Bad Date Movies
Heading out to the video store for tonight’s big date? That’s cool. It might even be fun; don’t forget the popcorn. And for god’s sake, don’t forget to double check what you’re renting. Though many obvious choices might seem like great date movies, they might not be as perfect as they appear at first sight. Can you still dig these films? Absolutely. You might just want to pick something else for a date you’re still getting to know. If you want another date, don’t rent one of these movies, for example…
Anything with Mel Gibson or Tom Cruise. These two used to be mega hotties that plenty of people drooled over (yours truly included, particularly with the latter!). Today, however, both men—due to anti-Semitic remarks, alleged abuse, weird religious persuasions, controlling behavior and tempers directed toward their significant others, and plenty of other outrageous activity—turn a lot of women (and men) off. So I would wait to watch any of these fellas’ movies for a date when you know each other and are sure it won’t be off-putting.
An Officer and a Gentleman; Pretty Woman. These are the favorite films for many people who find them romantic and charming. For many other people, however, they are complete wastes of time, filled with sexism and/or violence against women. (Did you know that in the original Pretty Woman, Vivian was supposed to go back to being a hooker at the end? Audiences didn’t like the unhappy ending so it was changed.) This might be another one to sit out until you know each others’ likes a little better.
The Lord of the Rings or Willow. I am a total junkie for fantasy; so is my husband. That said, most of my female friends—and some of my male friends—are definitely not, and if you put them through even a half hour of the Trilogy, they’d be out of the door and on their way home in a flash! The same goes for Harry Potter and Star Wars, I am afraid.
Anything starring Billy Madison or Will Ferrell. And absolutely no Kevin James or Vince Vaughn! The same applies here with the statements above; some people love these guys and some people hate them. If you want to laugh with your date, you might want to try Airplane! or Bridesmaids rather than, say, The Waterboy tonight. The same goes for any other niche comedian’s films.