Spring Break
Cuddle up with a classic 'bromance'
Natalie Abreu
Issue date: 2/13/09 Section: Focus
For many people, the romantic comedy, or "rom-com," film has been a staple of any Valentine's Day. The overly girly, gushy romantic film that makes any guy look like a prince charming who's waiting to sweep a girl off her feet always seems to have a market during this love-obsessed time of year. But romantic comedies are probably not so appealing for the guys out there.
What is there for the ones who think these films are just too sickly sweet, yet want some kind of film that will make them laugh, cry and still feel like a man? A "bromantic" comedy is the way to go. Over the past few years, this budding genre has delivered some unforgettable, soon-to-be-classic films that will make the guys more than happy on this otherwise estrogen-filled day.
Lord of the Rings films (2001-2003)
This epic saga of films isn't just about good versus evil, but also how bromance can get anyone through the journey of destroying "The One Ring." The relationship between ring-bearer Frodo and his best friend/gardener Samwise has often been surrounded by gay jokes. But it's not gay, its just Bromance at work. And yes, it can happen in a fantasy world like Middle Earth, too.
Dogma (1999): Any film with the line, "And this is my hetero life-mate, Silent Bob" has a Bromantic relationship in it. Also featuring the most Bromantic couple of all time, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, as two fallen angels trying to get back into heaven, "Dogma" is filled with moments proving Jay and Silent Bob's love for one another. Who else but Silent Bob would throw someone off a moving train for punching his best friend?
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005): The first of Judd Apatow's series of hit comedies, this film brought the concept of Bromance to a mass audience. Starring a motley crew of wingmen such as Apatow regulars Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" follows virgin Andy (Steve Carell) on his hysterical journey to becoming a "real" man. The Bromantic formula was laid out in this film, with Andy's romance with his MILF girlfriend Trish, male bonding with his outrageous friends and gross-out humor that makes "Kelly Clarkson" a swear word. As the tagline of the film says, this was a comedy that gave us many moments, "that touch us in ways we've never been touched before."
What is there for the ones who think these films are just too sickly sweet, yet want some kind of film that will make them laugh, cry and still feel like a man? A "bromantic" comedy is the way to go. Over the past few years, this budding genre has delivered some unforgettable, soon-to-be-classic films that will make the guys more than happy on this otherwise estrogen-filled day.
Lord of the Rings films (2001-2003)
This epic saga of films isn't just about good versus evil, but also how bromance can get anyone through the journey of destroying "The One Ring." The relationship between ring-bearer Frodo and his best friend/gardener Samwise has often been surrounded by gay jokes. But it's not gay, its just Bromance at work. And yes, it can happen in a fantasy world like Middle Earth, too.
Dogma (1999): Any film with the line, "And this is my hetero life-mate, Silent Bob" has a Bromantic relationship in it. Also featuring the most Bromantic couple of all time, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, as two fallen angels trying to get back into heaven, "Dogma" is filled with moments proving Jay and Silent Bob's love for one another. Who else but Silent Bob would throw someone off a moving train for punching his best friend?
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005): The first of Judd Apatow's series of hit comedies, this film brought the concept of Bromance to a mass audience. Starring a motley crew of wingmen such as Apatow regulars Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" follows virgin Andy (Steve Carell) on his hysterical journey to becoming a "real" man. The Bromantic formula was laid out in this film, with Andy's romance with his MILF girlfriend Trish, male bonding with his outrageous friends and gross-out humor that makes "Kelly Clarkson" a swear word. As the tagline of the film says, this was a comedy that gave us many moments, "that touch us in ways we've never been touched before."
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