Since I posted the Top Ten “Chick Flicks” Guys Like, it’s gotten a hefty response on Movie Mobsters but also on Top Ten Top Ten, a site that I contribute some of Movie Mobsters Top Ten lists to. In response to that list and by suggestion I have created the Top Ten “Guy Movies” Chicks Like. The criteria I used for this was nothing in depth, just a series of films that seem like movies the male gender would be more inclined to that I have found most women enjoy as well. Here’s the list and as usual feel free to bluster or agree with anything I’ve posted by leaving comments. We’re loving the interaction here!
In it’s essence Kill Bill Volume 1 is an ambitious homage to old school kung-fu revenge flick’s. The dark humour of Tarantino and the unification of pop culture with blood soaked battles on a grandiose scale of style makes it very much so it’s own fresh addition to a genre long since forgotten. Volume 1 never stops to take a breath. It’s a pure adrenaline rush that’s speed increases with each passing scene. Stylized to the point of magnificence, it’s an event to behold. With the gregarious violence used in this film it often comes as a surprise to me that women seem to enjoy it so much. Even Volume 2 is more story oriented, but the first is an out and out violent and unapologetic action/kung-fu Tarantino creation. I love that women love this move, even though it doesn’t fall into that “stereotype”.
This is how you make a modern day vampire film that is action oriented, which may explain why the third Underworld is in high demand. Len Wiseman creates a fast paced story, that has stunning visuals and incorporates this fantasy world effortlessly into the world of humans. It takes only the first scene to clearly set the plot and transpiring events for the rest of film and leaves ample time to develop the character’s and the story itself. From vampires, werewolves, and insane ancient stories creating the kind of double crossing and character conflict seen in complicated dramas the actors performances were spot on. It has all the elements plus more, of a great action or vampire film. And that’s the kicker. You have Kate Beckinsale running around in a skin tight suit in these crazy action sequences, with more violence and mayhem than the sensual vampire films we’re acclimated to, but women still seem to enjoy this movie. They like Kate Beckinsale (and Scott Speedman of course), but seemed to embrace the escapism adventure created.
Gladiator may have been a brilliant and entertaining story but based on it’s violence alone it seems off putting for your general female audience. When you add epic battles, and moments of the revered Russell Crowe (certainly another helpful factor in women’s appreciation of this film) being beaten down, and the violence that goes with, it just doesn’t come off in advertisement as a film women typically would flock to the theatre to see, but Ridley Scott’s vision, portioning the story almost like a three act play, and exploiting the violence of the time by demonstrating the thrill of the gladiator’s and the vastness of Rome as the most powerful city in the world made it more than just action, it was an important story about people and inner strength. The focus of moving the story around Maximus’s simple and determined goal meshes elegantly with the complexity of Commodus and his sister in the back round. The final scene is one of the most powerful movie moments in existence and gives a sense of being tangible to both sexes, being a good movie regardless.
This is a film structured around the idea of guys going out and hooking up with girls, learning the game of dating, and even how to blow a lady or an ex-lady off. So why do “chicks” dig this flick? Beyond the extraordinary comedy ofFavreau and Vaughn there is the appeal of looking in from the outside. It gives women the rare perspective of seeing the dating game and what it’s like to get over a relationship for different guys from their perspective instead of what “Chick Flicks” put in their agenda oriented flicks. Swingers just happens to be absolutely hysterical while it’s going through the relationship moments.
Again we have the pretense of a film that seems pretty much a straight forward action flick, but with handsome leads (Statum and Wahlberg) and a much more well thought out plot this film suddenly becomes attractive to women as well. There is fast paced action but a ton of witty and clever dialogue, enough of an interesting romance that had a pretty intense chemistry translated well to it’s audience. The suspense doesn’t give you much time to do anything but anticipate what will happen next. It might not be as straight forward as Romancing The Stone in it’s action and romance mix, but the story telling, action, and romance makes this largely appealing to both sexes.
Cusack is more well known for making movies for women that men like, but Grosse Point Blank was the other way around. Cusack plays a hit man who gets an invitation to go to his high school reunion. Even though he’s a pretty intense cold blooded killer he still pines for the girl he left behind. Upon his return toGrosse Point, Michigan, a pretty quiet city where nothing of interest essentially happens he reunites with his ex-girl while avoiding the plagues of his profession. This movie is great for both men and women because women love anything JohnCusack does, and this movie is both men and women friendly. Action, love, and violence……what more could anyone ask for?
The Bourne movies are different from all other action genres out there. They aren’t afraid of mixing depth, a soulful hero, and intelligent elements to make a film. Matt Damon has arrived to show us what a real action hero is. While the action scenes are brilliant, the suspense that builds in this addition is edge of your seat excitement. What was so amazing about the character of Jason Bourne was the depth and curiosity of the character. There are a lot of Bond elements to the Bourne movies, which is pretty much made for men, but what makes the Bourne movies stand out is the character of Jason Bourne himself. He may be in chase scene to chase scene or combat moment to combat moment, but the amazing complexity of the character and Matt Damon’s charisma in depicting it is what drives the mass appeal of men and the ladies.
True Lies is James Cameron’s best mix of action, romance, and light hearted fun. Arnold Schwarzenegger does some of his best work coupled with Jamie Lee Curtis as his wife. You’ve got it all in this movie: comedy, action, adventure, romance, great dialogue, compelling character’s, and a clever plot. Not only does this movie apply to men AND women, but simply people in relationships in general. There are levels of entertainment and intelligence that movies in this genre don’t usually produce. James Cameron might be a tyrant of director/producer but he knows how to make movies, and True Lies is one that is great for everyone.
The superficial appeal to this films is obviously the amazing cast, but a strong casting doesn’t always make a great movie. In Oceans Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen we have a guys being guys grouping with the one or two solo female roles. This is a film built on testostorone by it’s casting alone, but Besides a whole lot of light hearted fun they have great chemistry together. It’s no shock to find out how much fun these guys have making the movies. All the actors are very talented and know how to play their roles perfectly. The twists and turns make this a film for everyone to appreciate even though it’s essence stems from a sense of male camaraderie.
Heather this was a great list not one movie on here I didnt like, one of my favorites though swingers for sure!!!
Just wanted to say thanks for the Jamie lee Curtis pic. lol
Great list BTW, i rewatched gladiator last week. Just great stuff.
I love most of these movies. Speed doesn’t fall into the overall category as comfortably, but my question is:
Where is Tomb Raider?
I don’t know too many women that love Gladiator or Kill Bill, but otherwise I’d say this is a pretty good collection of films.
I really am enjoying your Top Ten Lists. I’m hooked every Thursday. Thanks.
I only notice a few movies missing:
*”Reservoir Dogs”
*”Braveheart”
*”First Blood”
*”Fight Club”
… then again, I don’t have the cinematic taste of your average, everyday woman, so who am I to talk?
M. Carter at the Movies
Spot on list, but as the user above mentioned, Fight Club should have been a shoe in. There isn’t a girl I know (and I know a lot of girls) who isn’t fascinated by Tyler Durden. Also, how would you like to exchange links? I’ve already added your link to my blog, Cinema Juice. – http://cinemajuice.com
part one
part two
keanu reeves is like a lost poet without his muse.
he is flat put gorgeous.
Hmmm……….yes. I think it would safe to put Fight Club in place of Kill Bill. I was also debating Pulp Fiction on that point. Great comments everyone. Thanks.
Really, the Bourne movies? I couldn’t get many girls I know to watch them. Absolutely would have Fight Club in there.
I gotta wonder how many of those movies are enjoyed by women for the sole fact of ‘eye candy’! HAHAHA!
I’m going to have to disagree with Underworld. That was a bad bad movie and should neither be a boy or a chick flick…
WTF? Jaimi Lee Curtis’ body is like an anomoly!
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