Romantic Movies: Someone to Watch Over Me

Talk about a romantic movie! But then again, if you're a female, the mere presence of Tom Berenger in his 1980s prime makes it romantic.

Someone to Watch Over Me succeeds in the romantic genre because it has some essential contrasts. As with many such movies, the characters in question are thrown together through no choice of their own. In this case, gritty and oh-so-adorable Detective Mike Keegan (played by Berenger) is thrust into the upscale world of crime witness Clare Gregory (played by Mimi Rogers) when he has to protect her before she testifies.

Dutifully waiting at home is Mike's wife, Ellie (played by Lorraine Bracco) and their young son, Tommy (played by Harley Cross). Ellie's no shrinking violet; she's lived as a cop's wife for years and she has no illusions. So it doesn't take her long to figure out that Mike is at the very least fascinated with Clare's upscale Manhattan lifestyle. His fascination soon turns to love, however, when Clare and her night-shift guard Mike spend time together until the wee hours.

I know adultery hurts people. But this film makes it so compelling, it almost makes you glad they're being so naughty. And don't worry, it all works out in the end -- not that there aren't lots of complications in between. There are bad guys galore but, naturally, someone as cute as Berenger just has to win. But to the writer's credit, I'm surprised at the outcome every time I see the movie.

Even though there's a lot of action, this is definitely a romantic movie. If you're a romantic movies fan, this is one you won't want to miss!

Here's the trailer:

Don't forget to check out our Top 100 Romantic Movies list!