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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Too Good To Be Real: A Novel in Books

Jul 22, 2021  
Too Good To Be Real: A Novel
Too Good To Be Real: A Novel
Melonie Johnson | 2021 | Contemporary, Humor & Comedy, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A very meta romantic comedy
Julia is a writer desperate to save her job. She's tired of posting nothing but quizzes and lists. So she pitches an article to her boss in an attempt to save her job: a new resort that's letting its guests live out their romantic comedy dreams via role playing. Julia doesn't believe in love, of course, but she'll play along if it means keeping her job. But when she and her two best friends show up, she meets a handsome man by the lake via the quintessential meet-cute: a humorous seagull incident. She thinks Luke is taking part in the rom-com experience, but he's actually one of the event planners, along with his best friend and sister. Luke decides to take part in the experience in order to impress a reviewer arriving. Sparks fly between the two, but can their love be real when no one is being honest about who they are?

"I'm as likely to find the wardrobe to Narnia as I am to find my own Mark Darcy. Life isn't like a romantic comedy."

This was a perfectly cute romantic comedy and it's important to remember that 3-stars is in no way a negative rating. Did this book wow me or sweep me off my feet? No. But it had its funny moments.

The concept is an interesting and original one: a rom-com resort, where guests are assigned a character, a role to play, select activities, and then the games begin. The characters get funny names associated with famous romantic comedies (think Sally, a la Harry Met Sally) and there are a ton of references to all sorts of rom-com favorites. If you're a romantic comedy fan, you'll love all the little inside jokes.

"For the chance to achieve his dreams, Luke had to do one thing. Make the fantasy real."

I liked Julia's character and enjoyed Luke, although I must admit the guy was a bit of a clueless idiot. The seagulls were easily the best characters in the book and some of their scenes made me laugh out loud. I'm never a fan of "lying by omission" plots, so it was a little hard to stomach that the story that was based off of falsehoods. Julia and Luke did have chemistry but also suffered a bit from instalove--maybe it was the seagulls?

Overall, this is a fun, fairly quick read, peppered with rom-com references. It's definitely silly and a bit cheesy, but sweet too. 3 stars.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
  
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Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated The Proposal (2009) in Movies

Aug 9, 2019  
The Proposal (2009)
The Proposal (2009)
2009 | Comedy, Romance
7
7.7 (38 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
If you have ever had an awful boss you will commiserate with Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) executive assistant to fiendish editor Margret Tate (Sandra Bullock). A Canadian, Margret is about to loose her Visa and prestigious job when she devises a plan to stay in the country by marrying Andrew. Realizing that Margret’s deportation also means he will loose his dream chance at becoming an editor, Andrew unhappily agrees.

To make matters worse a tenacious immigration clerk suspects the false conspiracy and threatens fines and felony charges if the bond is not truly romantic. In an effort to make their rouse seem more convincing the two not-so-in-love birds decide to visit Andrew’s family in Alaska.

Through a variety of comedic events and heart to heart discussions their relationship grows. But this new understanding of one another, and appearance of Andrew’s ex-girlfriend, threaten the marriage ploy.

While it is a cute movie the preposterous premise is the core obstacle with the film. Can anyone actually believe a person would ever fall in love with a boss so heinous that the office instant messages warnings of her arrival?

Further detracting from the film’s romantic attempts is the use of disjointed screwball comedy. These scenes, ranging from Ramone’s (Oscar Nuñez) bachelorette strip tease to Grandma Annie’s (Betty White) dancing in the wilderness, would have been more appropriate in “Animal House” than a romantic comedy.
Still the film does have some redeeming qualities; Ryan Reynolds’ bold delivery combines well with Sandra Bullock’s awkward appeal. Also the meritorious supporting cast will surely make you laugh. But if you are looking to be enchantingly swept away this is not the right film.

More funny than romantic the problematic premise makes “The Proposal” simply an OK comedy.
  
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The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated When Harry Met Sally (1989) in Movies

Apr 2, 2018  
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
1989 | Comedy, Drama, Romance
10
7.6 (24 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
I'll have what she's having.... (1 more)
New Years Eve
A perfect Romantic Comedy for those who like dialog... Really nails the time period.... and a diner scene.
Way beyond quirky, but still interesting and relatable. This is one of those films that when it comes on TV I don't change the channel until the next commercial breaks the spell. It's great. For Meg Ryan, her best films are this one and Sleepless in Seattle.
  
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Dana Calvo recommended Broadcast News (1987) in Movies (curated)

 
Broadcast News (1987)
Broadcast News (1987)
1987 | Comedy, Drama
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Movie Favorite Watch

"I remember watching this movie in the theater and not being able to hear lines because my older sister was laughing so hard. To me, Broadcast News is a romantic comedy, but the romance is not between a man and a woman. It’s between Holly Hunter and her work. Her portrayal has shaped how I write female characters who are game and ambitious—restless, competitive souls who crave an exciting professional life."

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