Be Kind, Unwind: 3 Movies You Have To Watch

The summer is technically coming to a close, but the nights are still warm and romantic, which makes it the perfect time for a good, old-fashioned movie night. Going to see a movie or curling up on your couch with a NetFlix is a great way to unwind and detach from the chaos of day-to-day life. Whether you're with your lover, alone, or with your friends doesn't really matter, as long as you're snacking on something fun and taking a two-hour break from emails and phone calls and dirty laundry. We want you to enjoy, bask in, and celebrate each day of your life, and this week, it's time to turn off your brain and let yourself be entertained.

Motion Picture Proposal#1: Everybody Wants to be Italian

Don't even start on this being a shameless plug. We're truly so excited about this movie that we want to share it with you. This is not your typical romantic comedy; it's a charming, witty take on love, soul mates, and of course, Italians. It's the perfect date film because there's plenty of guy humor for the men and romantic, relatable relationship drama for the ladies. So if you live in NYC, Rochester, Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Philadelphia, New Jersey or Salt Lake City, why don't you grab a date and start the night with a yummy Italian dinner, a glass of wine, and then head to the movies? You'll leave the theatre smiling, craving a cannoli, and feeling good about supporting a film that isn't filled with tabloid celebrities or produced by a giant studio machine. (Oh, it opens on the 5th and if you live in another part of the country, you'll get your turn later in September.)

Motion Picture Proposal #2: Pineapple Express

Okay, well, a giant studio machine did pump this out, but whatever, it's really funny. It's the perfect movie for unwinding and turning off your brain because it's so ridiculous and hilarious that you won't possibly be able to think about anything else, except maybe your Red Vines. You should absolutely incorporate food into your movie night. Go out with your friends for some cheap Chinese food or burgers, kick back in the theatre with a bunch of candy, and then get ice cream afterwards and debate with your friends about who is cuter - James Franco or Seth Rogan. We know this is considered a "stoner film," but we promise that you don't have to be high to laugh your ass off and fully enjoy it.

Motion Picture Proposal #3: Once

Remember when Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova won the Oscar for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" from the movie "Once," and they were so freaking cute and overwhelmed that you got a tiny bit choked up? (Admit it.) Well, watching the actual movie is kind of like that times a thousand. This film is so unique and captivating and honest and real that we found ourselves bawling at the end of it out of pure emotion. This one is perfect for cozy couples to watch together because the girls will love the heartbreaking love story and the guys will get into the awesome music. Cook your favorite meal for dinner, cuddle up on the couch to watch Once, and we promise you'll appreciate your life and each other more by the end of it.

Comments

[GlassMask]

I enjoyed Hamlet 2 this weekend, but as my wife and I were the only people in the theatre, maybe it won't be everyone's fave...

My top three would probably include: Defending Your Life, Princess Bride, and The Incredibles, and I'm a 52 year old straight white guy. Guess that blows the stereotyping thing too...

[InformedSources]

"Go out with your friends for some cheap Chinese food or burgers, kick back in the theatre with a bunch of candy, and then get ice cream afterwards­..."

I love my body too much to trash it like that! I would feel so sick afterwards. Yuck!

[Goliadkin]

I agree. Burgers, candy, and ice cream is not my idea of balance.

[JaneaneTheAcerbicGoblin]

If you REALLY want to watch great, truly romantic films, watch the films of Max Ophuls. His masterful The Earrings of Madame de.... and La Ronde are coming on DVD this month from Criterion.

Then watch Marcel Carne's beautiful, beguiling Children of Paradise.

[Goliadkin]

Is Cerina in any of those?

[robcat2075]

Summer is not "technically coming to a close" because of Labor day. Summer technically runs until Sept 22.

[Swerinjer]

I know at least one of these movies must be pro-Zionis­t...which one is it? Pineapple Express is my guess.

[Swerinjer]

Update: I just saw Pineapple Express. It's NOT a pro-Zionist movie.

[bluesy]

Hmmm. "Once" was too much. dragged on to become painfully boring

[cimbalok]

OK, Cerina Vincent sounds like it could be an Italian name, so if I'm right then the 1st choice is no surprise. I agree with MissAngela. I'm a woman and my top 3 picks (as of today) are Blazing Saddles, Animal House and Knife in the Water. No romance in the 1st two and an illicit seduction in the third. I've been trying to get my rear in gear to see "Once" but the specter of sappy romance keeps putting me off. Can't stand it! Just goes to show you, there's all kinds of people who like all kinds of movies and you can't please everybody. But thanks for trying.

[InformedSources]

Hello-oh?! The first choice is first because Cerina's in the movie. That's why she coyly says, "Don't even start on this being a shameless plug." Glad we cleared this up.

[mamacat]

We liked "Once," getting a little old for slapstick. The American comedies today are OK, but most of them are for juveniles. There was a time when I absolutely loved slapstick. Not so much anymore.

"Stranger than Fiction" was a good American comedy.

[cosmicmom]

I saw Pineapple Express today after church!! One of the hands-down funniest movies I've EVER seen! GO SEE IT!!

[helen]

You went to church first? Good thing you pre-positioned your confession for seeing a sinful movie! ;)

[RoseMerry]

Oh, chill...I bet she is as Unitarian and Universalist as I am. We got room - just leave the stash at home. We are under surveillance, you know.

[bangagong]

When I saw in the title "3 Movies You Have To Watch" I was hoping "Once" was among them. Saw it a few weeks ago and agree entirely. Actually, slight difference--I'm a guy and I found the story to be the best part. The music was perfect for it though. It can be watched more than once and I picked it up at a big discount as a previewed DVD at Blockbuster. Now I'll look for the other two.

[MissAngela]

I was sort of offended by the stereotyping going on.

Why even say what they assume a man or a woman would prefer about a film?
Believe it or not, not all woman are suckers for heart-wrenching romance stories...