Kyle's Picks: Fall Break Flicks You Can Watch for Kicks

Courtesy Web

A scene from The Notebook, one of Kyle's movie picks for Fall Break

Fall Break is right around the corner, and while some of you will be traveling home, a lot of you will be staying around campus. You will play football in the quad, take long overdue shopping trips to the mall, and you will, undoubtedly, be watching some movies. As your guide this semester, I have personally taken it upon myself to bring you my picks for the best movies to sit around and watch during your time off.

I know there are different situations in which one might find his/herself watching a movie. I beg you, however, to not make your movie viewing a solitary event; you should watch movies in a group. It's much more fun that way. And honestly, who wants to spend their Fall Break watching movies on a laptop all alone?

Naturally, for the guys, action flicks are the staple of any satisfying movie-fest. Say what you will about stereotypes that dictate American males must love action movies, but I still can't get enough of certain films, even after multiple viewings. One rule for this fall: war movies are so five minutes ago. Stay away from The Thin Red Line and Saving Private Ryan. They're long, drawn out, and, frankly, quite boring for a group of fellows wanting some quality entertainment. A general rule of thumb is to vote yes on anything Tarantino. Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, the Kill Bill couplet, and even Sin City (Tarantino guest directed a scene) will provide an afternoon of fun. If you'd like to go back in the vault for some classics, I recommend Die Hard and tracking down any old Chuck Norris movies, namely Lone Wolf McQuade, is a great idea. Not much thinking involved with these picks, just mindless action/violence.

I had to do a bit of research to determine the movies girls would enjoy watching in a group. So I asked some girls what movies they would enjoy watching in a movie marathon. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was mentioned often. I also found that girls love watching Will Ferrell playing Buddy in Elf. Also receiving a few votes was the comedy about female social hierarchy in high school, Mean Girls. There were three films, however, that were mentioned the most. Two are the tear-jerkers The Notebook and A Walk to Remember. The third is the comedy 10 Things I Hate About You.

Now it's time to name the movies to watch with that special someone. The best way to pick a movie to cuddle up with is to remember the word compromise. Select a film that interests both guys and gals. One of my favorites is Jerry Maguire, a film about a struggling sports agent who attempts to maintain the delicate balance of professional success and playing the role of loving husband and father. Family Man is a similar movie. Any movie from the Brat Pack series, 16 Candles, Pretty in Pink, and The Breakfast Club, is a winner as well. Garden State and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind provide thought provoking takes on the modern romance. My personal favorite for the best romantic comedy of all time is Annie Hall, a Woody Allen film that follows the relationship of a neurotic comedian and free-spirited woman from beginning to end. No one can tell the story of a love affair with as much panache as Woody Allen. Sometimes the environment makes up for a lousy film, so get the couch loaded with blankets and make sure you don't forget the popcorn.

I hope that I have adequately provided you all with some guidance as you frantically search for movies to occupy the time over Fall Break. Don't forget that CAC movies return in time for Halloween with the animated movie Monster House. Enjoy your Homecoming Weekend!