DOGFIGHT

 

 

 

Readers of this blog (God help you!) will know that I'm not much of a "fan" of romantic-esque movies (The Ugly Truth not withstanding!), but this is one of the few romantic-type flicks that I actually did, for lack of a better word, enjoy. It stars the late River Phoenix, who died of a drug overdose a couple of years after this film was released, and Liv Tyler as the lovebirds. River plays a Marine named Birdlace who is about to be shipped off to Vietnam who brings a waitress he just met played by Tyler named Rose to this "contest" thrown by his fellow Marines called a "dogfight" where soldiers bring "unattractive" women to see who is the most--again, for lack of a better word--ugly. When Rose learns of what's going on from one of the other "contestants" she meets in the ladies room, she understandably flies into a rage and punches Birdlace's lights out before stomping off. Birdlace, feeling guilty, approaches Rose again to try to make amends. They end up going on a "date" that ends up with them in bed (and, no, I'm not talking about actual sleep!). Birdlace leaves for Vietnam and (spoiler alert!) finds Rose again when he comes back. Dogfight is a rather low-key "romantic" flick that's actually--and this will probably be the LAST time I use this word on this blog!--sweet. Fellas, if your gal keeps pestering you about wanting to watch a "romantic" movie, just pop in this one. With its title, she might think you're watching another one of your "guy" flicks. Imagine HER surprise (and, of course, YOUR reward!)! Enjoy!