There have been many movies in the past, particularly action films, where the strong male lead ALWAYS ends up hooking up with the girl romantically by the end of the film. James Bond was known for that best. However, I wanted to see what we could come up with for movies where the lead characters don't fall in love. Rather they seem to stay friends or go their separate ways. I prefer this because its seems a bit more buyable.
One that comes to mind is Commando. Ahny's character's gets a hand from a female lead. She gets him to his daughter, helps in the rescue, flies off into the sunset but the two never lock lips or give any hint they end up together.
It's not an action movie, but Pretty in Pink meets your requirement. The two lead characters should have gotten together in this one, but test audiences in the '80s were apparently really stupid and convinced John Hughes that Andie (Molly Ringwald) belonged with a jock and not Duckie (Jon Cryer). Made the movie a bit depressing for me.
Once is another movie for this category. The leads feel an attraction, but they do not act on it and end up going their separate ways. Excellent movie with outstanding music.
Lucas (1985). The lead character does not end up with the love interest. She chooses Charlie Sheen instead.
As far a James Bond goes, he does plenty of "hooking up," but I don't know that he does much "falling in love." Didn't someone do a comedy bit about James Bond having an STD and having to try to contact everyone he had slept with?
"Casablanca." Even though, in my eyes, there really wasn't any other way for the film to end.
Derf, for depressing, how about "The Last American Virgin" - that has a painfully unfair ending for the title's main male character.
Rambo 4
Rambo doesn't come anywhere close to becoming involved with the female lead.
Scream (1996)
Sidney (Neve Campbell) and Billy (Skeet Ulrich)
I'm not going to reveal what happens because it could spoil the film.
It's a great film though!
KARATE KID III
Also, getting back to PRETTY IN PINK, the DVD version I have has an alternate ending that's quite different from how the theatrical version ended. That must be the ending the test audiences saw and didn't like.
I remember reading a review for an Indian film, where two men who are good friends both begin to fall for the same woman. Realizing this could endanger their friendship, they both agree not to pursue her. The end.
That action struck me as so logical and is exactly the kind of thing that never happens in a Hollywood film I never forgot the review. But for the life of me I can't recall the title of the film, or much of anything else about it. Anyone know the film?
Also, as far as James Bond films - he gets the girl, but there are only a handful where he's actually in love (Casino Royale, The World is Not Enough, and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are the only three that I'd say that happens in).
Quote from: Andrew on June 24, 2010, 10:32:17 AM
Derf, for depressing, how about "The Last American Virgin" - that has a painfully unfair ending for the title's main male character.
That's the one I was going to mention. Probably the most realistic and believable ending in teen sex comedy history.
Quote from: Andrew on June 24, 2010, 10:32:17 AM
"Casablanca." Even though, in my eyes, there really wasn't any other way for the film to end.
Derf, for depressing, how about "The Last American Virgin" - that has a painfully unfair ending for the title's main male character.
I never saw
The Last American Virgin. And from the comments here, I don't think I want to. But good call on
Casablanca.
Predator
There not even a hint that Dutch (nor any of the other guys) will end up with Anna by the end credits.
Frank doesn't get the girl in TRANSPORTER 2.
The leads don't hook up at the end of THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS or HITMAN, though in the latter it's kind of implied that they eventually will.
BELOW - it's highly unlikely that any of the male leads will be getting with Claire.
Not an action flick but FORCES OF NATURE fits the criteria. Good call on CASABLANCA.
Men In Black 2, Will Smith and Rosario Dawson's characters have to go their seperate ways in order to save the Earth.
Side note, one I never understood on the opposite end of the spectrum, The Running Man. Arnold and the female character had no hint of anything romantic. Hell, he even takes her hostage in the beginning. However, at the end they share a romantic kiss. It just never sat well with me.
Oh and just to clarify my original post. I was referring to all realms of romantic endings, no matter if they get married or just bone a la James Bond. What I'm looking for in this thread is where they basically loved each other and ended up in a split in the end or show no effection whatsoever all the way through the end of the film.