Here's single guy's guide to sorta romantic films

For the record, I'm single. Happily single. And hopelessly male to boot. Which hardly makes me the ideal audience for such "chick-flick" hits as "27 Dresses."

In fact, my idea of romance has more to do with curling up and watching one of my favorite films (say, "Seven Samurai" or "Clerks") than it does with going out to see something filled with mushy sentiments and contrived plotting.

Of course, that hasn't stopped a lot of people from asking me to list my favorite romantic movies. An easy, obvious choice would the 1941 classic "Casablanca," which has intrigue and action and isn't completely sappy. It's a great film, but practically everyone chooses it.

So, for those who asked, here are 10 other, somewhat romantic films that won't completely make you want to poke your eyes out — especially if you're a single guy like me:

• THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN (2005, rated R).

Yes, the Steve Carell hit is extremely vulgar. But it's as sweet as it is crude. And believe it or not, the film actually promotes love and chastity over cheap, meaningless sex.

• CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2000, rated PG-13).

There's plenty of action in this Oscar-winning martial-arts fantasy, as well as a long-unspoken passion between two characters (played by Chow-Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh).

• GREGORY'S GIRL (1981, rated PG).

A little-seen Scottish charmer that vividly reminds us about the awkwardness and nervousness of first loves and high-school.

• HIGH FIDELITY (2000, rated R).

The Nick Hornby novel is better, but this Americanized version starring John Cusack is amusing and will give women valuable insight into the male psyche.

• THE INCREDIBLES (2004, rated PG).

Disney/Pixar's digitally animated superhero spoof features possibly the most believable married couple in recent cinematic history.

• LADY AND THE TRAMP (1955, rated G).

Who can ever forget the spaghetti dining scene in this Disney animated classic? Now that's romantic!

• ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE (1969, rated PG).

Perhaps the most underrated James Bond film. 007 (George Lazenby) nearly gives up his secret agent job for Diana Rigg.

• ROCKY (1976, rated PG).

Arguably, the classic boxing drama's best scenes are those in which the punch-drunk title character (Sylvester Stallone) attempts to woo the shy Adrian (Talia Shire).

• SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004, rated R).

The makers of the gory and sometimes crude, but very funny, British cult hit even described it as "a romantic comedy. With zombies."

• SPIDER-MAN (2002 , rated PG-13).

The upside-down kiss in the rain sequence has already become so iconic that it's being spoofed all the time now. But it's still a great scene.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com