2006's
The Holiday is on right now. I love that movie; true, I would have cast someone else in Jack Black's role (but I appreciate his bold move in doing this movie), but I loved the movie. It gets so much flak...and is a strong reminder about how so many other great romantic comedies come out and get even worse responses than this one.
So, what are some movies from the past eight years that you really like but seem to get universal flak, and really deserve to be better-remembered?
Here are a few for me. Raising a critical eyebrow at any of them? Good! That's the point - what do YOU think is a criminally underrated romantic comedy from the past eight years??
- Love Actually. Even though it seems pretty well-liked by those who have seen it, it deserves more fame and respect. The plot, the dialogue, the characters, and most of all, the actresses and actors - brilliant.
- Lost in Translation. Okay, so it's not really a romantic comedy, per se, but it is funny, and it is romantic...and what an amazingly different movie it is.
- The Last Holiday. You bet I think this underrated! Queen Latifah is charming and funny, and Gerard Depardieu is just magnetic (not to mention their scenes together in the movie are better than the "official" romance between her character and that of LL Cool J). And so it's a remake - this is an example of when remakes can be good.
- The Jane Austen Book Club. Such a great cast, and a nice, charming movie.
- Something New. There still aren't a whole lot of movies that address inter-racial romance, and to have one that does it in a fun, tasteful manner like this (especially with such magnetic stars as here) is a real treat.
- Elizabethtown. Wow, what a great movie! Orlando Bloom is such a great star, and this movie really showcases his qualities. I've always been a fan of Kirsten Dunst, but she really shines here. It's such a funny, sweet, charming, fresh film.
- Imagine Me & You. (I do.) A very cute, very charming little film that came and went and had something fresh and nice to say, and especially with its two romantic leading actresses. I also love the lack of the title at the beginning of the movie, and any sign of a certain song until a crucial scene. Another overlooked treat!
...well? If a 25-year-old (well, 26 next Wednesday) male who loves horror fiction and listens to heavy metal can talk about seven romantic comedies (so-called "chick flicks" - how I despise that term), I think a few of you can spill some of your own thoughts on other "romantic comedies" that deserve more/better credit!