, this is a film that really struck an emotional chord in me because I could relate to the allegory it had created. The film is about two people who fall in love, but never get the chance to have that love blossom because they live two years apart, one in 2006 and one in 2004. They communicate through a mailbox at a lake house that they both lived in at one point in their lives. While that’s definitely a cheesy scenario, the comparison between this relationship and a real life long distance relationship are plainly clear. The characters both know that a relationship is improbable due to these extraordinary circumstances and I can tell you from first hand experience, it sucks having the only person you’ve ever truly connected with living halfway across the country. So despite the film’s overall predictability, way too convenient happy ending, and the huge gaping paradox the ending would have created, this film touched me because I know what it feels like to wait for that one special someone knowing that distance will most likely prevent you from having that chance to fall in love. And now I feel feminine. Moving on.
of a movie (hence the #10 spot). However, this is a film that really struck an emotional chord in me because I could relate to the allegory it had created. The film is about two people who fall in love, but never get the chance to have that love blossom because they live two years apart, one in 2006 and one in 2004. They communicate through a mailbox at a lake house that they both lived in at one point in their lives. While that’s definitely a cheesy scenario, the comparison between this relationship and a real life long distance relationship are plainly clear. The characters both know that a relationship is improbable due to these extraordinary circumstances and I can tell you from first hand experience, it sucks having the only person you’ve ever truly connected with living halfway across the country. So despite the film’s overall predictability, way too convenient happy ending, and the huge gaping paradox the ending would have created, this film touched me because I know what it feels like to wait for that one special someone knowing that distance will most likely prevent you from having that chance to fall in love. And now I feel feminine. Moving on.9. Lady and the Tramp—Are you in the mood for romance, but have kids aroun
d and don’t want to watch anything inappropriate? Well, Lady and the Tramp just might be your best bet for sappy, sweet love on this holiest of card-company-invented holidays. Granted, there are other, better love stories for the whole family, but you know what? I’m a dog person and nothing gives me that “Aww, how adorable” feeling like a couple of dogs nuzzling against each other. (Is that weird?) I just watched this again for the first time in probably fifteen years and loved every second of it. There’s something to be said for old school animation and in this age of computer generated imagery, it was terrific to hearken back to the old days. If for no other reason, Lady and the Tramp is worth checking out on Valentine’s Day for that iconic scene where the two dogs eat the same piece of spaghetti, meet in the middle, and kiss. If that doesn’t melt your heart, then you don’t have one.
d and don’t want to watch anything inappropriate? Well, Lady and the Tramp just might be your best bet for sappy, sweet love on this holiest of card-company-invented holidays. Granted, there are other, better love stories for the whole family, but you know what? I’m a dog person and nothing gives me that “Aww, how adorable” feeling like a couple of dogs nuzzling against each other. (Is that weird?) I just watched this again for the first time in probably fifteen years and loved every second of it. There’s something to be said for old school animation and in this age of computer generated imagery, it was terrific to hearken back to the old days. If for no other reason, Lady and the Tramp is worth checking out on Valentine’s Day for that iconic scene where the two dogs eat the same piece of spaghetti, meet in the middle, and kiss. If that doesn’t melt your heart, then you don’t have one.8. The Notebook—This is probably the fan favorite on this list, but I’m not i
ncluding it here as a service to you, but rather from the fact that I actually really liked this movie. Although the other Nicholas Spark film adaptations, A Walk to Remember and Nights in Rodanthe, turned out to be complete duds, this one managed to work due to strong performances from Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams and a story that can be cherished by anybody who believes in the power of love. It’s a film that shows how enduring love is throughout a lifetime. It shows that you can fall head over heels in love and still feel the same way during your last moments on Earth that you did when you first laid eyes on that special someone. It truly is a moving movie. However, despite my affection for it, I do think all of the ladies tend to over hype it. While scenes between Gosling and McAdams were terrific, everything in between simply felt like filler, like the brief WWII scene where Gosling loses a friend in battle. This scene was so short and uninteresting that I really didn’t care. Still, you can’t help but love the way this movie unfolds. The Notebook is not the end all, be all romance movie you ladies make it out to be, but it’s a solid entry in the genre that can be enjoyed even by the guys.
ncluding it here as a service to you, but rather from the fact that I actually really liked this movie. Although the other Nicholas Spark film adaptations, A Walk to Remember and Nights in Rodanthe, turned out to be complete duds, this one managed to work due to strong performances from Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams and a story that can be cherished by anybody who believes in the power of love. It’s a film that shows how enduring love is throughout a lifetime. It shows that you can fall head over heels in love and still feel the same way during your last moments on Earth that you did when you first laid eyes on that special someone. It truly is a moving movie. However, despite my affection for it, I do think all of the ladies tend to over hype it. While scenes between Gosling and McAdams were terrific, everything in between simply felt like filler, like the brief WWII scene where Gosling loses a friend in battle. This scene was so short and uninteresting that I really didn’t care. Still, you can’t help but love the way this movie unfolds. The Notebook is not the end all, be all romance movie you ladies make it out to be, but it’s a solid entry in the genre that can be enjoyed even by the guys.7. Love Actually—When I told my friends that I was going to continue with my 
holiday themed movie lists and create a top 10 Valentine’s Day one, I already knew most of what I was going to include. I had a good seven or eight already picked out; films that I loved and think others should love too. Once the girls heard that not every spot on the list had been filled, they immediately told me to include Love Actually. Even my sister, who hates romance films, suggested this one. Having never seen it, I made no promises. But after viewing it, I have decided it does indeed deserve a spot here. Love Actually is a romancer’s romance, a film that has layers and layers of love stacked up so high that for a moment you forget that anything else even exists. The movie follows what has to be about seven or eight love stories all interweaving (however loosely) with each other. But what’s surprising about this film is that not all of the stories are romantic. One explores the relationship between a stepfather and stepson whose wife/mother has just passed away. Another focuses on a child finding that first love. Some even deal with the love that exists between two friends. The saying “love knows no boundaries” fits this movie perfectly because it shows so many different angles on love with different circumstances surrounding them. It’s not a perfect movie by any means though. Some stories have little to nothing to do with the whole of the film while others aren’t even ended properly and instead are all but forgotten. Sometimes it felt like the writers had a handful of short stories and then decided to cram them together creating a loosely connected mish mash of a movie. But it’s impossible not to come away charmed by at least a few of these stories. Thanks to superb performances all around (which is a feat in itself considering how many characters are in this film), Love Actually transcends the romantic comedy genre and is the perfect film for Valentine’s Day.
holiday themed movie lists and create a top 10 Valentine’s Day one, I already knew most of what I was going to include. I had a good seven or eight already picked out; films that I loved and think others should love too. Once the girls heard that not every spot on the list had been filled, they immediately told me to include Love Actually. Even my sister, who hates romance films, suggested this one. Having never seen it, I made no promises. But after viewing it, I have decided it does indeed deserve a spot here. Love Actually is a romancer’s romance, a film that has layers and layers of love stacked up so high that for a moment you forget that anything else even exists. The movie follows what has to be about seven or eight love stories all interweaving (however loosely) with each other. But what’s surprising about this film is that not all of the stories are romantic. One explores the relationship between a stepfather and stepson whose wife/mother has just passed away. Another focuses on a child finding that first love. Some even deal with the love that exists between two friends. The saying “love knows no boundaries” fits this movie perfectly because it shows so many different angles on love with different circumstances surrounding them. It’s not a perfect movie by any means though. Some stories have little to nothing to do with the whole of the film while others aren’t even ended properly and instead are all but forgotten. Sometimes it felt like the writers had a handful of short stories and then decided to cram them together creating a loosely connected mish mash of a movie. But it’s impossible not to come away charmed by at least a few of these stories. Thanks to superb performances all around (which is a feat in itself considering how many characters are in this film), Love Actually transcends the romantic comedy genre and is the perfect film for Valentine’s Day.6. My Bloody Valentine (2009)—If you’ve read my other holiday themed movie lists (a
nd if you haven’t, check them out right here and here), then you know that I can be a bit cynical when it comes to the holidays. Honestly, there’s only so much love and cheer I can take. Sometimes I just need a good old exploitative horror movie to help me escape from all the aggravating “I-have-a-girlfriend-and-you-don’t” crap I see every year on Valentine’s Day. Luckily for me (and every other jaded guy out there), this year gave us one of the most fun, exploitatively violent slasher movies I’ve seen in quite some time. Sure, the 3D is a gimmick and without it, My Bloody Valentine is merely another formulaic serial killer movie with minimal scares and idiotic characters. But this time, the gimmick worked. Although some might be turned off at the thought of all this violent carnage leaping into their faces, others will have a blast, fully understanding that it’s not a movie to be taken seriously. And the best part about it? It should still be playing in theaters if you’re reading this up to date. In 2D, don’t bother, but My Bloody Valentine will rip you a new one in 3D and is perfect for anybody who can’t stand the sappy sentimentality of the holiday.
nd if you haven’t, check them out right here and here), then you know that I can be a bit cynical when it comes to the holidays. Honestly, there’s only so much love and cheer I can take. Sometimes I just need a good old exploitative horror movie to help me escape from all the aggravating “I-have-a-girlfriend-and-you-don’t” crap I see every year on Valentine’s Day. Luckily for me (and every other jaded guy out there), this year gave us one of the most fun, exploitatively violent slasher movies I’ve seen in quite some time. Sure, the 3D is a gimmick and without it, My Bloody Valentine is merely another formulaic serial killer movie with minimal scares and idiotic characters. But this time, the gimmick worked. Although some might be turned off at the thought of all this violent carnage leaping into their faces, others will have a blast, fully understanding that it’s not a movie to be taken seriously. And the best part about it? It should still be playing in theaters if you’re reading this up to date. In 2D, don’t bother, but My Bloody Valentine will rip you a new one in 3D and is perfect for anybody who can’t stand the sappy sentimentality of the holiday.5. Atonement—One of the best films of 2007 and nominated for best picture of 
the year at the Oscars, Atonement is everything a sweeping romance should be and more. Although it is a roller coaster of quality, amazing you during one scene and boring you to death the next, all of it adds up to one of the saddest and most heartfelt movies I’ve ever seen (that or I’m a complete wuss—I can’t decide which). With strong actors giving strong performances and a superb twist ending that is guaranteed to make you shed a tear, you have an epic romance for the ages. But what really pulls this film through is the beautiful direction. While the film would have been fine without it, Joe Wright’s stylistic camerawork pushed it beyond its source material. In particular, there is one shot that lasts about four minutes, never cutting, that follows James McAvoy onto a beach, then leaves him and sweeps up the coast showing the other soldiers, before eventually meeting back up with him. It was stunning and worth seeing the movie alone for. There were definitely better films in 2007 (which is why it lost the best picture award), but what films like Michael Clayton and No Country for Old Men were lacking in, Atonement was practically comprised of—human emotion and dealing with the fact that life doesn’t always deal you the cards you’d like to have.
the year at the Oscars, Atonement is everything a sweeping romance should be and more. Although it is a roller coaster of quality, amazing you during one scene and boring you to death the next, all of it adds up to one of the saddest and most heartfelt movies I’ve ever seen (that or I’m a complete wuss—I can’t decide which). With strong actors giving strong performances and a superb twist ending that is guaranteed to make you shed a tear, you have an epic romance for the ages. But what really pulls this film through is the beautiful direction. While the film would have been fine without it, Joe Wright’s stylistic camerawork pushed it beyond its source material. In particular, there is one shot that lasts about four minutes, never cutting, that follows James McAvoy onto a beach, then leaves him and sweeps up the coast showing the other soldiers, before eventually meeting back up with him. It was stunning and worth seeing the movie alone for. There were definitely better films in 2007 (which is why it lost the best picture award), but what films like Michael Clayton and No Country for Old Men were lacking in, Atonement was practically comprised of—human emotion and dealing with the fact that life doesn’t always deal you the cards you’d like to have.4. When Harry Met Sally—Romantic comedies are some of the most clichéd, pr
edictable, and overwrought films to be released every year. Most are so stupid that you just don’t care whether or not the two main characters hook up, although you know they will because, like I said, they’re incredibly predictable. I can usually look at the poster for a romantic comedy and tell you exactly how it’ll end. They follow such a rigid formula that I’m amazed people still waste their time and money watching them when there are tons of films of much better quality out there. However, even this tired genre gets its fair share on this list because When Harry Met Sally truly is terrific. I can say without hesitation that When Harry Met Sally is the best romantic comedy ever made. While it’s still fairly predictable, it takes some nice unexpected turns to keep things fresh. It also has two excellent leads in the form of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, who have perfect chemistry. From the very first scene of the film, you love these characters and you want to spend time with them and that is why this film succeeds while its brothers and sisters in the genre fail time and time again. On top of this, it’s very funny. Billy Crystal is hilarious in the movie and actually creates some marvelous insights into the male/female relationship that make perfect sense if you think about them. I just watched this again for the first time in years and it’s still a perfect little gem. Every time I see it, I love it more and more. When Harry Met Sally is about as close to perfect as a romantic comedy will ever get.
edictable, and overwrought films to be released every year. Most are so stupid that you just don’t care whether or not the two main characters hook up, although you know they will because, like I said, they’re incredibly predictable. I can usually look at the poster for a romantic comedy and tell you exactly how it’ll end. They follow such a rigid formula that I’m amazed people still waste their time and money watching them when there are tons of films of much better quality out there. However, even this tired genre gets its fair share on this list because When Harry Met Sally truly is terrific. I can say without hesitation that When Harry Met Sally is the best romantic comedy ever made. While it’s still fairly predictable, it takes some nice unexpected turns to keep things fresh. It also has two excellent leads in the form of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, who have perfect chemistry. From the very first scene of the film, you love these characters and you want to spend time with them and that is why this film succeeds while its brothers and sisters in the genre fail time and time again. On top of this, it’s very funny. Billy Crystal is hilarious in the movie and actually creates some marvelous insights into the male/female relationship that make perfect sense if you think about them. I just watched this again for the first time in years and it’s still a perfect little gem. Every time I see it, I love it more and more. When Harry Met Sally is about as close to perfect as a romantic comedy will ever get.3. Brokeback Mountain—Yes, this is a romance movie between two men, b
ut you know what? It’s beautiful and one of the best romance films I’ve ever seen. This is a great movie to be sure, but the main strength of it probably lies with its societal relevance. What it does strikingly well is show how society looks down upon them and how they try to cope with pretending to be somebody they’re not. It’s remarkable in the way it portrays these two young men who have to hide their true selves because of society’s ignorance and discrimination. Of course, another big part of this film’s success is the unflinching performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and the late, great Heath Ledger. What they manage to do with these two characters is incredibly moving and they take on the roles with gusto, never holding back for a second. Just through their actions, you can see that they care so much about each other, but try to reject those feelings to fit into society’s standards. Brokeback Mountain doesn’t so much make a political point as it does a reasonable, tolerant one. It shows that who you fall in love with shouldn’t matter. What’s really important is how strong that love is.
ut you know what? It’s beautiful and one of the best romance films I’ve ever seen. This is a great movie to be sure, but the main strength of it probably lies with its societal relevance. What it does strikingly well is show how society looks down upon them and how they try to cope with pretending to be somebody they’re not. It’s remarkable in the way it portrays these two young men who have to hide their true selves because of society’s ignorance and discrimination. Of course, another big part of this film’s success is the unflinching performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and the late, great Heath Ledger. What they manage to do with these two characters is incredibly moving and they take on the roles with gusto, never holding back for a second. Just through their actions, you can see that they care so much about each other, but try to reject those feelings to fit into society’s standards. Brokeback Mountain doesn’t so much make a political point as it does a reasonable, tolerant one. It shows that who you fall in love with shouldn’t matter. What’s really important is how strong that love is.2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind—I don’t even know where to begin with t
his one. It’s one of my favorite romance films of all time, but it’s so odd that giving you a quick synopsis will probably turn you away from watching it. Unlike a lot of romance movies, this one begins with the break up of the two leads. Joel (Jim Carrey) is in love with Clementine (Kate Winslet), but soon finds out that she has had all of her memories of him erased from her mind. Joel, heartbroken, decides to do the same thing. While he is sleeping, the process begins and as the memories begin to fade, he starts to realize how much he still loves her. He can see all of the memories in his head and little by little, each detail fades away while he desperately tries to cling onto something. What this film does so well is put into perspective lost loves. Regardless of the pain you’re feeling after a relationship ends, you want to hold onto the good memories because you don’t realize how special they are until you don’t have them anymore. Featuring Jim Carrey in a serious role (and doing a phenomenal job), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the rare film where weird is stacked upon weird, but the end result feels more natural than so called “normal” romance movies. If you haven’t seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, you’re missing out. It’s touching, thoughtful, unique, and special. You won’t ever forget it.
his one. It’s one of my favorite romance films of all time, but it’s so odd that giving you a quick synopsis will probably turn you away from watching it. Unlike a lot of romance movies, this one begins with the break up of the two leads. Joel (Jim Carrey) is in love with Clementine (Kate Winslet), but soon finds out that she has had all of her memories of him erased from her mind. Joel, heartbroken, decides to do the same thing. While he is sleeping, the process begins and as the memories begin to fade, he starts to realize how much he still loves her. He can see all of the memories in his head and little by little, each detail fades away while he desperately tries to cling onto something. What this film does so well is put into perspective lost loves. Regardless of the pain you’re feeling after a relationship ends, you want to hold onto the good memories because you don’t realize how special they are until you don’t have them anymore. Featuring Jim Carrey in a serious role (and doing a phenomenal job), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the rare film where weird is stacked upon weird, but the end result feels more natural than so called “normal” romance movies. If you haven’t seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, you’re missing out. It’s touching, thoughtful, unique, and special. You won’t ever forget it.1. Casablanca—There are a few things needed for a film to warrant a class
ic status. First, the film has to be a real achievement in cinema that can be enjoyed by anybody with even a passing taste in movies. Second, it has to hold up today. If a film was great 40 years ago, but doesn’t pack quite the same punch anymore, then its worth is diminished. Lastly, it has to provide memorable moments and/or quotes that will forever be ingrained in the minds of the viewers. Some people throw the word “classic” around a bit too often (including me), but if Casablanca isn’t a classic, I don’t know what is. Casablanca is one of, if not the most iconic movie in film history and meets all three of those criteria. It really is a terrific movie in every way, and it still works today thanks to great cast performances, an engaging story, and some of the most quotable lines ever put to film. “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Yeah, that was Casablanca. “This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Also Casablanca. And how about that iconic ending where Humphrey Bogart sacrifices his happiness to ensure the love of his life is safe? If you don’t watch this film, you’ll regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life. That was a bad joke. Sorry about that.
ic status. First, the film has to be a real achievement in cinema that can be enjoyed by anybody with even a passing taste in movies. Second, it has to hold up today. If a film was great 40 years ago, but doesn’t pack quite the same punch anymore, then its worth is diminished. Lastly, it has to provide memorable moments and/or quotes that will forever be ingrained in the minds of the viewers. Some people throw the word “classic” around a bit too often (including me), but if Casablanca isn’t a classic, I don’t know what is. Casablanca is one of, if not the most iconic movie in film history and meets all three of those criteria. It really is a terrific movie in every way, and it still works today thanks to great cast performances, an engaging story, and some of the most quotable lines ever put to film. “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Yeah, that was Casablanca. “This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Also Casablanca. And how about that iconic ending where Humphrey Bogart sacrifices his happiness to ensure the love of his life is safe? If you don’t watch this film, you’ll regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life. That was a bad joke. Sorry about that.
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