To celebrate the Blu-ray and DVD release of Steve McQueen’s SHAME on Monday we’ve got THREE Blu-ray copies to Give Away!

Recipient of both industry and audience recognition, SHAME boasts a formidable cast, including 2011′s London Critics Film Circle Award Winner: British Actor of the Year – Michael Fassbender (A Dangerous Method, Prometheus), BAFTA® award-winner Carey Mulligan (An Education, Drive, Never Let Me Go) and James Badge Dale (The Departed, The Grey). SHAME is blessed with powerful and visceral performances that will draw you even deeper into this dark drama and the complicated dynamics of human connection.

‘Brandon’ (Fassbender) is a thirty-something man living comfortably in New York balancing a busy job and an active social life. When the wayward Sissy (Mulligan), turns up at his apartment unannounced, Brandon’s carefully managed lifestyle spirals out of control.

From award-winning director Steve McQueen (Hunger), SHAME is a compelling and timely examination of the nature of need, how we live our lives and the experiences that shape us.

Take control of your life and make a connection with the magnificent tour de force that is SHAME on Blu-ray and DVD on 14 May 2012 from Momentum Pictures.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Who plays troubled protagonist Brandon in SHAME?

A: Michael Douglas
B: Michael Fassbender
C: Michael Cera

Send your entry to info@filmjuicedating.com with the answer in the subject line of your email. Include full contact details.

We’re loving the new look of the Pop Up Speeddating website!

Let’s face it, you are probably tired of the usual concept of speed dating? You know – in a bar, sitting at a numbered table with a name badge on. Welcome to the world of Pop Up Speed Dating an imaginative new form where like minded people get together and meet up at different surroundings and venues across London.

From museums, art galleries to coffee shops (and yes, the odd bar!), Pop Up Speed Dating is great way of meeting new people in a relaxed and friendly environment. A warm welcome is given to everyone who attends their events and they create a safe and friendly environment for you to meet other people.

Find out more at Pop Up Speeddating!

FilmJuiceDating has teamed up with Date Supper Club, for single gorgeous professionals, to give our readers 15% discount on upcoming events. Go to Date Supper Club  Offers  and book your tickets now to avoid disappointment, tickets are selling fast! If you can’t wait that long, check out the next available event Date Supper Club on 22nd March. All previous events are so popular, they have already sold out!

What sets this service apart from the rest is its ability to not only create opportunities by getting guests in front of room full of eligible singles, over supper on a slow-burn ‘speed date’, making it that much more likely that to hit it off with ‘the one’.

The majority of speed dating companies offer events, based on age ranges, i.e. women and men ages 24-28. Date Supper Club is a new breed of speed dating where the events are geared more towards a common interest, backgrounds and/or preferences. Date Supper Club is offering a diverse range events like “Blind Supper Club”, “The Aphrodisiac Supper”, “Spring Fever Supper” ” and “The Unexpected Brunch Menu”.

Some up-coming Date Supper Club events include supper dating for busy executives, entrepreneurs, new singles, and single parents. Just sign up with whatever group you want and maybe find “the one”. The events are generally aimed at guests 30 +.

As for connections and expectations, no pressure there either. Fun is exactly what the event guests have. With plenty of pre-supper drinks, good food and socialising and more drinks, even the most reserved of daters will loosen up and be at ease.

For more information, go to Date Supper Club

Why Date Supper Club?
At a bar, you don’t know who is single and it’s not always easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger. With Date Supper Club, there’s a lot less disappointment and false advertising than the online dating scene, as you get to check out the merchandise up close and in-person.

Chemistry is instant– it’s either there or it’s not. Date Supper Club gives you the chance to assess having a connection with someone without committing to the time and expense of a full-on date. Plus, you can meet anywhere from 15 -20 singles in a night. That’s more “dates” than the majority of people go on in a year.

What To Expect:
Most Date Supper Clubs takes take place at restaurants. Upon arriving you will check in with your event host and receive a name tag, dating pamphlet and pencil. Next, you will be seated at a numbered table with your first “dates” of the night. Once the official start bell rings, you will have approximately 30 minutes to get to know each other. The dating pamphlets and pencils are to takes notes on your dates so you can remember who’s who after the event.

After the first course of the meal, a bell will sound signaling the end of the date. At this time, the women will usually remain seated and the men will rotate to the next table. The event will end once everyone has met. You’ll either select your matches online at home after the event, or you’ll turn your pamphlets into your host and they’ll do the matching for you, emailing you the contact information of any interested suitors within 2-3 days after the event.

Survival In The Dating Jungle:

1. Slow Burn
“Dates” can range anywhere from 30 minutes (the length of a course a meal), with several members of the opposite sex. Our events  guarantees a numbers of  dates per sitting, and then more for the next course and so on. Can you handle it?

2. Increase Your Odds
We all have relationship “deal-breakers,” and those do not make us shallow. We’re just discerning singles that know what we want. By registering to attend a themed event (i.e. tall singles, democratic or fitness singles) you will increase the odds of hitting it off with someone.

3. Be Open
There may be an event where you are not attracted to anyone in attendance. You may even come to that realization before the event begins. If that’s the case, don’t get negative or shut yourself off to the possibility of meeting someone. So maybe you don’t meet your next boyfriend or girlfriend, but you could meet person that will be responsible for later introducing you to “the one.” Don’t close yourself off to the possibilities.

4. Sweet Breathe
Always have gum or mints on hand. You’re going to be seated within close proximity of 30-40 “dates” and talking a mile a minute. You definitely don’t want to be without gum or mints in the after drinks section of the evening after a garlic-ladened meal.

5. Don’t Forget To Listen
It’s very easy to be long-winded and want to tell the person everything about yourself to impress them. However, keep in mind you have a very short amount of time, so even if you manage to miraculously get your whole life story out by the course, you could end up not knowing anything about your dates. It should really be an exchange of information, give and take.

6. Do You Give The Digits?
Do NOT ask for someone else’s digits or business card at the event, nor should you feel obligated to give your digits out if asked. Date SupperClub is designed to be a no-pressure environment. If you want someone to know you like them during an event, let them buy you a drink and talk with them more during the after supper drinks and definitely select them as a “match” post-event.

7. Perfect Strangers
Focus on the opposite sex. Don’t make comments and/or assessments with your new found allies that may sway or distort your own views. You are not there to hit it off with new friends sitting on either side of you.

8. Keep It Real
Don’t write someone as a “match” post-event if you have no intention of seeing them again. Sometimes people feel obligated to check someone off as a “match” because they may have seemed like a nice person, however, that is not what thisis about. Date Supper Club is designed to help you find someone you want to date.

9. Time For A Break?
If you find yourself talking to someone that you would rather not, take a bathroom break then come back and start a conversation with ith the hot guy or girl seated next to him or her.

10. Don’t Date The Mate
If you get the sense that someone came with friends, it might be a good idea to confirm this notion as you may end up checking two men as a “match” that are friends and dating them both could be problematic.

For more information about Date Supper Club go to the website. And to find out about our offer, see here.

Photo credit: Hitch

FilmJuiceDating has teamed with the unique dating event company Pop Up Speeddating – ‘any time, any place, find love’ (geddit?) to give 25 lucky single professionals two free tickets to join them at the next Pop Up Speeddating event on Tuesday 20th March, in London’s West End.

Let’s face it, you are probably tired of the usual concept of speed dating? You know – in a bar, sitting at a numbered table with a name badge on. Welcome to the world of Pop Up Speed Dating an imaginative new form where like minded people get together and meet up at different surroundings and venues across London.

From museums, art galleries to coffee shops (and yes, the odd bar!), Pop Up Speed Dating is great way of meeting new people in a relaxed and friendly environment. A warm welcome is given to everyone who attends our events and we create a safe and friendly environment for you to meet other people.

Send your entry to competitions@filmjuice.com with the word ‘Speeddating’ in the subject line of your email. Include full contact details. Winners will be informed by Sunday 18th March.

For more information about the Pop Up Speeddating Event, click here.

Men are hopeless at noticing changes around the house, it has been revealed yesterday.

A study found that women up and down the country have changed everything from curtains to wallpaper and even moved furniture without their other half noticing.

One in ten women went as far as to say they have painted a room and one in three said they have hung up pictures or framed photos without anyone realizing or commenting.

The study also found on average men miss more than half of the changes to their house every year with two thirds of women saying they have to point out the alterations they make to get any response at all.

In comparison most women say their mum nearly always spots changes they make straight away with friends also more likely to notice different cushions or colour schemes.

Helen Gunter from TK Maxx who polled  2,000 women for the research said:  “This research just proves something that women have been saying for years. When it comes to our homes, men and women just see things differently.

“While women feel that it’s those little extra touches that are the best way to provide an instant style refresh and are quick to spot these in their friends, neighbours and families’ homes, men fail to notice changes right under their own nose.

“But keeping a home stylish and fashionable and also making it feel like a home at the same time can be a full time job. It can’t be fun to put so much time and effort in and have them go completely unnoticed. At least the other women in our lives are likely to acknowledge the hard work that goes in to creating a home that shows off your personal style without breaking the bank.“

A quarter said it annoyed them that their other half didn’t notice their efforts to make the home look nice while nearly half said they felt that they weren’t appreciated.

One in ten women went as far as to say that they thought their partner noticed but just didn’t care about how the house looked.

New cushions were more likely to be missed than anything else while women also reported that their partners were oblivious to new plants, lampshades and changes to the garden furniture

One in six said they had completely rearranged the layout of furniture in their home and it had gone unnoticed.

The study revealed that the average women spent £629.20 on their home a year with most of the big purchases bought in spring.

While forty per cent of women never bother asking their partner before making changes or buying new furniture or furnishings seeing it as ‘pointless’.

Helen Gunter from TK Maxx said: “While these changes may be lost on men, women do notice and see small improvements and changes as a smart and cost-effective way to refresh and update a home without the expense of moving or carrying out any extensive refurbishment.  And that’s got to be good news for everyone.

“We always endure we have a large range of different styles in our home wear sections so people can always find cheap ways to update the look of their house whatever their style.”

To find a hunky man to do your DIY around the house search thousands of singles here now!

A plate of messy Spaghetti Bolognese has been voted the worst meal to eat on a first date.

Fears of splattering clean clothes with tomato sauce made the popular Italian dish the top no-no.

In second place were spare ribs, which were found to be too sticky, fiddly and made diners look ‘ungainly’ when gnawing the bones.

In third place was the French dish of snails, according to the poll by The Food Network.

Similarly, mussels were voted in fourth place due to having to tease each one from the shell leaving diners with wet fingers.

The study also found that nearly two thirds of people said they get nervous about eating dinner in front of someone on a first date.

And one in five said it would completely turn them off a new partner if they couldn’t eat their food properly.

But a more sympathetic 52 per cent said it would make them warm to their date if they got in a mess with their food.

Nick Thorogood, Managing Director of Food Network EMEA said: ”Spaghetti Bolognese is one of the most popular dishes in the UK and probably the most famous meal to come out of Italy.

”But it can be tricky to eat without spilling the sauce, which would not impress a potential suitor.

”Your choice of food at a dinner could mean the difference between a successful date or a disastrous one, so stick to your instincts to make the best impression.

”Food is so closely linked to love and plays an important part when it comes to impressing a potential partner.”

Despite being an aphrodisiac Oysters were fifth on list of meals to avoid when dating.

And in sixth place was garlic bread due to it’s overpowering smell.

Other dishes that made the top ten were raw steak, baked beans and carbonara – another tricky spaghetti dish.

The poll found that 37 per cent of singletons said they worry about the food they order on a date in case it made their breath smell and 43 per cent said they wouldn’t order anything messy.

One in ten admitted to only choosing a meal if they knew what cutlery to use when eating it.

A delicate one in five said they had to bear in mind if a meal would give them an ‘upset stomach’ on a date.

In contrast to foods not to eat, the study found that steak should be on the menu if you are planning on popping the question this Valentine’s Day.

Four in ten said a good piece of steak would be the best meal to have cooked for them at a proposal followed by a roast dinner.

Over half of those that took part in the study said the food that someone cooks can reflect their personality.

Nick Thorogood added: ”Preparing a meal shows you have made a lot of effort, and allows you to cook something to show-off your personality.”

Not surprisingly 42 per cent said that if they were taken to a fast food joint on a romantic date they wouldn’t go out with them again.

And 84 per cent said they would call the date to an abrupt end if their love interest tucked a napkin in to their shirt or blouse.

DISASTROUS FIRST DATE DISHES

1. Spaghetti Bolognese
2. Spare ribs
3. Snails
4. Mussels
5. Oysters
6. Garlic bread
7. Raw steak
8. Baked Beans
9. Spaghetti Carbonara
10. Noodles

One day each year is set aside for those of you who are lucky enough to be in some sort of amorous relationship. Yes, February 14^th brings us the wonderful (possibly over commercialised), Hallmark holiday of Valentine’s Day. Couples celebrate by showering each other with gifts of flowers, chocolates and feelings of affection. However, it can rub salt in the wounds of those commiserating over Singles Awareness Day (SAD). Even if you are single, you don’t need to sit sulking on this day. This may be one of the reasons why Hollywood has previously attempted to back the singles corner and produce horror movies around this time. The key to survival on this day, “apparently”, is to watch couples get punished for being in love, and be slaughtered with chainsaws, pick axes and kitchen knives by some psycho that did not receive their pretty, love heart shaped box of chocolates that year!

Not everyone is in favour of the “auspicious” occasion of Valentine’s Day, but there are always lists of things you can do to enjoy the day whether you are in the early stages of a relationship, on a first date, or just simply single. Let’s face it, there is a mixture of opinions about the day, but whether you like it or not, it does exist, so don’t feel you need to bury your head in the covers to hide away from it.

We have put together some key ingredients to help you plan a chilled out Valentine’s Day along with some recommendations for movies.

Main Ingredients:

Essentials

3-4 DVD’s

A bottle of wine

Scrumptious choccies

A blanket

A comfy sofa

A tub of ice cream

Nice to haves

A date or 3-4 friends, however, your own company is just as good!

Mood lighting

Around this time of year, there is generally the release of some kind of movie to fit in with the occasion. As the years go by, the genres change. Often Hollywood likes to celebrate the day with a regular Rom Com. However, in the past there have also been many horror movies released. We think a good selection of both genres is a definitely a good way to go about spending the evening.

Films recommended by the Love Doctor for Valentine’s Day

The St Valentine’s Day Massacre (1967), a docudrama based on the true story of American gangster – Al Capone and the seven murders that took place on Feb 14,1929 proved to be a huge hit for director Roger Corman back in the day. Not really how you think of Valentine’s Day these days, but it can definitely keep you entertained on the day with or without someone. If you’re on a date, you can always “pretend” to be scared and find an excuse to get a little close. If you’re single, you can enjoy the blood and gore on screen picking off those celebrating.

The film Valentine (2001) starring Denise Richards and David Boreanaz steps back in time to 1988 to begin with, where a geeky schoolboy is rejected several times at the prom by a group of popular girls.  A speedy whizz into the present day sees a series of murders, and threats being received by the remaining girls through the form of love notes and chocolate boxes filled with maggots from the young lad seeking revenge.

The original version of My Bloody Valentine (1981) which is still considered a classic, and the remake in 2009 which made an impressive profit, presented us again with a teen flick. The old fashioned slasher movie elements are still apparent in the remake along with the continuity of the iconic murderer’s prop being the miner’s mask. Some may argue that the profit was down to its use of remarkable 3D technology rather than for its backdated plot.

Nevertheless, 2010 saw a lovey-dovey Rom-com – Valentine’s Day hit the cinema’s in February. Was Director Cupid Playing Stupid?

Not really. This wonderful day is originally intended to be a time for romance and fun (just a reminder for those of you who got distracted by the above), and this is exactly what this movie sets out to do. Taking place in Los Angeles, Valentine’s Day follows a tangled web of five interconnecting tales of young lovers, older lovers and everything in between; slightly following in the footsteps of other films such as Love Actually and He’s Just Not That Into You. This could be a good change that sets it apart from the previous Valentine’s films mentioned above which are set around the destruction of teen romance. If you are not convinced by the movie plot, then you will definitely be stolen away by the fruitful, long winded cast that director Garry Marshall expertly put together. The ensemble of characters include the likes of Taylor Lautner (Twilight), Bradley Cooper (The Hangover), Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, and the star studded list goes on! So if you don’t have a date to get you starry eyed this Valentine’s Day, this all-star cast is sure to do just this.

So why not take our recommendations of DVD’s and Valentine’s ingredients listed above, and relax in front of a cheesy a selection of Valentine’s movies this year to have an enjoyable day. And what’s to say… you might even make a tradition of doing this every year whether it’s alone, with a date, or with friends!

Written by Reeya Majithia

Don’t be lonely, start searching for compatible singles online now!

Continuing on from relationship expert Susan Quilliam advice on how to pick the perfect Valentine’s night movie, here she suggests the perfect movies, combining all of her advice, for him and for her.

You can absolutely use psychological principles in the previous guide to guide you in your Valentine’s Day film choice.

To make it even easier to make your pick, we’ve also identified our own Valentine’s Day Top Ten – five films that we practically guarantee will do it for the girls and five that will do it for the guys. If you want to lure your beloved into the bedroom this February 14th, or guarantee another date read on…

Top Five Turn-On Movies for Her:

1) The Light and Lively – Mamma Mia (2008)

The ultimate sing-along movie will raise her spirits sky-high. There are some weepie sections – such as the superb one-take tour de force where Meryl Streep sings “Winner Takes It All”. But the final scenes where every single character discovers (or rediscovers) their perfect match, are so optimistic that she’ll be throwing herself into your arms through sheer euphoria.

2) The Serious One – La Vie En Rose (2007)

Yes it’s a harrowing biopic of a tragic singer (Edith Piaf). But any woman will melt at the music, and it’s such a heart-wrenching film that she will need your comforting arm throughout. At the final scene, where a dying Piaf (Marion Cotillard) sings “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” straight to camera, prepare for gulping sobs and a need for life-affirming passion afterwards.

3) The Oscar Winner – Titanic (1997)

What girl could resist that moment when Kate Winslet leans back against Leonardo DiCaprio at the prow of the ship to the heart stirring strains of ‘My Heart Will Go On’? Add in some epic disaster scenes to get her pulse racing, the above-mentioned good looks of DiCaprio and a bitter-sweet ending and you have a film guaranteed to make your beloved a little weepy and wanting to cling.

4) The New Release – The Woman in Black (2012)

If it’s fear factor you’re after, then The Woman in Black delivers, with a genuinely creepy Victorian mansion and some disturbing half-seen spectres lurking at the edge of the frame; now you see them, now you don’t, and when you think you do it’s a perfect excuse for grabbing each other. Alternatively, let Daniel Radcliffe get her hot and bothered and ready for some action.

5) The Classic – When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Not only has this got top-flight performances, it’s got a fabulous plot and great dialogue to keep her involved, plus some laughter-inducing moments where both of you can bond (remember the fake orgasm scene in the restaurant?) The film also brilliantly presents the “should we / shouldn’t we have sex” argument between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal with the ultimate answer ‘yes we should’ – which with a bit of luck will persuade her that the time is right for you to do the same.

Top Five Turn-on Movies for Him:

1) The Oscar Winner – Avatar (2008)

The visual effects are like nothing ever seen before – watch out for Jake’s first walk through the Pandorian forests – while the science-fiction plot will keep him hooked. He’ll also identify with Jake as he makes love with Neytiri and then saves the alien world from extinction. Guaranteed to leave a man both visually blissed out and feeling like a hero.

2) The Classic – The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

As Daniel Day Lewis fights alongside his Mohican brothers, your man will fight along with him, adrenalin pumping. Superb landscape and vivid action sequences. And though the love interest comes in second place, it’s way strong enough to keep him remembering what Valentine’s Day is all about: nudge him at the point where Hawkeye tells Cora “No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you.”

3) The Scary One – Seven (1992)

It may be tricky to find a film that is edgy enough to scare your man, but not so horrific that lovemaking is the last thing on both your minds. But the toughest guy is going to get nervous as Brad Pitt investigates, while the film is well-plotted enough for you to both emerge feeling close. Prepare for him to leap into your arms during the ‘skeleton on the bed’ scene, and gather you into his arms at the final tragic ending.

4) The Bond Fantasy – Casino Royale (2006)

Not the spoof with David Niven, but the first appearance of Daniel Craig as OO7. A man will admire – but won’t feel deskilled by – Craig’s craggy but very human characterisation, whilst at the same time losing himself in the fantasy of high adventure, high-class living and lots of luscious ladies. Yes, it does contain ‘that’ torture scene – but that should only make your man more grateful that he himself has no problems in that department…

5) The New Release – The Artist (2012)

A homage to the silent movie, the film’s whole aim is to show the power of visual imagery – and so it’s perfectly suited to enthral the visually oriented male. He’ll also love the strong erotic charge between leads Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo – which begins with a classic ‘bump into’ scene but develops much more deeply and movingly as the film progresses. Add in a strong feel-good factor and you have the ideal y-chromosome romcom.

The Do-It-For-Both Movie – An Officer and A Gentleman (1982)

Thirty years old, but still an absolute winner, Richard Gere’s surviving his challenging army rite of passage will pump up the guys’ adrenalin and leave them on a high, while the girls will melt at the ‘true love conquers all’ message in Gere’s relationship with Debra Winger. And surely there won’t be a dry eye in the house as the final scene sees him stride into the factory to claim her as his own. After which, surely the only thing to do is to claim each other…

Three top tips for choosing your Valentine’s Day Movie

1)      Score extra brownie points – by choosing a film that will get your date going even if it does nothing for you

2)      Avoid films you’ve already seen with an ex – unless you’re very good at covering your tracks, this will lead to awkward, lust-killing conversations!

3)      Don’t go for frat movies or gorefests – choose films where the characters are generally likeable and the plot leaves you both feeling comfortable. This is no time for toilet humour or blood and guts.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and to make sure you don’t waste the most romantic day of the year we enlisted the help of r elationship expert Susan Quilliam to suggests the top Valentine’s Day movies to get your date in the mood for love…

Film has the power to move you, but it’s not always the obvious choice, the romcom, that’s guaranteed to get you in the mood for love. The psychology of love (and lust) is a little more complex. To get your date in the mood for love on Valentine’s Day, watch out for moments that really push their ‘passion buttons’. If a moment enthrals, terrifies, or bring tears to your date’s eyes, that’s your chance to make a move.

Watching a film can evoke certain feelings and help lower our emotional barriers, making these moments the ideal opportunity to get up close and personal. To prolong the film’s ‘lust-creating’ effect, make sure to talk about all the key moments afterwards so you can intensely relive them together. And once the credits have rolled, you can get down to acting on what you’re both feeling.

Liz Bales from film search engine FindAnyFilm.com, said, “Film viewing is a firm favourite Valentine’s date because it offers a shared but intimate experience that doesn’t need to cost the earth. And this year there are more ways to enjoy film than ever, from a hot date out to the cinema, to cosying up with a laptop in bed.”

Susan Quilliam’s Valentine’s Day movie guide

What to look for in a film:

1) Guys like to look, girls like to listen

It’s a cliché but it’s true; men are more turned on by what they see, women by what they hear – which is one reason why a man loves page 3 of his newspaper and why a girl likes to have sweet nothings whispered in her ear. So your February 14th film choice needs to major on whichever sense your date favours; he’s going to need some visual turn-ons to get him going, while she will need seductive tones in order for her senses to take over.

2) Girls like plot, guys like action

Very few women get instantly turned on; to feel aroused they have to have setting, context, a relationship – the sense of a story. So film-wise they need a convincing plot, one where they can imagine being the heroine, drawn inevitably into passion. Men’s need for plot, on the other hand, is minimal; they like instant action, be that in the bedroom or out of it, in order to feel aroused.

3) Girls and guys together like it subtle

When the emphasis is on romance – as it is on Valentine’s Day – overt hot action in a film can be counter-productive. And that’s not just true for women who want to be romantically seduced. Men too can be put off by too much raunch, feeling that then they have to match up. So, subtle sensuality, yes – heavy-duty sexuality, no.

4) Both girls and guys like the adrenalin

Heart pumping, pulse racing, breath coming in gasps – everyone’s autonomic nervous system leaps into adrenalin top gear when they’re making love. Fascinatingly though, if one gets those same physiological responses through other things than lovemaking – through the roller coaster of watching an action film, for example – the adrenalin rush makes it very easy for one’s body to tip over into arousal.

5) Both girls and guys need the feel good factor

A funny, positive film not only puts you in a good mood, which in turn relaxes you, energises you, and makes you more open to physical contact and emotional bonding. But also, smiling and laughing together shows that you understand each other, share the same view of things – and that in turn makes you willing to get ‘close’ in more ways than one.

6) Girls like to have a good cry

That said, being tearful also make us want to leap into each other’s arms. Women in particular lower their emotional barriers when feeling sad and want to be physically intimate in order to be supported. So from that weepy film it may be only a short step to feeling close enough to do more than just cuddle.

7) Guys like to feel successful

For guys especially, eagerness for action is often linked with confidence outside the bedroom, in everyday life. And few things boost a guy’s confidence more than watching a film with a hero he identifies with and who faces danger, beats off his enemy, and survives triumphant. A hero film that leaves a man feeling good about himself bodes well for later in the evening.

8 ) Both girls and guys need just a bit of…. fear

Finally, a fascinating American study suggests that just a little anxiety can not only be sexually arousing but also make you more likely to jump the next potential partner you meet. Arthur Aron’s research (1974 et seq) showed that when subjects walked across an unstable bridge, they were more likely to ask the research assistant out on a date! So a film that makes you want to cover your eyes and shriek a little is likely to make you feel even more attracted to your date.

Yes, you’re hardly likely to get all eight of these elements in one movie. Plus, people vary, and so while one may fall for a plot-heavy weepy, another may want an action packed adrenalin burst. You do need to tailor your approach to your particular beloved.