Search
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated Sleeping with Other People (2015) in Movies
Nov 2, 2019
Old Movie Revisited: Sleeping with Other People. Yea most rom coms suck balls, but this one did not. It's an IFC production so that might explain some of it. I dunno, a good cast might help a tad too. First and foremost it stars Alison Brie, and fuckin A, she is hott! Also stars Jason Sudeikis, Amanda Peet, Jason Mantzoukas, Andrea Savage, Adam Scott, and a bunch of smaller pop ins from a bunch of todays funny people: Adam Brody, Billy Eichner, Natasha Lyonne, but anyways...Sudeikis and Brie play friends who a long time ago at college they lost their virginity to each other, and seperated ways and only bumped into each other years later at a sex addicts meeting. And so its about them finding friendship and not falling into bed together, and this is a rom com so you can see the ending a million miles away, but it's the journey that counts...and this journey includes Alison Brie being scantily clad, several times, so for that alone its worth it. Go ahead watch it!
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated When Harry Met Sally (1989) in Movies
Feb 9, 2020
I thought this movie was cute. I definitely understand why it's a classic romantic comedy and why it's one that has transcended decades to make some of the all-time best rom-com movies lists out there. I like the progression of the plot, it feels the most real of rom-coms I've seen over the years. The timeline is something like 12 and a half years of friendship and ups and downs and realizing whether or not you've met the person you want to be with for the rest of your life.
My favorite part is when Sally is crying and she says, "I'm gonna be 40!" and Harry says, "When?" Sally replies, "Someday!" Harry says, "In 8 years!" and finally Sally says, "It's out there!" I don't know why that cracked me up so much but it did and I loved it. I'm sure I'll end up watching this film at some point. Maybe it'll make my list of movies to show my kids one day. It's not my favorite but it's definitely a good watch.
My favorite part is when Sally is crying and she says, "I'm gonna be 40!" and Harry says, "When?" Sally replies, "Someday!" Harry says, "In 8 years!" and finally Sally says, "It's out there!" I don't know why that cracked me up so much but it did and I loved it. I'm sure I'll end up watching this film at some point. Maybe it'll make my list of movies to show my kids one day. It's not my favorite but it's definitely a good watch.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Last Christmas (2019) in Movies
Dec 3, 2019
Thunderously crass and obvious Christmas turkey, in which A Christmas Carol is involved in a head-on smash with the Richard Curtis rom-com formula: many normally reliable performers are scythed down by the shrapnel, possibly along with unfortunate audience members. The Christmas Carol personal-redemption story formula requires the lead character to be a horrible person in need of reformation; the rom-com pattern requires them to be cute and loveable from the start. Even if Emilia Clarke was as good an actress as I am always being told, she would need to be equipped with a much better script in order to square this particular circle.
This is the main problem the film has to contend with; others include the misplaced belief that quirkiness is an acceptable substitute for actual wit, and a generally pervasive sense of insincerity (it's hard to shake the notion that some key cast members were only employed to help flog this thing in Asian markets). This is before we get to the astonishing non-twist central to the story, or the glib platitudes casually dropped into the script. I imagine people will say its heart is in the right place (somewhat ironically); this is only true if you think the correct place for the heart is between the ears. I laughed once, and this was understandable, for it was at Peter Serafinowicz: unfortunately he is only in one scene.
This is the main problem the film has to contend with; others include the misplaced belief that quirkiness is an acceptable substitute for actual wit, and a generally pervasive sense of insincerity (it's hard to shake the notion that some key cast members were only employed to help flog this thing in Asian markets). This is before we get to the astonishing non-twist central to the story, or the glib platitudes casually dropped into the script. I imagine people will say its heart is in the right place (somewhat ironically); this is only true if you think the correct place for the heart is between the ears. I laughed once, and this was understandable, for it was at Peter Serafinowicz: unfortunately he is only in one scene.
Lucy Buglass (45 KP) rated Crazy Rich Asians (2018) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
A Rom-Com with Substance
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. This isn’t really the kind of film I’m particularly fond of. Everything about it screams ‘cheesy rom-com’, just look at that poster. But, I’m happy to say I walked away from this film feeling so glad that I had watched it. This is a classic example of not judging a film by its poster or trailer, as it has so much more to offer.
As the title of my review suggests, I mainly loved this film because of the overall narrative. There’s a lot of character development and dark secrets, meaning your interest is constantly held throughout the film. You really start to care about these characters and their lives, and I didn’t feel like anyone was just thrown in there for the sake of it. The dynamics between characters is really well done and realistic, and it’s very easy for you to quickly love or hate them. I was so impressed by the quality of the acting, and how each actor brought their characters to life on screen. I was especially blown away by Michelle Yeoh and Gemma Chan, for very different reasons. I was also happy to see an all-Asian cast in a mainstream film, as we still have a lot to do when it comes to wider representation and films like this are a huge step in the right direction.
I also feel like people could identify with some of the themes, especially this idea of a class divide and feeling unwelcome. It was so eye-opening to see how some people are shunned by families because of their social status, and how important it is for families to protect their name and heritage at all costs. Whilst Crazy Rich Asians shows an extreme version of this type of behaviour, class divides are prevalent across the world so this was a really interesting theme to explore. This theme is one of the reasons why I felt this film had so much substance, as it goes beyond simply being just another rom-com and shows us some serious, real-life issues instead. There are some scenes in Crazy Rich Asians that are far from comedic, and shows us a darker side to life within a wealthy, influential circle. The results are as dark as you’d expect. I don’t want to give any spoilers – experience it for yourself instead.
As for the comedy, it was genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. I am always apprehensive with comedy films as sometimes it can become too ridiculous and slapstick, but Crazy Rich Asians was satirical and smart, with some silly moments thrown in there too. I’m so impressed with how they blended humour with drama this effortlessly. It knows how to balance this without going too far one way, and the result is an incredibly well-rounded and three dimensional film that made me laugh and cry in equal measure. It’s a truly captivating film from start to finish.
Visually, it’s a stunning piece of cinema. You’re greeted with bright colours, gorgeous set design, and you’re transported to a world of luxury and Chinese culture, with these hostile undertones. On the big screen it’s even better, because you get to experience this gorgeous film on a large scale. It’s hard to take your eyes off it. I’m looking forward to revisiting this film in future so I can look for more details the second time around, as I’m sure I missed stuff during my initial viewing!
If this is the future of rom-com, consider me converted. I was so impressed by the overall film and would recommend it to anyone. Please don’t let the title and synopsis put you off, it’s such a smart, funny, heartbreaking film and I urge you to give it a go. You might end up as surprised as me!
https://lucygoestohollywood.com/2018/09/16/a-rom-com-with-substance-my-thoughts-on-crazy-rich-asians/
As the title of my review suggests, I mainly loved this film because of the overall narrative. There’s a lot of character development and dark secrets, meaning your interest is constantly held throughout the film. You really start to care about these characters and their lives, and I didn’t feel like anyone was just thrown in there for the sake of it. The dynamics between characters is really well done and realistic, and it’s very easy for you to quickly love or hate them. I was so impressed by the quality of the acting, and how each actor brought their characters to life on screen. I was especially blown away by Michelle Yeoh and Gemma Chan, for very different reasons. I was also happy to see an all-Asian cast in a mainstream film, as we still have a lot to do when it comes to wider representation and films like this are a huge step in the right direction.
I also feel like people could identify with some of the themes, especially this idea of a class divide and feeling unwelcome. It was so eye-opening to see how some people are shunned by families because of their social status, and how important it is for families to protect their name and heritage at all costs. Whilst Crazy Rich Asians shows an extreme version of this type of behaviour, class divides are prevalent across the world so this was a really interesting theme to explore. This theme is one of the reasons why I felt this film had so much substance, as it goes beyond simply being just another rom-com and shows us some serious, real-life issues instead. There are some scenes in Crazy Rich Asians that are far from comedic, and shows us a darker side to life within a wealthy, influential circle. The results are as dark as you’d expect. I don’t want to give any spoilers – experience it for yourself instead.
As for the comedy, it was genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. I am always apprehensive with comedy films as sometimes it can become too ridiculous and slapstick, but Crazy Rich Asians was satirical and smart, with some silly moments thrown in there too. I’m so impressed with how they blended humour with drama this effortlessly. It knows how to balance this without going too far one way, and the result is an incredibly well-rounded and three dimensional film that made me laugh and cry in equal measure. It’s a truly captivating film from start to finish.
Visually, it’s a stunning piece of cinema. You’re greeted with bright colours, gorgeous set design, and you’re transported to a world of luxury and Chinese culture, with these hostile undertones. On the big screen it’s even better, because you get to experience this gorgeous film on a large scale. It’s hard to take your eyes off it. I’m looking forward to revisiting this film in future so I can look for more details the second time around, as I’m sure I missed stuff during my initial viewing!
If this is the future of rom-com, consider me converted. I was so impressed by the overall film and would recommend it to anyone. Please don’t let the title and synopsis put you off, it’s such a smart, funny, heartbreaking film and I urge you to give it a go. You might end up as surprised as me!
https://lucygoestohollywood.com/2018/09/16/a-rom-com-with-substance-my-thoughts-on-crazy-rich-asians/
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Table 19 (2017) in Movies
Feb 4, 2018 (Updated Feb 4, 2018)
Instantly forgettable
I hadnt really heard of this film and I guess now I know why. It's described as a rom-com but it's far from funny and the romance is a bit hit and miss too.
I was expecting something pretty funny but instead the jokes were few and far between. It has a good cast but they're wasted on such a serious and cliched script and plot. You can tell too that its very low budgey. It's all a bit cringey and although it wasn't quite bad enough to turn off, its instantly forgettable and not one I'd watch again. Shame as I was hoping it'd be more of an undiscovered gem.
I was expecting something pretty funny but instead the jokes were few and far between. It has a good cast but they're wasted on such a serious and cliched script and plot. You can tell too that its very low budgey. It's all a bit cringey and although it wasn't quite bad enough to turn off, its instantly forgettable and not one I'd watch again. Shame as I was hoping it'd be more of an undiscovered gem.
Dean (6927 KP) rated If Only (2004) in Movies
Sep 11, 2018
A Romantic drama that seems to have been missed by most. Jennifer Love Hewitt and a few familiar English faces pop up in this. Set in London a man gets to relive a day in which things didn't work out between him and his girlfriend before she is in an accident. Will he be able to change the path of destiny and save her second time round? Quite similar but not quite as good as Sliding doors, which had the same type of plot and also set in London. If you like romantic films which deal with fate and destiny you will like this. Don't mistake it for a Rom-Com though, not much to laugh at here.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated The Kissing Booth 3 (2021) in Movies
Nov 29, 2021
The final kiss... (hopefully)
So I ga e this a watch as I'd already seen the first two, it's not often that a threequel is as bad as its predecessors yet even with a large shift in its own continuitie, this was still worse.
Continuing With its usual obvious opening, it gradually ops to changing to an inevitable break up between the main two characters and somewhat focuses on an will they or won't the scenario that quickly becomes bland.
Although the change was a smart one it still seemed to drag its story and with a rocky but acceptable ending.
Standard Netflix teen rom-com, watch with this warning.
Continuing With its usual obvious opening, it gradually ops to changing to an inevitable break up between the main two characters and somewhat focuses on an will they or won't the scenario that quickly becomes bland.
Although the change was a smart one it still seemed to drag its story and with a rocky but acceptable ending.
Standard Netflix teen rom-com, watch with this warning.
MissCagey (2652 KP) rated Playing for Keeps (2012) in Movies
Dec 11, 2017
Unmemorable
Contains spoilers, click to show
This film has a great cast, some big names, so you'd have thought it had potential. It is supposed to be a rom-com but it was sappy, unfunny and unbelievable. Other than being an ex soccer star the main character has nothing going for him but a bevy of beautiful women are all throwing themselves at him! It was all pretty pathetic. He tries to woo back his ex wife who has been settled with her new fiance for three years and is due to get married within days, but of course she will realise that she's not truly in love with said beau. and call it all off.
Cashback (2007)
7.3
Rate It
Movie
Award winning rom-com about an art student killing time (literally) by working in a late night...
Dean (6927 KP) rated Songbird (2018) in Movies
Dec 26, 2020
Plot (2 more)
Camera work
Attempt at humour
Terrible
Aka Alright Now, only watched because Cobie Smulders is very good in @Stumptown and thought this might be funny. Really not sure how this even got released! It's really bad barely a plot to it, the script doesn't have much to it. It's not funny, it feels really amateurish alround. The camera work is very shaky like it was shot on a handheld camcorder. It doesn't really make sense. A fading popstar decides to enroll at a university after breaking up with her band who were good 20 years ago. Slight Rom-com angle to it as well that also just doesn't fit in. Skip this you'll be glad.