Cinematical Seven: Romantic Comedies Worth Watching
Filed under: Comedy, Romance, Fandom, Cinematical Seven
Without fail, at least once a month I peruse my DVD collection looking for a solid film focused on a female star -- a film where the woman is smart and successful, a film that focuses on something other than her romantic foibles. It's like I think wishing for there to be more films that fit "The Rule" will create a whole slew of new selections in my library. If only ... But there aren't a horde of these films to pick from, so that often means picking something of the romantic variety, often with a side of comedy.
But oh, the woes of romantic comedies. These days the term usually meets the following criteria: women acting irrationally, men being jerky, unbelievable occurrences taking place over and over again -- you know, all those super-fun stereotypes that every damn romcom these days seems to latch onto.
However, there are some romantic comedies out there that cater to those outside the throngs who thrive on fashion-obsessed ladies and relationship stereotypes. Sure, the films might get sappy or take an easy laugh here or there, but they also showcase a variety of relationships and romantic scenarios without falling into that typical void. These films work for a variety of themes -- the fantasy, the lesbians, the intellectuals, the music lovers, the single people, the passion fiends, and the lovers of foreign film -- and prove that romance is about a lot more engaging, and a lot more real, than many movies might suggest.
The Princess Bride
I've had this film on the brain a lot recently, which is part of the inspiration for this post. See, the movie keeps popping up in conversation, ever since I went to a party where a drunk girl was adamant that it was a film men loved much more than women. Obviously, her logic is not our Earth logic since The Princess Bride is one of those films that just about everyone likes. Why? I'd say that it's because the romance is strengthened by smart wordplay and a myriad of engaging characters that balance the story. Yes, it's the tale of true love, but it reigns in the sap so that the romance balances nicely with the unfolding adventure. How else would a young Fred Savage stand it?
Imagine Me & You
This has to be one of the most underrated romcoms that I've seen in years. It's proof that a romantic story doesn't have to rely on unbelievable situations and caricatures to be cinematic and charming. The character's everyday actions are easily relatable -- instead of female fashion frenzies and male machismo, their actions exceed beyond stereotypical bounds. There's grocery shopping and small dinner parties, sporting events (attended not by the boys, but girls!), fireworks... Sure, there's also some of that sappy, love-at-first-sight chatter, but it's nice to see a film that not only details the divide between passionate love and platonic love, but also maintains a sense of normalcy.
Annie Hall
Now Woody Allen isn't the most normal man out there, and the mere fact that he has often cast himself opposite Hollywood's top leading ladies is certainly wishfully self-indulgent, but Annie Hall has a real, engaging depth to it. There's a healthy dose of absurdity, but that's the point. Where some films will take this to their illogical conclusion, Allen does it to speak to a greater truth. As Alvy, when speaking of relationships, he says: "y'know, they're totally irrational, and crazy, and absurd, and ... but, I guess we keep goin' through it because most of us ... need the eggs."
High Fidelity
Often seen as the man's romantic comedy, High Fidelity offers a satirical view of the over-used romantic mainstays, but does so in a way that's pretty easy to relate to. Perhaps it is the music that helps us, or how even when he's being ridiculously over the top, John Cusack can make things seem real and genuine. The stereotypes are there, but they're also ridiculed, preying on our tendency to make assumptions that often have little semblance to reality.
Singles
It's funny. While Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous was the film that blew me away, Singles is the one that I always go back to. With an ensemble cast settled nicely into Seattle's '90s grunge scene, the film gives a little bit of everything -- nostalgia, crazy romantic antics, fear, growing up, and more. Crowe once said that the characters are based on composites and that the film is a "slice of life, with long scenes so you're able to observe the twitch on a guy's face when he's talking to a girl." Real moments mixed with characters who actually look real, or did back in the '90s, it's like a little bit of voyeuristic, romantic fun.
Moonstruck
I first saw this film in the theaters, when I was ten years old. Even though there was a screen full of actors and actresses much older than me, and in an entirely different, Italian-centric Brooklyn world, I dug it. Heck, I still do. For some, the story is completely relatable, for some it's not, but either way, it's charming and easy to enjoy. Both Cher and Olympia Dukakis won Academy Awards for their performances, and it's hard not to fall into the story of a woman who commits to the easy relationship without love before getting swept up into the tumultuous world of passion.
Amelie
Finally, there's Amelie. It's part fantasy, part reality, and full of charm. While much of the film looks nothing like most of our real lives, it's still extremely recognizable. Amelie taps into to all those inner-head moments we all have, whether day-dreaming or wishing for a world that was just a little bit different. As she strives to make those around her happy, it's with such simple brilliance that it's hard not to like -- especially the wonderful, world-traveling gnome.
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(Page 1)2. Shaun of the Dead tops my list.
Posted at 11:20PM on Aug 19th 2008 by Shakes
3. i tried to like 'imagine me and you', but just found it kinda bland in the end. props for 'singles' and 'amelie'.
i might be alone in this, but for some odd reason 'notting hill' is my i-can't-explain-it-but-gotta-watch-it-every-time-i-see-it rom com.
Posted at 12:15AM on Aug 20th 2008 by Argent
4. I am a bit disappointed in your list, but not for obvious reasons. Your list has most of the oft-quoted, oft-listed romantic comedies. The one except probably being Imagine Me and You (which I agree was a present surprise at video store discount rack; albeit a bit too over the top at the ending, but just barely for my tastes). In short, how about the movies nobody's seen. Give me the difficult to find, late night/early morning "hey it was just on and looked interesting" picks.
Posted at 12:16AM on Aug 20th 2008 by Anthony
5. What about When Harry Met Sally? A smart romantic comedy from the guy's point of view.
Posted at 12:49AM on Aug 20th 2008 by Douglass Abramson
6. What about 'Punch-Drunk Love' ?!?!?!
Posted at 4:04AM on Aug 20th 2008 by Milhuisen
7. What about "I Spit On Your Grave"!!!
Posted at 5:55AM on Aug 20th 2008 by That's Not Right
8. Where's The Empire Strikes Back? I know it doesn't seem like it but all the elements are there. Awkward scenarios, quirky friends (in this case a wookie and a nickel plated android), rogueish exes (does Lando count as an ex of Solo's?), and the final tender moment where Leia says I love you, and Han just nods and says 'I know', I get a lump in my throat every time.
It's like When Harry Met Sally except with children dressed as midget alien pigmen.
Posted at 8:08AM on Aug 20th 2008 by AJ
9. Good to see Imagine Me & You getting some recognition. I heart that movie a lot.
I didn't care for Annie Hall and haven't seen Moonstruck, but I heartily agree with everything else on the list. I guess if I were to make any additions, it would be While You Were Sleeping and Sabrina; although they both fall somewhat into the gushy-female-and-unbelievable-situation category (the former more than the latter), but they're both smart and very funny.
Ooh, thought of another one. Chasing Amy.
Posted at 9:55AM on Aug 20th 2008 by Kurt
10. When Harry Met Sally NEEDS to be on this list. Argent, I hear you on the strange attraction to Notting Hill. I just love the absurd group of friends. But the one I never get sick of is You've Got Mail. Great story, great characters, great soundtrack, great city.
Posted at 10:10AM on Aug 20th 2008 by brittany
11. NO SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE!
That was the rom-com that started the trend of garbage we have today. It was the pivotal movie that every other craptastic rom-com has tried to be.
My vote goes for Love Actually, with its brilliant ensemble cast.
Posted at 10:13AM on Aug 20th 2008 by Paul D
12. I second Love Actually.
I suggest scratching Annie Hall from your list and substituting "What's Up Doc?" Streisand and O'neill are great together.
Posted at 11:44AM on Aug 20th 2008 by Akbar Fazil
13. +1 for Love Actually. It gets me every time.
Posted at 1:26PM on Aug 20th 2008 by TimothyDay
14. Another vote for "Love Actually". I complain every time my wife wants to watch it, but I secretly love that movie.
Posted at 2:15PM on Aug 20th 2008 by john
15. "About a Boy". Smart and funny.
Posted at 3:25PM on Aug 20th 2008 by gwydion
16. No Stardust?
Posted at 5:20PM on Aug 20th 2008 by LiqwidZero
17. Also 'French Kiss' with Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan - a so-so film that I love - mainly because of Kline's rugged Frenchness and his singing 'La Mer' at the end of the film.
'Housesitter' which again is the crap but good film - when Steve Martin is prompted to sing a song for his father and sings Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra and makes his father cry...nice stuff.
What about 'While you were sleeping' with the underrated and underused Bill Pullman?
'Joe versus the Volcano' - John Patrick Shanley - who wrote both 'Moonstruck' and the soon to be released 'Doubt' - that's an overlooked charmer.
'As Good As It Gets', 'Grosse Pointe Blank' and 'A Fish Called Wanda' ... the list is endless - I think it's too difficult to narrow the field to simply Romantic Comedies Worth Watching - they all have something to offer.
Something more specific like Romantic Comedies that are so bad they're good...etc, etc, etc.
Posted at 10:51PM on Aug 20th 2008 by James
18. I'll second (or third or fourth or whatever) When Harry Met Sally & Love Actually - those should be on the list.
And for me, I would have to say "No, No, No, No" to Notting Hill, Sleepless in Seattle, While You were Sleeping and You've Got Mail. While I enjoyed them and would put them on a list of top 20 (maybe 50) romcoms, if this list is supposed to represent the better ones: they don't belong. And, sorry, but French Kiss, with two actors I love (Kline & Ryan of course) was, in my opinion, HORRIBLE. Not THE worst I've ever seen, but it would be on the worst romcom list for me (bottom ten).
Posted at 2:19PM on Aug 29th 2008 by Scott K.
19. Say Anything anyone?
Posted at 5:44AM on Sep 22nd 2008 by Birdman
1. i'm disappointed in you. shame on you. you didn't mention "sleepless in seattle". i just love that movie. its everything every RC should strive to be. It puts the character in difficult, but not unbelievable, situations. It brings them close together, but them pulls them far apart. It gives you the actual sense a few times, that they might not get together, and it leaves the ending open for interpretation. i love it. its one of my favorites.
the part where Tom Hanks and that dude from Alias are making fun of Rita Wilson's emotional description of 'An affair to remember' by describing the dirty dozen with tears is comedy gold!
Posted at 11:10PM on Aug 19th 2008 by peter