Romantic Comedies are a tainted genre. They have labels like: utter predictability, sappy acting, and a soundtrack that can be heard at an 8th grade winter formal near you. These labels are unfortunately true a lot…or even most of the time. Typically, I do not like this genre; however, there are some amazing films among the…rest, even some of my favorites. There, I admitted it.
When Harry Met Sally
Every new romantic comedy seems to be branded with the praise, “it’s the best romantic comedy since When Harry Met Sally!” There is good reason to want this kind of praise, but rarely is it true. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan tackle the question, can men and women really be friends? This film has some of the most memorable, and honest lines in the genre, but if you haven’t seen Casablanca, prepare to know the ending.
High Fidelity
Like it or not, this is a romantic comedy, even if it wears hipster clothing. John Cusack embarks on a journey to find the cause of his failed relationships with the help of his misunderstood, record store co-workers, Jack Black and Todd Louiso. This flick also has an amazing soundtrack.
The American President
What better way to amp up a romance than to set it in the Oval Office with the witty, fast paced dialog of Aaron Sorkin? Michael Douglas is a widower and the President. Annette Benning is a lobbyist. In spite of themselves, they have a simple romance that turns into a PR nightmare for his re-election campaign. Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen give memorable performances in this film and may even restore your faith in politics…for a little while.
Love Actually
Love, London and Christmas. A superb cast…really… evolves around each other experiencing love in their own, touching way. A must for Bill Nighey fans.
You’ve Got Mail
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan get mail, e-mail to be exact. In one of the first films to deal with online romance, there is a heated, book selling rivalry between the pair offline…as well as Parker Posey and Greg Kinnear as their significant others.
Pride and Prejudice
Believe it or not, this is a romantic comedy and has served as the inspiration for many others after it (Bridget Jones’ Diary). The 1995 version is the start of Colin Firth portraying Mr. Darcy and very true to the novel.
Serendipity
John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale and a pair of black gloves. A fate infused turn of events even has Jeremy Piven screaming, “Oh my God, the irony!”
Sleepless In Seattle
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are pros when it comes to falling in love without actually meeting each other. In this film, it’s over radio waves as she falls for a grieving widower who charms most thirty-something women in America. Rob Reiner and Rosie O’Donnel guest star in a flick about trumpets, fireworks, and tirimisu.
10 Things I Hate About You
Heath Ledger’s breakout performance in the States is a modern, teernage version of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. The surprise hit showed the early talent and star power of Ledger and Julia Stiles.
Benny & Joon
Johnny Depp plays Sam, who makes up for his inability to read with charm and Buster Keaton impressions. Mary Stuart Masterson plays Joon, who is under the care of her brother (Aidan Quinn) due to some mental issues. A quirky, genuine romance soon grows between Sam and Joon and their subtlety speaks volumes.
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July 18th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Thanks Jamie, some one really needed to do this! I loved You’ve Got Mail, it was just a fun, and genuinely funny romance. Good Posting, keep it up.
July 19th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Knocked Up could be on that list, don’t you think?
July 19th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Oh, I definitely considered it when I got to the number 10 spot…but I couldn’t turn my back on my some of my favorites.
I do adore Juno and Knocked up though- they almost made it.