My girlfriend and I recently embarked on an epic quest — a binge-watching voyage through the schmaltzy romantic comedy world. Many may jeer at the thought of rom-coms; they are labeled as disposable, artificial and contrived by countless detractors.
I’ve always been a big rom-com fan. They are the ultimate vessel for movie stars, providing charismatic and photogenic personalities a chance to have fun onscreen with another famous counterpart. Are they predictable? Sure, but the great rom-coms find a clever way to reinvent the genre’s heart-tugging roots.
Here is my run-down of what I’ve watched so far. I will be breaking everything down into categories.
Awkward First Date — “Bride Wars” (2008)
Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson exude effervescent charm in most projects. I say most because “Bride Wars” somehow teams the two together for a woeful and uncomfortably mean-spirited affair. The laugh-free 90-minutes finds two longtime friends quickly turning into foes when their wedding dates align the same day. Instead of focusing on cementing their eternal bonds with loving partners, the two clash in a flat series of pratfalls. Considering the oppressive dearth of heartfelt moments here, I struggle to even refer to this as a romantic comedy.
Sparks are Flying — “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001) and “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” (2004)
The elusive wit of Renée Zellweger takes center stage in the “Bridget Jones” franchise. As the titular character, Zellweger plays a hopeless romantic who endearingly bumbles in her pursuits of love. She volleys between the attentions of Daniel, her devilishly alluring boss, and Mark, a posh lawyer. Meanwhile, Bridget charts the highs and lows of these romantic encounters in her closely kept diary.
These films were a smash success upon release. In my estimation, they do not quite live up to the hype, but I understand the appeal.
Zellweger is simply terrific as Bridget Jones. She uncorks biting one-liners with a sharp tongue while playing into several silly slapstick bits with endearing glee. Her co-stars, the dashing Hugh Grant as Daniel and the subdued magnetism of Colin Firth as Mark, provide the perfect comedic sparring partners. Both fight tooth and nail (figuratively and literally) for Bridget’s heart.
Perhaps the best compliment I can give this series is that it provides a more authentic lens on dating and relationships. There is some rom-com whimsy here, although it is toned down in favor of characters with more conflicted, and in turn more relatable, hearts.
A True Love — “13 Going on 30” (2004)
Only in a rom-com can a character magically transform from a precocious teenager to an adult through magic wishing dust. “13 Going on 30” easily ranks as the most whimsical film I will discuss today. Many may groan at the silly Hallmark movie energy it carries from start to finish, but I fell head over heels for it.
“13 Going on 30” showcases great self-awareness about what it sets out to achieve. This is a rom-com bound by movie mysticism, presenting itself like a modern fairy tale of self-discovery for our lead, Jenna. Now an adult, Jenna lives out her dream of being a prime fashion designer, although she discovers that she may have sacrificed some of her childhood values along the way. Her ultimate arc resonates as a warm-hearted reflection on discovering what matters most.
Star Jennifer Garner is as radiant as Jenna. In a role that could feel cartoonish in the wrong hands, Garner’s bright personality and undeniable naturalism shape into a well-rounded character. “13 Going on 30” is well-suited to Garner’s talents, showcasing several colorful and campy setpieces, like a dance number to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Co-star Mark Ruffalo is the perfect romantic partner, emanating warmth and affability as Jenna’s nerdy childhood friend Matt.
“13 Going on 30” scratches a familiar itch yet does so with personality and grace. It stands as a strong testament to the cozy feelings rom-coms can deliver.
