It's funny, but I've been watching Kevin Smith movies for a long time now, but it was only as I was reading through Total Film's list of the Best & Worst: Kevin Smith, that I realized something that I never really thought all that much about before -- and what was my big epiphany? Well, I finally discovered that Smith's films in the end are just rom-coms with poop jokes. Smith may have been considered a foul-mouthed stoner for most of his career, but now that I've looked beyond his shtick, I've finally come to the conclusion that the guy is a big old softy. Which got me thinking: Is there such a thing as romance for boys?

Now if you're the observant type, you've probably noticed I'm not a dude, so what do I know, right? But I've been told time and again that I'm not the 'average girl' (whatever that means) when it comes to my movie tastes, so I'm going to put that theory to the test, and get in touch with my masculine side to create a list of romantic movies for men.

After the jump; My 5 picks for boy-friendly romance...

It sounded promising when Jason Lee was set to get Thicker back in 2008. Perhaps we'd finally get another taste at the old Lee, the one that made every Kevin Smith movie he graced all the tastier, especially when he'd rant away with all of his comedic snarkiness. He may have left that film, but Lee found an even better project to fill his now Earl-free days. Variety reports that he, along with Michelle Trachtenberg, have signed on for roles in A Couple of Dicks -- Kevin Smith's first project not written by his own pen.

The film, which stars Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan, focuses on two cops who search for a stolen baseball card, rescue a sexy Mexican woman, and face gangsters. With the buddy cop roles long-filled, Lee won't have much face time, but hopefully it will be quality face time. While Trachtenberg plays Willis' daughter, Lee will play her stepfather.

At least it's something. Not a lot, but a hell of a lot more interesting that the family fare that Lee keeps doing. That being said, and even loving Willis' classic cop ways, I wish Lee was taking the role. Wouldn't he make an excellent gruff detective? (If he can't be the new Fletch, he could at least get a blockbuster buddy cop film! Willis and Morgan are already a far cry from the originally cast Robin Williams and James Gandolfini.)

But maybe better fare is on the horizon. What sort of starring role would you like to see Jason Lee take on?

Like most of the moviegoing world, we here at Cinematical are pretty excited for Kevin Smith's new comedy, A Couple of Dicks, particularly since Smith is promising it'll be the next Roadhouse. The world needs another Roadhouse, just like this generation needs a new buddy cop comedy.

We won't have too long to wait, as The Hollywood Reporter says that the film begins shooting on Monday in New York -- but before it goes before cameras, Smith has added Seann William Scott and Adam Brody to the cast. Scott will play a thief known as "The Sh*t Bandit" due to his trademark of leaving a scatological gift for his robbery victims. (Remember, Smith didn't write this script, Robb and Mark Cullen did. But now we know one reason he liked it!) Brody will play "an abrasive detective" who is less than thrilled to be working with Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan's maverick cops. He seems so young to be the abrasive, badass type ... but hey, it's New York. You grow up fast there.

Still missing from the cast is one Mexican beauty, who Willis and Morgan rescue in the course of their adventure, and who holds the key to millions of laundered drug money. I bet we'll meet her next week, but you could throw out a few casting guesses or recommendations just to pass the time, as Dicks isn't due in theaters until February 26, 2010.

Move over Ben Lyons, there's a new critic in town. During MTV's 457-part interview with Kevin Smith, they somehow found their way to Twilight. Smith admitted to watching the film with his wife and daughter, and, though it wasn't his cup of tea, could see why so many young girls love it dearly (cue Robert Pattinson). He then called up his daughter, who proceeded to dole out her personal review of Twilight -- which goes something like ... "(giggles) I don't know (giggles) I just liked it." Then, when Pattinson's name comes up, she smiles and blushes, while Smith questions whether or not she's really his daughter.

It's all sorta cute and playful, and they all have great attitudes about it (I have a daughter arriving in under a month, so I can't really talk) -- but it did make me wonder which of Smith's films his daughter will like the best once she's old enough to watch them. This is the first video I've ever seen of his daughter, and if she's a mega-huge Twilight fan, then maybe she'll fancy Chasing Amy or Dogma the most. I don't know; you tell me -- watch the video below.

A hockey movie from Kevin Smith seems like the most natural thing in the world -- so natural, in fact, that this news seems like a nonevent. What is surprising is the source material and writing partner Smith is employing, as he's teaming up with Mitch Albom to film an adaptation of Warren Zevon's song Hit Somebody. If you're a hockey fan, you know the bittersweet song about a Canadian farmboy who desperately wants to play hockey, but is good for nothing but fighting. I've embedded it below so you can check it out and follow along with Smith's ideas.

The film will be set in the 1970s in the final days of old-time hockey, the World Hockey Association, and blood-splattered ice. "The song's been one of my favorites since I heard it and I've always seen this whole movie behind," Smith told MTV News. I got in touch with Mitch because Warren Zevon has passed on and we started talking about it and he was into it and into what I was kind of pitching." While the story will have some comedy, Smith is styling it to be one of his most serious films yet. "I never once thought about winning awards or anything, but that movie I think can do it. If I play my cards right and we get the right people in it, it could be an award-type movie."

He's aiming to start filming in 2010 or 2011, naming it as the "the one I really want to do in a big, bad way." Perhaps this film is that "something else" he was hinting at. I think Smith could really get under the skin of a broken down hockey player, and if there's one person who can rescue the sport from being condemned to Slapshot remakes, it would be him.

See, this is why I'll always dig Kevin Smith -- he just says it, whatever it is. He'll admit his failures, he'll open up about his relationships with studios, he'll remain real honest about his movies -- it's almost like you're good pal hit it big in Hollywood and, from time to time, relays some pretty hysterical stories about what it's like on the inside. Smith will be the first to admit the unsuccessful Zack and Miri Make a Porno left him a bit sour, frustrated and beaten up. And who can blame him -- you work your ass off on a movie, stick one of the most popular comedic actors in lead role and barely pony up a respectable box office take.

Good news, though, is that Smith still has some fight left in him. In a new interview with Vulture, he says he wants his new film, A Couple of Dicks (which he didn't write, but will direct) to be "the next TNT classic." He adds, "... the whole movie is like cops who are practically married but not actually, and, I mean, that's right up my alley. It's like Dante and Randall [from Clerks] as cops. That's why I was attracted to it in the first place. We all feel like we're trying to make a TNT classic - that movie that will just air ad nauseam forever once it hits TNT. I want it to be Road House. [My movies] all get cut to sh*t. I could never watch them [on TV]. Jersey Girl is the only one that doesn't get hit hard, but that one's tough to watch for a number of reasons. Television version or not."

I just came across the new poster for Whatever Works on IMP Awards (check it by clicking the image below), and beyond the too-perfect Larry David pose, I'm struck by the utter lack of Woody Allen on the thing. Beyond the billing block and maybe an especially sharp sense of font, how would anyone know that this was the latest film from the guy who made Annie Hall and Manhattan?

It was the same thing with Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and I'm wondering if potentially interested people would find themselves turned off upon finding out just whose movie they've been lured into. It's the same sense of un-branding (non-branding? anti-branding?) that kept most passersby from realizing that Zack and Miri Make a Porno was a Kevin Smith joint, and really, if you're already past that title, is his presence in the trailers and posters going to keep you away?

If anything, might the name recognition lure a couple of more people to either film (not that Larry David fans probably aren't already fans of Woody Allen, and not that Kevin Smith films probably already know which new movie is his)? Have you ever been sold on a movie until you got a glimpse of the name at the helm? When? Where? Why?

I know this isn't directly movie related, but if you have a little extra cash and a way to get to New York City on June 17th, then you absolutely have to go see Kevin Smith play Carnegie Hall. Not all of you are fans of his movies, sure, but his speaking engagements are beyond hilarious. If you're not familiar, picture audience participation stand-up comedy (check out a great clip of Smith ranting about Lord of the Rings over here - NSFW); just Smith, doing his thing. I've personally seen him twice -- and both times I was "on the job" -- but even so I put away my notepad, sat back and had a blast (don't tell my boss that). He's just THAT funny in person, if you're the type who likes smart, geeky, foul-mouthed humor.

But enough ass kissing, here's what you have to do to get tickets: Apparently they're going on sale at 11am EST this morning (as in just a few minutes from now) over at this online destination. (Note the link won't go live until 11am.) Carnegie Hall is not officially announcing the show until April 20th, so consider this a little pre-sale for the online world. This is an excellent, historic NYC venue and tickets will sell out ridiculously fast. Unfortunately my lady is due to give birth to my first kid two days before this show, which means I probably won't be there (holds fist in air -- "Why, God, why?!"), but that's one extra seat for you, so get to it ... and have a blast.

If you're looking to kill a couple hours this weekend, might I suggest listening to the latest podcast over at Slashfilm. This week writer/director/actor (and geek expert) Kevin Smith came on as a guest to review Watchmen with podcast regulars David Chen, Peter Sciretta, Devindra Hardawar and Adam Quigley. I happen to be a big fan of Kevin Smith, especially when he geeks the hell out over a comic property (his Superman shtick cracks me up each and every time I hear it), and so it was a damn treat to hear the man gush over Watchmen, compare Zack Snyder to Jesus and really shower the love on a film that was made by a fan, for fans.

Note that no one at the table really disliked Watchmen, so you're getting what amounts to a two-hour love letter, but it's totally worth a listen if you're a fan of Smith, of Watchmen, of Slashfilm or of listening to random people talk about movies for two hours. Cinematical has been lucky enough to visit the /Filmcast on numerous occasions (our own Elisabeth Rappe practically lives on the damn show), and so I can vouch that a good time is always had by all. You can listen or download the podcast right here.

Additionally, Smith recently sat down for an interview with Lee Stranhan where he talked a bit about his next film, A Couple of Dicks. (Yes, it was changed to A Couple of Cops, but then changed back to A Couple of Dicks -- presumably after the first change pissed off the entire internet community.) This will be the first time Smith directs someone else's script, and so it'll be interesting to see him on material that isn't directly catered toward his audience specifically. Watch him talk about it below.



Bloop!