Movie suggestions?

[twasadark]

I tutor two Chinese students on learning English a couple of times a week. The husband has been over here for 7 years and his wife has only been here for 3 years. They're great people and we have a good time. One thing they'd like to do is watch more American movies to improve their understanding of our culture and to practice hearing English, as well. The husband likes action movies and the wife likes romantic comedies. Can anyone suggest somewhat recent movies that portray American culture well? My mind is drawing a blank. Also, I really haven't watched a lot of movies over the last few years.

Thanks in advance!

Comments

[we-are-parallel.livejournal.com]

Hmm... One that comes instantly to mind for me is the action/romance comedy "Killers" with Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl that came out on DVD a little while ago. It's not the greatest movie ever, but it has explosions and guns for him, and humor and romance for her :P

[shadecat.livejournal.com]

"He's just not that into you"... totally get that. It's great. I loved it.
It has an amazing cast and it's romantic while dancing with drama. :)
Stranger than fiction is another good romantic/drama one. :)

Actiony movies? American culture actiony movies? Hmm - try Kick-Ass. It's actiony but has some humour to it.
Also The Losers is pretty decent.

That's just my personal preference, though. Feel free to ignore me.

[twasadark.livejournal.com]

Awesome!! Thanks, bb! I've only seen The Losers - and you're right, that would be a good one to recommend. &hearts

[shadecat.livejournal.com]

Anytime :D

[bigmamag.livejournal.com]

"Die Hard" is pretty much the quintessential American action movie, every day man goes up against terrorists, kicks their collective asses. Most men can quote that movie in their sleep. "Men in Black" or "Independence Day" could be good for both of them as America is going through a sci-fi kick and there is nothing more American than Will Smith, lol.

As for romantic comedies, I think "You've Got Mail" would be perfect for seeing how our economy works and how integral the internet is to every day lives. And I just saw The Wedding Singer the other day and even though it's set in the 80's, there's still a lot of emphasis on American culture and come on, good for both men and women. Ooh, and "13 Going on 30", that's a good one for how young girls have high expectations and make compromises to be rich and successful but also morally bankrupt.

[twasadark.livejournal.com]

Great suggestions, bb! The Wedding Singer was loltastic - I'll definitely have to rec that one and Die Hard. Haven't seen 13 Going on 30 - I'll have to check that out.

THANK YOU!!!

[zoemathemata.livejournal.com]

It's not recent and I'm showing my age here:

Tango and Cash - For reals, I can't get enough of this. It's your quintessential "Let's be cops with cheesy one liners and kill the bad guys!" movie. If he hasn't seen it, I highly rec it. c'mon JACK PALANCE as a BAD GUY!

I know! It's SO OLD, but it's one of the best movies EVER [erm, I am very easy to entertain, what can I say?]

[twasadark.livejournal.com]

Hey, that is a good one! Haha! It is kinda old, isn't it? Well, that's okay - so am I! LOL

Thank you, bb!

[bloggingchick.livejournal.com]

I have to admit I really like Knight and Day (Cameron Diaz & Tom Cruise): action, adventure, comedy, romance. The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock. Or how about an old classic: Casablanca or The Maltese Falcon (or anything with Humphrey Bogart)? Those are some just off the top of my head.

[twasadark.livejournal.com]

Ooooh! Good idea! I've never seen Knight and Day or The Blind Side. I'll have to check them out. And YES for the classics. Those are awesome! Thank you!!