Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Romantic Hero or Sexy Dude

by Tawny

Or... An ode to Captain Jack.

I love men. I mean, they really are the best game in town, right? They are definitely the reason I read, and write, romance. To me, as strong as I might empathize with the heroine, I have to be able to fall in love with the story hero to really get hooked on a book.
But lets be clear. There are men, then there are Heroes. You know the difference, right? There are hot, sexy guys that are soooo good to look at, but really would make lousy heroes. Then there are heroes, who are, of course, definitely sexy and yummy.

So what's the difference? I don't mean the difference between an alpha and beta hero. Or the difference between a good boy and a bad boy. They all fall in the hero list. And really, what is heroic is somewhat personal to each reader. We all have our favorite kind of hero, right? My question here is the bottom line between what makes a hero someone that, when the story is over you think will be there for the long term and that you believe is good for the heroine.




Lets take one of my favorite characters. Captain Jack Sparrow (lets all pause to sigh in appreciation). I love this guy. He's cocky, he's strong, he's sexy as all get out. On the yum scale, he's right there at the top, lip smackingly yummy. Now, he's got a job, of sorts. He's heroic in that he does, eventually... and yes, with self-interest, the right thing. But... I don't think he'd be a great romantic hero. Why? Because I while I totally believe that Captain Jack could and does act heroically, I don't see him sticking around. His first love will always be the sea, and the freedom that implies.

I've played with scenarios in my mind, written little mental vingettes that feature him as a romantic hero, that bring him the perfect heroine who would bring out the best in him while accepting that wilder side that makes him so incredibly sexy. But... it never jives. He has to change so much in my mind, he loses that sexy edge that appeals to me so much.

To change that, you'd change him. And while I'm all for heroes growing and changing, to me a real hero is enhanced by his relationship, not changed into someone else (how many times have we gone into, or heard of gals going into relationships with "once I change this one little thing, he'll be perfect" in mind. Thirty years later, that one little thing is still going strong.)


I know there are other guys with that same non-hero sexiness. What I don't know is who they are. I'd love to hear yours. And... all that said, if I had a free pass for a wild weekend with Captain Jack (pure fantasy, mind you -especially if you're reporting back to my husband *g*) I'd jump at the chance. Which leads me to my question of the day.


Of those ever-so sexy non-heroes... who is your dream hunk? And where would you take him for a fantasy weekend? (No need to detail the itinery *g*) I'll pick one fantasy post to send a copy of Risque Business!

86 comments:

danie88 said...

is he mine?

Tawny said...

Go Danie!!! Way to nab the rooster :-)

limecello said...

Heh - dream hunk? Ren Gage from "Breathing Room" and I'll take that setting - thanks. A great villa in Tuscany? *drool* Ren? *double drool*

And congrats on the GR danie! :X I seem to always miss him!

danie88 said...

ohhh Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp)... very nice :D

*pauses and sighs in appreciation*

I LOVE the Pirates of the Carribean movies... Orlando Bloom is so nice to look at too :D

hmm... an ever so sexy non-hero that's my dream hunk... that's a toughy... well I'm gonna have to go with... Johnny Storm from the Fantastic 4 movie (played by Chris Evans)

http://media.photobucket.com/image/chris%20evans%20fantastic%204/silentwolf105/chrisevans.jpg?o=1

he could light my fire any day... :D wow... is it hot in here or what?

well I guess he's considered a hero since he is a super hero and all... but oh well... i pick him...

as for where I would take him for our fantasy weekend... somewhere warm by the ocean with a beach... like a "private" getaway... no other people... im sure you all get what I'm sayin... :D

jo robertson said...

Great topic, Tawny! Trust you to bring it around to Jack Sparrow!

One of my favorite heroes (actually we called him an anti-hero back in the day) is Clint Eastwood. Oh, man Dirty Harry was the best, the kind of sexy, walk outside the parameters of acceptable behavior guy that you'd NEVER bring home to mama!

I loved him in those old spaghetti westerns, in his Rowdy Yates TV role in Rawhide, and adore him now that's he's curmudgeonly old guy, but I still wouldn't bring him home to meet the folks. He's just not the type.

Hmm, maybe I'd just take him to the beach at Carmel since he's probably already there, thinking of running for mayor again :-D.

Pat Cochran said...

Congratulations, Danie88, on your
catch of the wily one!

Congratulations to Danie and to
CrystalGB on your Bandita Booty wins! My thanks to Maureen Child
and Kate Carlisle for my win of a
copy of Bedevilled!

Pat Cochran

Tawny said...

Ooooh, a yummy hunk in Tuscany, Limecello? SWEEEEEET choice. SEP rocks, but I haven't read Breathing Room yet. Apparently I'm missing out.

Donna MacMeans said...

Olivier Martinez. Definitely Yum! He played opposite Diane Lane in Unfaithful - the book shop owner that led her to cheat on Richard Gere. Oh wait - he wasn't the hero of that movie...hmmm...have to think some more.

Tawny said...

Captain Jack is gorgeous, huh, Danie :-) I'd have included Orlando Bloom, aka Will Turner (aka Trish's yumster) but he's such a perfect hero *g* the blog would have turned into a good vs naughty. Hmmm... maybe next time?

And hey, Chris is one cute weekend hero! Especially on the beach. He's definitely got the chest for it.

danie88 said...

yes, Captain Jack is gorgeous... my grandmother is in love with him... her room is filled with Captain Jack Sparrow stuff... lol :D

I get what you mean Tawny... Orlando Bloom aka William Turner is the "perfect hero"... good vs. naughty topic... sounds interesting... :D

yes... Chris Evans does have the perfect chest... *sigh* :)

Tawny said...

Jo, I can turn a visit to the dentist into a Captain Jack topic :-D It's a gift.

And Mmmmmmmmm mmmmmmm, Clint baby. He is quite high up there on the yummy list. And totally NOT the bring home type. I'd say he's definitely worth a trip to Carmel, though. I mean, think of the gorgeous view!!

Tawny said...

Hey Pat, congrats on Bedevilled :-D That rocks!

Tawny said...

Well, well, Donna. That is one gorgeous guy! I mean, wow. His eyes are intense. And a guy who brings a gal to cheat has some non-hero qualities, huh? (yes, I'm totally justifying him as fantasy weekend material. I mean, wow. Gorgeous)

Tawny said...

Really, Danie? Your gramma? I love it!! That is so cool. It sounds like your gramma has excellent taste ;-)

Fedora said...

Lovely nab, Danie!

And Limecello--great choice! SEP does write dreamy heroes, and Tuscany sounds like a fabulous get-away!

Hmm... I've been reading some scifi/fantasy type stuff, and it might be kind of interesting to go off for a bit with a hunky space captain for some varying-gravity experimentation ;) In reality, I think I'd prefer my feet on the ground, but this being a fantasy and all... ;)

Tawny said...

LOL Fedora. I love the idea of challenging gravity!! And I've read some VERY sexy sci-fi... so I'd say you'd definitely find a yummy non-hunk for your weekend in that genre.

Helen said...

Congrats Danie88 have fun with him

Great post Tawny and you all know who my dream hunk is Hugh Jackman now where would I take him for a weekend away I like the cold weather so maybe the Scottish Highlands in winter a lovely castle big fireplace huge bath big four poster bed servents to bring us nourishment and hot water for the bath that would be my dream weekend and my dream man.

Have Fun
Helen

Tawny said...

Mmm, Hugh Jackman by a roaring fire, Helen? Whew! Is it warm in here? I love your fantasy location!!!

I gotta admit, even though I'd never quit my Johnny, I'm so willing to lust after Hugh Jackman (as long as he has longer hair. Short haired Hugh doesn't make me sigh).

Laurie G said...

I loved the antics of the late Heath Ledger in "Knight's Tale". He was dedicated to winning. He was funny. He loved life. Oh to be his lady with him wearing my colored scarf!!
If he were alive... I'd love to visit the Great Barrier reef area of Australia with him.

Tawny said...

Laurie, Heath Ledger was an incredible actor. Of course, I think of him and picture the Joker now... which is about as non-heroic as you can get *g* What a cutie in real life, though. He'd definitely make the barrier reef even more romantic!!!

Deb Marlowe said...

Tawny, I absolutely agree with your take on Captain Jack. He's an amazingly appealing non-hero. I've heard several people say they want him to have a romance in the next go-round of POC movies, but I just can't see it! We love him the way he is--charmingly dysfunctional. :-)

Dream hunk? Hmmm....I wouldn't say no to a little time in the outback with Hugh Jackman, either. But if ask me tomorrow it might be someone different! :-)

Amy Andrews said...

Okay, if I mention I've only ever seen bits and pieces of the POTC movies would I be lynched??

Capt Jack - yeah I get the fuss but I much preferred Johnny Depp in Chocolat.

I was thinking of Jude Law in the film Alfie - great sexy leading man role but you just know Alfie's always going to be a serial monogamist.

I think of the James Bond role like that - fab hero but you know he'd always going to be married to the job.

And then of course is my own fave bad boy - Robbie Williams. How many fantasies have I had about taming that wild man? But again, he's too much of a lad to settle with one woman for good. He'd just break my heart :-(

Terry Odell said...

I'm getting too old for this! Most of my dream hunks are from 'back in my day' (Tom Selleck, Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Adrian Paul) and I can't even put faces to half the names you've listed here.

For now, I write my own dream hunks. They do what I want (sort of), and go where I take them (mostly).

Louisa Cornell said...

Way to go, Danie! He was sort of miffed at me because I hid the chocolate AND the car keys so maybe he will have more fun with you!

Great post, Tawny! Gotta love Captain Jack! My niece has an entire room of Captain Jack stuff!

Hmm. Favorite anti-hero. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine or as Van Helsing. I know they each had a lady love to die, but I get the feeling neither of those characters is meant to be with a woman for long.

So a weekend (of two) fling would be fine with me! And my getaway? A castle high up in the Transylvanian mountains - a bedroom with a huge fireplace, a roaring fire a bed that looks like it was grown in the room not built, piled high with faux furs on top of silk sheets, a feast of sexy foods, a smorgasbord of body oils and a locked door.

Marisa O'Neill said...

Save room on the plank for me Amy, I haven't seen any of the POTC movies. Yikes, better start looking at my Netflix.

And Terry - I go even further back than Tom Selleck and Harrison Ford. How about Daniel J. Travanti in Hill Street Blues.

You know you're 'moving on' when the heroes you use to love are playing the fathers of the heroes now being loved.

Keira Soleore said...

Tawny, oooh Johnny Depp. When his handsomeness came out to present a Golden Globe, there were cheers aplenty for him, including a fingers-in-the-mouth whistle from Tom Hanks.

'Grats Danie. The GR sure is beginning to enjoy your place. What's your secret?

Bond's the classic, no one girl for him, because he's too busy playing the field.

Janga said...

Well, George Clooney is still my candidate for sexiest man alive, but if this is all fantasy, I think I'll take the young Paul Newman. Those eyes! That smile! Sigh! And for the site, a very private lakeside cottage with mountains outside the window and lots of fire inside. That'll do!

Trish Milburn said...

I agree with Danie, Orlando is absolutely sigh-worthy in the Pirates movies. (Tawny, you knew that was coming, right?) While Jack shows glimpses of heroism, Will Turner embodies it so much more.

Danie, I totally agree with Johnny Storm from Fantastic 4. Hey, have you seen the trailer for Push? Chris Evans is in that, along with Dakota Fanning and Djimon Hounsou.

p226 said...

So, I suppose if I were to take a shot at answering this question, I could rephrase it "romantic heroine or sexy chick," right?

That's a toughie for a guy like me. See, all the chicks in movies and fiction are typically one thing, or at best, a combination of two. The first is physical hotness. Sure, that works. Temporarily. My buddy has a poster on his wall of a beautiful woman in a bikini. Underneath it is the caption "no matter how hot she is, some guy, somewhere, is tired of putting up with her $###."

There's some truth behind that. Beauty being skin deep and all that. And how unsustainable a relationship will be if it's basis is physical.

The other "hotness" factor driven into contemporary fiction seems to be toughness. Angelina Joelie with a pair of HK USP45's. (I have a funny story about that for you guys. I'll share it in a comment after this one). So chicks are tough these days. And hot. But how often are a heroine's BRAINS part of the equation? And for that matter, what about the hero? I've yet to hear Jack Sparrow say anything more profound than "Hide the rum." Ironically, nearly all women claim they want a guy with brains. Yet contemporary heroes do NOT support this assertion. I think you gals might be as bad as the male stereotype on this issue.

So, now that I've gone through all this... who would be my perfect heroine? She'd probably work in a lab somewhere. Maybe on particle physics. Or maybe her brains would be applied in other ways. Maybe business acumen. I think Madonna's hot. And trust me, that's not about her looks. That woman is absolutely brilliant when it comes to business. She's remade her self, her image, and her music repeatedly, always keeping her finger on the pulse of the music business. The market. The demand. What other pop star was able to keep herself on the playlists of TEENAGERS for THIRTY years?

And I have to tell you. I simply can't stand stupid. She could be a supermodel. But if she's dumb, I couldn't stand to be in the room with her long enough for the after ... uh ... cigarette. Yeah. It'd be "thanks, that was fun, can I call you a cab?"

So who would my heroine be? Very hard to say. Strong intelligent women just don't receive the attention the supermodels get. So the pool of "household name" type choices is fairly anemic.

p226 said...

And now for the Agelina Joelie story.

I came home one day about four years ago. I pulled out my keys. I opened the door. I stepped inside. The first thing my brain registered was "STRANGER!" The second thing to register was "GUN!"

And that's how I drew down in my living room on a cardboard movie cut-out of Angelina Joelie from Tomb Raider, with her pair of HK 45s.

My wife came around the corner from the kitchen to see me peering quizzically over my sights at a piece of cardboard. In three seconds it registered what had happened. In three hours she stopped laughing long enough to tell me "you.... *cough* *giggle* you know that's *giggle* just cardboard, right?"

:(

Beth Andrews said...

Non hero sexy guy? I'd have to say David Boreanaz as Angel in Buffy and Angel. So sexy but it's sort of hard to get past that whole 'cursed vampire' thing *g*

Michele L. said...

Ok, you are all going to say "Who?" but this guy is not leading man material but is really sexy in the roles I have seen him play in the movies. The one that had me falling for him was in the movie, "While You Were Sleeping" with Sandra Bullock. His name is Bill Pullman. He was so drop dead sexy in that movie. I have seen him in other movies and he always evokes a subtle smokin sexy attitude.

My dream hunk is Pierce Brosnan. Yummy!

I haven't seen the Pirate movies with Johnny Depp so I can't say anything about the guys.

Hellie Sinclair said...

JACK SPARROW, clearly. Clearly.

But since he's been picked and I'd like to give the impression that I obsess or read about more things than Pirates of the Caribbean, I thought I'd extend my list:

1.) Sirius Black from Harry Potter series. It helps that I have a little crush on Gary Oldman (esp when I watch him in The Scarlet Letter). I also have a crush on Snape, definitely due to the last book and DEFINITELY due to Alan Rickman...so one of them, I think.

2.) John McClane. EXCELLENT action hero and what a hottie; horrible husband.

3.) Steven Hyde from That 70s Show. They give him girlfriends; and he makes a great fling--but he's not long term boyfriend material. But he's so darned sexy...and rebellious!

Hellie Sinclair said...

Oh, and James Spader from The Practice and Boston Legal. SEXY, but bad dating material.

Unknown said...

WTG Danie, congrats on nabbing that rooster, he must like it at your house. Do you have Tim Tams or cookies around.

I am going with two hunks, and they are John Stamos and David James Elliot, because both of these men have smiles to die for. They are not big heros but oh so sexy!

I think I want to take them to an island somewhere, with the ocean waves beating agains the sand. Just the three of us there with a fire going on the beach and me getting all of the attention from these two men. I think I could deal with this.

Pat Cochran said...

Please add me to list of those on
that long walk on the plank with
Amy and Marisa. I've never seen
POTC and really have no plans to
see it. (Sorry, Tawny!) Does it
count that I went on the POTC ride
at Disney World back in the 1980s
while chaperoning a band trip??

Also, please add me to the Adrian
Paul and David Boreanaz lists!!!

And Tawny, thanks on the congrats!

Pat Cochran

Joan said...

Um....frankly I don't "get" the whole Jack Sparrow attraction.

*Thunk*

Tawny! Tawny! Quick Demetrius, get her a drink!!!!

And LOL, p226 on the showdown with cardboard :-)

Leslie said...

Congrat danie88 on getting the GR!

A non-hero hero ~ how about Vin Diesel? The Fast and the Furious, Chronicles of Riddick, The Pacifier. lol

I'd like to go to the mountains with him, maybe do some skiing or snowboarding. He seems like the outdoors type.

Tawny said...

Tawny, I absolutely agree with your take on Captain Jack. He's an amazingly appealing non-hero. I've heard several people say they want him to have a romance in the next go-round of POC movies, but I just can't see it! We love him the way he is--charmingly dysfunctional. :-)

Exactly, Deb!!! To change him into hero material, he'd have to change his essential self. How often have we seen TV shows or movies do that with a hot, sexy character... then the sexual tension dies and the story loses its oomph. I don't want my Jack ooomphless!!

and YUMMMMMY on the Hugh in the outback fantasy.

Asylumgirl said...

I'm gonna have to go with Mr. Romance 2008 again, Chris Winters. Why? Just because I adore him.
I would love to go on a romantic cruise with him.

Deidre

Tawny said...

Bits and pieces, Amy? Really? I see Johnny Depp and I just plop down and stare *g* But hey, no lynching here... although I do highly recommend the movies!

I love your point about James Bond. He would be LOUSY husband material, for sure, but being a Bond Girl for a little while would be a good deal (if you lived through it, of course *g* there seems to be a shelf life on those poor girls).

And Robbie Williams? Mmmmmmm mmmmm - nice :-) The makings of one fine fantasy!!

Tawny said...

Terry, thats the great thing about dream hunks, they can be from any 'day' you want :-) Personally, I think Sean Connery is totally hot (Harrison Ford, ala Star Wars and Tom Selleck, too). So they'd all be great fantasy material.

You know, I've never been able to quite get a fantasy going about one of my heroes. I think because in my mind, the heroines already called dibs LOL. But you're right- what better bunch to focus on!

Tawny said...

So a weekend (of two) fling would be fine with me! And my getaway? A castle high up in the Transylvanian mountains - a bedroom with a huge fireplace, a roaring fire a bed that looks like it was grown in the room not built, piled high with faux furs on top of silk sheets, a feast of sexy foods, a smorgasbord of body oils and a locked door.

Ooooh baby! Talk about a setting! Wonderful fantasy, Louisa. And you add Hugh Jackman to the mix and its definitely drool worthy.

I didn't see Van Helsing, but totally agree with your take on Wolverine not being meant to have a lady love long term. He's such a perfect tragic hero, giving him happy would just take his oomph away.

Tawny said...

Hmmm, Marisa. Daddy heroes. Now thats a blog all by itself :-D

Tawny said...

Whaaahhh, Keira. I missed the Golden Globes. I wonder if I can find his presentation on YouTube?

Tawny said...

Janga, I'm with you on George Clooney's sexiness. I'm sighing over the young Paul Newman - especially in such a romantic lakeside setting.

Tawny said...

Trish, I'm so with you on Orlando's gorgeousness! That man is just lickably sweet. But he is definitely the good boy hero, isn't he? Where Jack is a bad boy non-hero. Now, to be honest, I'd take either one on my fantasy weekend...

Tawny said...

P226, I honestly thought of you after I'd posted the blog and thought hmmm... I should have made this more P226 friendly. But way to rock it in your direction! I'm laughing like crazy over this comment:

But if she's dumb, I couldn't stand to be in the room with her long enough for the after ... uh ... cigarette. Yeah. It'd be "thanks, that was fun, can I call you a cab?"

Isnt' that the truth!? Male or female, the perfect fantasy weekend playmate has to appeal to ALL the senses. A one-dimensional fantasy is really empty and only appeals as long as, well that cigarette *g*

Tawny said...

And that's how I drew down in my living room on a cardboard movie cut-out of Angelina Joelie from Tomb Raider, with her pair of HK 45s.

OMG LOLOL. How long did your wife tease you about that?

Amy Andrews said...

Jumping in here to say that I agree with p226 about brains being sexy.

So p226, how about someone like that blonde chick in one of the CSI's. Miami I think? The lab gal, used play Ainsley Hayes in West Wing?

Ooh speaking of West Wing - now there was a full on brains fest. All those guys were sexy as hell (and would have made lousy partner material given the demanding nature of their work). JOsh, Sam, Charlie - hell even Martin Sheen. I actually had a thing for Toby - brains and a moral compass. And the women? Hello? Alison Janney's character, CJ, very sexy. And Donna.
Hmmm, could go on....

Tawny said...

Yep, Beth, I can totally see how a cursed vampire would make a guy a non-hero LOL. Great choice.

Unknown said...

Oded from The Mummy.

He doesn't seem like the type that could be still long enough for a real life. He's a ride-off-into-the-sunset kind of guy. Hot? Oh yeah. But the kind that leaves you in pain and lonely a lot. If you settle him down, you ruin him, ya know?

Lessee--I'd wanna go someplace warm and tropical--where there's alcohol--oh, and pasture for his horse. The specific location--I honestly don't care. I'm open to suggestions though. (grin)

Tawny, this is so true of a lot of the guys we love to moon over. I think there probably IS a perfect girl for Captain Jack. I think she'd have her own ship. And be just as unwilling to settle down as he is. But when they get together every now and then, they'd set the ocean on fire.

Unknown said...

P226 said:

I've yet to hear Jack Sparrow say anything more profound than "Hide the rum." Ironically, nearly all women claim they want a guy with brains. Yet contemporary heroes do NOT support this assertion.

Ah, perhaps you're not giving the film your full attention. Actually he said one of the most profound things I've ever heard. I have it above my computer. Not because he said it, but because it's profound.

He said, "Many people think a ship is...but What a ship is--what it REALLY is.....is freedom." And if you've ever sailed, you know that to be the absolute truth--a ship is freedom in a way that few other things are.

Unknown said...

Oh, and I said that about Captain Jack to say that we like men with brains. Sure we like to look at hot men, but the basis of Tawny's whole blog is that there's more to it than looking hot.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Michele L said:

The one that had me falling for him was in the movie, "While You Were Sleeping" with Sandra Bullock. His name is Bill Pullman. He was so drop dead sexy in that movie

Oh, I LOVED him in that movie! It's one of my favorite movies ever. And it's his character that makes it my fav. I love Sandra Bullock--and BTW, she's smart too--but it was his character that made that movie rule!

Tawny said...

Hmmm, Bill Pullman, huh, Michelle. Hunk-o-riffic, for sure. Nice choice :-) And Pierce Brosnan is definitely yummy. I just saw Mama Mia over the holidays and laughed like crazy at his singing, but he is a real cutie.

Tawny said...

MsHellion.... Lets hear it for Captain Jack!!! He's definitely worth talking about a LOT!!! I mean, yum.

But, now I'm intrigued. I'd never thought of Sirius Black as a hottie, but he definitely is. He has that whole tragic thing going on, the tortured past, and the rebellious attitude. And he's hot. Yep, he's now on my fantasy list.

thank you!!

Tawny said...

Go Virginia!! Rock on with the two hotties on your fantasy island. I love it!!

An aside, since I just saw the news, I'm so sad that Ricardo Montalban died :-( The original Fantasy Island man himself...

Tawny said...

LOL Pat, no plank for you ladies. I realize one hunk does not fit everyones taste (thankfully! After all, I already have to fight Ms.Hellion for Jack)

Your hunks are cuties, and definitely bad boy non-hunks. Nice ;-)

And I don't know if the POTC ride counts on the hunk-list, but you definitely get angel points for chaperoning ;-)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

John McClane.

Who?

You all know him. The cop in the die hard movies. HE is a hero. Always does what it takes to save someone or stop the badguys! To me, in all his bald sexiness, He Is A Hero. But he's shown the everyday kind of love and happiness will always elude him.

Where would I take him...the mountains to an isolated cabin, but with his luck, or mine...sigh, it would be near NORAD and he'd have to fight off terrorists!

p226 said...

Amy said:
So p226, how about someone like that blonde chick in one of the CSI's. Miami I think? The lab gal, used play Ainsley Hayes in West Wing?

You know what? She did kind of do it for me. Looks and brains. Yep, that works.

He said, "Many people think a ship is...but What a ship is--what it REALLY is.....is freedom." And if you've ever sailed, you know that to be the absolute truth--a ship is freedom in a way that few other things are.

I've spent some time on ships. And looking at the ocean, I can understand what that means for someone at the helm. However, for anyone that's ridden a motorcycle (and I mean being in control of it) they'll recognize that freedom. We know what that means. It's not as free as the sea. Not nearly. But the sensation is there.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

p226 saidAnd that's how I drew down in my living room on a cardboard movie cut-out of Angelina Joelie from Tomb Raider, with her pair of HK 45s.

Hehehe. Too funny, p226. I bet your wife still smiles when she looks at that cardboard image.

Tawny said...

Um....frankly I don't "get" the whole Jack Sparrow attraction.

*Thunk*


Gasp....

You don't get it? OMG!!!

LOL - thats okay. I don't get a lot of other peoples hunky obsessions ;-) Thats what makes the world go round, huh? The fact that there are enough hunks for us all.

Amy Andrews said...

Oh yes, Suzanne, with you on the John McClane thing too.

You know what I think makes him sexiest (apart from the balder he got the better he got) - he was just an oridinary guy. Okay, yes, he was a cop. But just an ordinary cop - not a FBI or CIA or some master spy. He was no Rambo. He just had one gun and his wits against a gang of terrorists and the conviction that he had to save the woman he loved.
Now that's sexy!

Pat Cochran said...

Haven't read any of the afternoon
comments, so I don't know if anyone has responded to p226's question.
My answer to his question would be
Paul McCartney. My entire family:
grandparents, parents and all the grandchildren are McCartney/Beatle
fans.

Pat Cochran

Tawny said...

Leslie, I think you're totally right. Vin Diesel is a fab non-hero (and uber sexy) and seems totally outdoorsy.

And just think, all that snow play means evenings cuddling around a fire to thaw out *g*

Tawny said...

ddurance, I googled Mr. Romance. I can see why he's a romance cover model! I looove cruises as fantasy trips. Where would you go? I'm thinking somewhere warm right now.

Tawny said...

Amy, count me in the brains are so sexy category. So is a sense of humor.

Tawny said...

If you settle him down, you ruin him, ya know?

EXACTLY, Cassandra!!! I totally agree. And thats such an intersting theory on the perfect woman for Captain Jack. I'm going to have to think about it :-) Because, you know, that whole settling down ruining him thing is so accurate. But a woman as loose and free as he is? Yeah, thats got potential.

Tawny said...

I've yet to hear Jack Sparrow say anything more profound than "Hide the rum." Ironically, nearly all women claim they want a guy with brains. Yet contemporary heroes do NOT support this assertion.

Ah, perhaps you're not giving the film your full attention. Actually he said one of the most profound things I've ever heard. I have it above my computer. Not because he said it, but because it's profound.


So I'm going to just start typing What She Said to all Cassandra's comments *g*.

I think the thing about Captain Jack is that he seemed pretty, well, rummy LOL, But he had such a deep, albeit demented, philosiphical view of the world. He was smart, he was clever and he was open minded. All in addition to having quite a way with words LOL. Ecumenically, anyone?

Tawny said...

You all know him. The cop in the die hard movies. HE is a hero. Always does what it takes to save someone or stop the badguys! To me, in all his bald sexiness, He Is A Hero. But he's shown the everyday kind of love and happiness will always elude him.

Suz, isn't that the kind of non-hero that just makes you want to gather him close and give him a big hug? It does me LOL.

I'm wincing at the idea of your fantasy being hijacked by terrorists, but isn't that the point? Thats why he's such a non-hero LOL.

Cassondra said...

Tawny said:

But a woman as loose and free as he is? Yeah, thats got potential.

Well, see....I have this theory that what we fall for in those non-hero guys--the bad boys even--is their passion for life--their "live it now cuz we're not promised tomorrow" attitude--their fly-in-the-face-of-the- conventional confidence. Their belief that who they are is enough and if you don't like it, eff you.

So if we force them to settle down, we crush that spark--that spirit, then they are no longer what we fell for. An important part of them has been snuffed out. I think a lot of girls believe they can have their hot guy but still have their normal suburbian everyday safe life, and the two are just total opposites.

So I think if you give a hot warrior a hottie who's also a warrior and unwilling to give that up, it would work. It just wouldn't be a "home for dinner every night" kind of life. But neither of them would want that life. I mean really...can you see Wonder Woman turning in her golden lasso and bullet-stopping bracelets cuz of some lame guy in a suit? NO WAY! She'd HAVE to marry a superhero. He's the only one who would GET who she is!

Susan Sey said...

Oh, Tawny, this is such a great question when it's heading for -18 outside here in the upper midwest. We're all dreaming about a tropical get away anyhow, so we might as well populate it with interesting people...

You know who I'd pick for my ill-fated fling? The Daniel Craig James Bond. He's that perfect combination of hot, troubled & dangerous, & while you don't see him peering into petri dishes or anything, you certainly don't get the impression he lacks for mental firepower.

In real life, I would run far & fast from a guy with those particular traits (except the brains--I'm with P226 on that. Gotta have something upstairs.) But for a purely imaginary weekend involving tropical beaches & frolicking in the surf? Yep.

We're assuming he'd be into me, too, though, right? Because I totally don't want to chase James Bond around a tropical desert isle. Eventually he'd get tired of me & be forced to take me out. And that would be very sad for me. He, on the other hand, would surely hook up with Booby Curvalicious or whoever & forget me quite nicely.

You know, this fantasy isn't going the way I'd hoped. I think maybe I'll just stick to my husband, my real life hero. :-)

Tawny said...

You know, Susan, we might want to work on your fatasy creation skills *g* You and my daughter have an amazing talent for taking a blissful scene and injecting the funniest twists to it LOL.

Nancy said...

Danie, congratulations on grabbing the rooster! I hope you keep him very busy.

Sexy non-heroes? Hmm . . .

Adam Baldwin. I thought he was amazingly hunky the first time I saw him in a movie, Independence Day. I've since seen him in Stargate SG-1 and Firefly and see no reason to change my opinion.

The getaway--someplace exotic where the Stargate goes, a black beach with purple waves and an azure moon. Someplace really different.

danie88 said...

Keira Soleore- secret? what secret? :D **whispers to the GR**

Trish Milburn- yes! i did see the trailer for Push... definately a must see movie... especially with Chris Evans in it :D

Virginia- sadly i have never tried Tim Tams :( ... are they even available in the states? if they are then im pretty sure i probably shocked everyone into silence... but yes i have cookies... GR had some earlier...

Nancy said...

Terry, I remember Tom Selleck (who guested on Boston Legal recently). People were not allowed to call me on Thursday at 8 p.m. because I was watching Magnum, P.I. *g*

Also Adrian Paul, who's on SciFi this week in what looks like a highly fictionalized (and that's being charitable) movie about Sir Frances Drake.

Nancy said...

p226, LOL on the Angelina Jolie story! That's just too good, and kudos to your wife for setting Angelina up to greet you.

You have a point on the brains thing, but a lot of these guys seem to be fairly intelligent in their roles. Not Captain Jack (over whom I don't swoon--sorry, Tawny!--because I don't go for grungy), but other roles Johnny Depp has played.

I think Lara Croft has to be pretty smart to survive, but it's not a trait that's played up much.

You may be interested to know that, after class Tuesday, two of my students were swooning over the prospect of another Stargate SG-1 movie because they can't wait to see Daniel Jackson (the team archaeologist) again. Granted, Michael Shanks scores pretty high in the cute department, but Daniel's brain is his main contribution to the team.

Women with brains are easier to find on TV, I think. I loved Samantha Carter on SG-1 precisely because she was a geek girl who frequently saved the world (okay, she's also very attractive, but still--). Gena Torres on Firefly was smart, deadly, and attractive. Many of the women on Battlestar Galactica (the Friday return of which Trish and I are eagerly awaiting) are beautiful and brilliant.

Nancy said...

Amy, I loved The West Wing. Emily Procter, who played Ainsley, is from NC.

Christine Wells said...

Oh, I'm so late to the party! How did this happen? Tawny, what a fun post. I know exactly what you mean about the 'stick around later' quotient for a hero. If I have a hero whose job it is to get into dangerous situations, I want to make sure he leaves or makes things safe again before he and my heroine sail off into the sunset. A great attraction of a hero is his ability to provide stability. and no, I did not rhyme that intentionally!

Hmm, I think I'd go for Jeremy Northam for my weekend escape, since I know Richard Armitage will have been bagged ten times over. I'd go to a white tie ball at Cambridge and let him take me punting on the river while he speaks to me in that lovely English accent of his. Sigh.

Congrats on the GR Danie!

Tawny said...

Adam Baldwin, Nancy? hmmmm, yeah, he's a cutie. And you definitely win the fantasy setting prize!

No hard feelings that you aren't hot for Captain Jack *g* I realize my bad boy scruffy thing isn't shared by everyone :-)

Tawny said...

Christine!! YAY, the party is complete ;-) Its always more fun when you're here. I love how you define a stable hero, and totally agree! I'm all for a bad boy, wild child hero, but need to know I can count on him when its all said and done. Gorgeous only goes so far (fantasy weekend far, at least *g*)

kim h said...

i will say jensen ackels

from supernathural. one hot man

MJFredrick said...

Yep, Dean Winchester. Or Jack Bauer. Neither would stick around, I know :)

Orrr....though he's just a baby....Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights.

Do I have a nurturer complex or what?

Asylumgirl said...

I'm thinking the Virgin Islands. I've always wanted to go.

Deidre