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SALT LAKE CITY — It's Valentine's Day and maybe you have plans all laid out for you and your special someone, or maybe you're like me and have no idea what you're going to do tonight. Well, I'm here to help.
Pick up some take-out from your special someone's favorite spot and watch one of these 5 movies streaming on Netflix.
Sleepless in Seattle (PG)
Yes, I went there. It's the romance movie of romance movies. Apparently there is something about Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks that people cannot get over.
There's no real need for me to go into detail about this one because I think pretty much everyone has seen it and probably multiple times, but you may not have known that it was available to stream on Netflix.
So, if all else fail,s go with a movie known to get people crying and feeling romantic.
The Giant Mechanical Man (PG-13)
You may not have heard of this small flick, but it's full of heart and perfect for Valentine's Day.
The offbeat comedy stars "The Office" star Jenna Fischer as a lonely zoo worker who falls for a silver-painted street performer.
The movie is filled with layers and keeps you smiling. Fischer is a treat, and you'll also enjoy a fun and different performance from Topher Grace.
Again, the movie is offbeat, but romantic nonetheless. If you want to try something you've never seen before, this is a pretty good pick.
Move Over, Darling (NR)
The 1963 comedy "Move Over, Darling" stars Doris Day and James Garner and is not the type of movie I'd usually put on the list.
It's cute, charming and has a vintage humor; not usually something up my alley, but my wife made we watch it and it wasn't too bad.
In the film, husband and wife, Garner and Day, are in a plane crash from which Garner is saved and Day is stranded on an island.
Jump five years later and Day gets rescued and returns home, but after five years she realizes her kids don't recognize her and her husband has recently remarried. It's like the romantic-comedy version of "Cast Away."
The movie is quite heartwarming and fun. While it's not my absolute favorite, my wife loved it and I enjoyed watching it with her.
So, guys, it may not be your favorite, but you'll at least chuckle and your wife will probably love it.
Griff the Invisible (PG-13)
Now, here's my curveball. "Griff the Invisible" is an all but unknown Australian film. It's definitely a bit bizarre, but it's also funny, charming, heartbreaking and empowering.
Griff is an office worker by day and a superhero by night. When the beautiful Melody enters his life, everything changes.
"Griff" is a change of pace from your everyday romance. You can't help but cheer out loud for Griff at times, and the movie will break your heart and lift your spirits.
Much like "The Giant Mechanical Man," remember, if offbeat humor and pacing aren't your thing you're not going to like "Griff the Invisible" as much as I did. But if this is the kind of genre you like, it's a real treat.
So, if you're adventurous and want to take a leap of faith on a film tonight, try out "Griff the Invisible."
How about a classic?
The 1963 film "How to Steal a Million" starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole is the kind of film that was tailor-made for Valentine's Day.
Hepburn is the daughter of an art forger and she must steal a statue from Paris to keep her father's secret safe, and O'Toole is the thief who helps her.
The movie is fun, unpredictable and witty. The chemistry between Hepburn and O'Toole rivals that of Hepburn and Cary Grant, and the old film still holds up.
If you have never seen "How to Steal a Million" you should probably watch it for Valentine's Day and experience movie history as you enjoy a romantic evening with your Valentine.
For those of you who are trying to forget that it's Valentine's Day, here's a list of 5 movies you can enjoy:
Lockout (PG-13) - It's not a great movie, but it's about as un-Valentine's as you can get.
The Sum of All Fears (PG-13) - Political action thriller; that's not romantic.
Escape From Alcatraz (PG) - It's about breaking out of prison. So, yeah.
The Karate Kid (Original) (PG) - Sure, there's a little romance there, but it also has the "Crane Kick," so you're good. It'll also remind you that your Ali Mills or Daniel Larusso is out there somewhere.
Warrior (PG-13) - I push this film all the time, but there's a reason, it's awesome. And, when you're done watching it you're going to want to go to the gym and start fighting MMA, not be romantic.
