Let’s face it. Those stereotypical Valentine’s Day activities – candles, rose petals, strolling violinists – are not really for married people. Especially those of us with kids.

Now that Feb. 14 is here, most of us will probably celebrate by staying home, washing the gum out of our hair and sweeping mashed-up crackers from underneath the couch cushions.

A little romance isn’t out of the question, however. After the kids are in bed, you might be just exhausted enough to happily plop down on the couch and watch a movie with your sweetie (or at least the man you are married to – the one who won’t pick up his socks).

And if you’re too busy wiping noses to decide on a movie, local filmmakers Michael Floyd, George Johnson and Kelly Lynch have a few ideas for you.

Michael Floyd, executive producer of Windsong Pictures

Title: “Somewhere in Time” (1980)

Stars: Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour

Plot: A playwright uses self-hypnosis to travel back in time to Mackinac Island in the early 1900s. There, he meets an actress and they fall in love.

“I have Native American heritage, and the whole Mackinac area is a sacred place, a place where Native Americans from across North America came to trade. There is a mystique to the whole place. It’s a great place to go because there are so many Kodak moments everywhere you go.

“My daughter was married in front of the Grand Hotel. On the way to the reception at the back of the hotel, she walked through the dining room and everyone stood and applauded.

“There are all these goosebump moments when we watch that film.”

George Johnson, filmmaker (“Homeless for the Holidays”)

Title: “The Family Man” (2000)

Stars: Nicolas Cage and Téa Leoni

Plot: A successful businessman is given the opportunity to see what life would’ve been like had he married his college girlfriend.

“It’s a great film. I like how it makes you think and gives you perspective about family and marriage.

“We’ve encountered those situations where we’ve had a choice to make – family or career. We’ve gone both ways, but you realize family is more rewarding. It’s a good reminder to once in a while make that family choice.”

Title: “Fireproof” (2008)

Star: Kirk Cameron

Plot: A firefighter engages in a 40-day plan called “The Love Dare” to save his marriage.

“By the end, there is a powerful change in their marriage. Every couple has bumpy times, and the natural reaction is to say, ‘If only they would do this for me.’

“It made me think about participating in fixing situations instead of blaming. It was a real eye-opener, the idea that I can still be the one to show kindness, even when I feel I’m the one who’s been wronged.”

Kelly Lynch, director of Lynchpin Pictures

Title: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)

Stars: Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet

Plot: After a painful breakup, a couple decides to erase all memories of their relationship. But watching the memories disappear causes Jim Carrey’s character to realize he still loves his girlfriend and that erasing her from his thoughts is a mistake.

“It’s not a lovey-dovey feel-good movie, but a lot of thoughtful conversations are inspired by it. It’s quirky and thoughtful and doesn’t necessarily have a tied-up happy-movie ending.

“It’s a lot like real life. It presents relationships in an interesting fashion and a very human way.”

edowns@jg.net