by Sam Brean

Created on: March 13, 2009   Last Updated: March 14, 2009

Ah, the wonderful wonderment of movies! We love movies because they: teach us about history; make us laugh and cry; inspire, excite, intrigue and frighten us; provide distraction from daily life; and open our eyes to lives different from our own.

Some movies are great, and likely would be enjoyed by a majority of movie lovers, others are stereotypically classified as "chick flicks," movies fellows are encouraged to attend with their significant other to appease them. "Must see guy movies" are ones our lovely ladies would enjoy seeing with us, right? The following films may have guy themes, but they also appeal to everyone's emotions.

PRIDE, HONOR, DUTY

Patton: A "real war movie" without the visible blood and guts of many produced today. The story of General Patton provides valuable history lessons about the man and the war he fought. George C. Scott's performance is remarkable.

A Few Good Men: There is contradiction within the military regarding the meaning of the code of honor soldiers live by in order to best protect our country. Jack Nicholson's line "you can't handle the truth," culminates one of the most moving scenes in any movie.

Saving Private Ryan: A mom looses three sons in World War II; eight soldiers search through battle for a fourth brother; most die saving Private Ryan; an elderly Ryan questions if he has led a life worthy of the death of his comrades. Shedding a tear or two can be a guy thing.

The Bridge on the River Kwai: Pride, honor and duty become destructive obsessions and an intriguing interpretation of emotions ensues.

MYSTERY & INTRIGUE

The French Connection: Gene Hackman perhaps is the most reliable "guy movie" actor of all-time, more than The French Connection is a must see movie. However, Hackman won his only Best Actor Oscar Award for this flick, so it makes the list.

The Good Shepherd: If you haven't seen this movie more than once, you have missed something.

The Bourne Identity: Action movies not requiring thought fall short of the upper echelon of films. Matt Damon's Jason Bourne keeps us thinking throughout this movie and the sequels.

UNDERDOG SUCCESS

Hoosiers: A classic underdog story, depicting a small town high school basketball team winning the Indiana state high school championship against massive odds.

Rudy: Rudy Ruettiger's real life story of fulfilling a dream to play football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, when his size stacked the odds against him, is a dream come true lesson for everyone.

Rocky: Boxing is only a back-drop

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