You can learn a lot at the movies. Although every honeymoon, like every couple, is different, you'd be surprised by the insights you can get (not to mention the amusement) in watching how others' romantic vacations turn out. These five choices are must-see classics for any couple considering taking the plunge.
1. Honeymoon in Vegas (1990)
Before Sarah Jessica Parker became the star of "Sex in the City," she played the long-suffering fiancee of Nicholas Cage... until he lost her in a poker game to James Caan right before their Vegas wedding. Funny, heart-breaking, and with terrific Elvis Presley music, this is highly recommended. And the Hawaiian scenery may just inspire you to redirect a trip there.
2. The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
On the third day of nebbishy Lenny's (Charles Grodin) honeymoon, he's bedazzled by a WASP goddess played by Cybill Shepherd. Will he leave his new bride (Jeannie Berlin) with egg on her face? You'll have to watch to find out. This merciless but mirthful movie was directed by Berlin's mother, Elaine May.Remade in 2007 by the gross-out Farrelly brothers with Ben Stiller as the groom, critics found this version cruel, obnoxious, and worst of all, unfunny. Stick with the original.
3. Haunted Honeymoon (1986)
Real-life couple Gene Wilder (who also directed) and Gilda Radner enter an ominous-looking house filled with pretty scary characters, providing sufficient reason to fall shivering into one another's arms. Dom DeLuise, showing his feminine side, adds yuks.4. The Honeymooners Classic 39, Volume 1
Although they never strayed far from Canarsie, Honeymooners Alice (Audrey Meadows) and Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) proved through 39 episodes that you can live on love...and a bus driver's salary. This video features the Premiere episode, "TV or Not TV," along with "Honeymooners Highlights" from the entire "Classic 39" series.5. Just Married (2003)
Although the script is awful, actors Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher are charming in this everything-has-to-go-wrong-on-our-honeymoon romp. Romantic Italy (Venice in particular) provides the backdrop for several scenes.6. Anatomy of a Psycho/Hatchet for the Honeymoon (2001)
Like horror and thriller movies? Grab your sweetie close to watch this spine-tingler.7. Once Upon a Honeymoon (1942)
Starring Ginger Rogers and Cary Grant and set against the backdrop of WWII.8. Honeymoon Academy (1990)
Worth seeing, if only to view an early Kim Cattrall movie.