I'm breaking hiatus for a brief spell 'cause 'tis the season for this article I wrote a while ago, but sat on during a busy summer and didn't do anything about. So, I decided to revisit for the heck of it because...
I can't stand most romantic comedies.
Let's face it: If you're male and you're seeing a film with a significant other (presumably of the opposite sex - I'm just making a point), there's generally no other genre that's a bigger turn-off than one that's a blatantly marketed "Romantic Comedy". As one who's endured with a lady-friend his share of headache-inducing Reese Witherspoon romps, or anything with Jennifer Aniston smiling on the cover, some culturally-savvy dudes of my ilk and I have realized that the problem isn't the marketing, it's the fact that this is a tired genre that recycles the same conventions or plots and wraps them up in an attractive packaging. The "Rom-Com" is the cinematic equivalent of a cupcake: Neat, sweet, petite, full of different varieties and flavors, but ultimately and obviously, the same old sugary fluff. Woe to the men who admirably sacrifice their precious time and money (but obviously refuse to admit it).
Fortunately gents, there is hope, yet. I am in no way paid to do this, but because the general topic of entertainment interests me, it occurred to me that said films of this article's namesake are a rare breed. Yet somehow, I've amassed a collection of some less-popular "Rom-Com"s without even realizing it. Additionally, because I happen to have a lot of cynical guy-friends, I have written this as if I were addressing them, directly. So, do mind the brash tone.
These are in no particular order of preference (except maybe alphabetical). I hope you enjoy them, or at least, have expanded your horizons a bit with my opinion (and maybe something to liven up the Netflix queue).
1. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
What's in it for me?: Right from the get-go, this achieves what few Rom-Coms do - tells the story exclusively and accurately from the guy's perspective. Also, our hero is a huge romantic pessimist; something a lot of us can relate to. My only issue is Zooey Deschanel is not portrayed in the kindest of lights
What's in it for her?: Most girls I know who grew up in the 90s will remember JGL from NBC's "Third Rock". The marketing's also fairly innocuous, and if she's open-minded, she'll appreciate the shift in perspective.
I'm still not convinced: Okay, well...do you like quirky soundtracks headlined by indie-darling/Kimya-Dawson-soundalike Regina Spektor? Also, this doesn't have a happy, but rather, an ambiguous ending. enough to differentiate it and make it refreshing for me.
2. Annie Hall (1977)
What's in it for me?: It's a classic, it's Woody Allen hilariously trying to pick up younger women, it reaches out to the nebbish in all of us. In other words - even if you're a total loser, it's not the end of the world.
What's in it for her?: Again, it's a classic. Diane Keaton is appealing with her quirky, feminist wiles. Also, if your lady's from New York, she can finally contribute to dinner conversation after her parents mayhaps have been pestering her to see it.
I'm still not convinced: It beat Star Wars for Best Picture at the Oscars. If that doesn't make you bitter, at least check it out and make an opinion.
3. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
What's in it for me?: Blood, gore, latex werewolves, scantily-clad women. Obviously not marketed like a Rom-Com, but really funny and with an unexpectedly-central love story.
What's in it for her?: Pretty English scenery as well as London proper that will satisfy the Anglophile in anyone. Also, enough jump-scares without being overly-scary, because it's padded out with some great humor
I'm still not convinced: It's from the guy who directed Animal House and Blues Brothers, so it has to be funny. Right?
4. Broadcast News (1987)
What's in it for me?: The two male leads will appeal to either demographic - the tough, handsome jerk who wants to be taken seriously, or the nerdy wimp who also wants to be taken seriously.
What's in it for her?: Holly Hunter is awesome as a bossy, romantically-frustrated news producer. Who doesn't like seeing a woman in charge (in 2014)?
I'm still not convinced: James L. Brooks basically took the tired Rom-Com formula and re-wrote it into something intelligent and compelling. In other words - he gave the stock characters actual souls. Also, seven Oscar nominations including Best Picture.
5. Chasing Amy (1997)
What's in it for me?: I could've easily recommended anything else by Kevin Smith, but I find this one his most dramatically compelling. It's more than just about a guy who falls in love with a lesbian, even though that's basically the pitch. Also, the main character's a comic book artist - Smith is an un-closeted geek, after all.
What's in it for her?: A strong, main female character who doesn't take crap from anyone. The brutal honesty of the characters in this one is so strong, it almost hurts.
I'm still not convinced: ...Then watch Clerks. Kevin Smith is not for everyone, but it'd be a shame if you're a fan, or from New Jersey and haven't done so already.
6. Garden State (2004)
What's in it for me?: I consider it a precursor to (500) Days of Summer as it's told from the guy's perspective, and accurately to boot. Also, it's not blatantly marketed as a Rom-Com, but rather gradually develops into one as a story. A strong contender as my generation's answer to The Graduate
What's in it for her?: Zach Braff's quirky brand of humor that's sensitive enough for her but refreshing inoffensive and unpretentious.
I'm still not convinced: Are you from New Jersey? Have you heard the awesome soundtrack? Are you that cynical about taste that I should label you a hipster? This is like, THE hipster movie of last decade. Sheesh...
7. The Graduate (1967)
What's in it for me?: Mrs. Robinson, the original MILF, portrayed amazingly by the late Anne Bancroft (aka "Mrs. Mel Brooks" - Mel is a lucky guy). Even snobby hipsters I knew would (figuratively) curl up into a fetal position and suck their thumbs at the sight or mention of The Graduate. Also, you can't get any more compelling than a young, dorky Dustin Hoffman.
What's in it for her?: Perhaps for the same reasons above (striking the MILF-part), but otherwise Katharine Ross's portrayal of love interest Elaine Robinson is a great example of a confused young girl, living in the shadow of her domineering parents who gradually becomes more independent for her own good.
I'm still not convinced: Well, too bad. You're missing out on a significant piece of modern American pop-culture. Does it pique your curiosity in the slightest how much The Graduate had an impact on the Baby Boomers (who I presume may be your parents generation, as are mine)? At least watch it for the impeccably-integrated Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack.
8. In Bruges (2008)
What's in it for me?: Ok, I'm stretching it with this one, but the love story's a significant aspect of this otherwise dark, twisted, fish-out-of-water, gangster-comedy about an Anglo-Irish hitman who happens to meet a cute, blonde, Belgian drug dealer while hiding out in...the film's namesake. There's bloodshed, shootouts, midgets, and I personally think it's not only well-written drama, but hilarious.
What's in it for her?: Colin Farrell and pretty medieval Belgian scenery. Need I say more?
I'm still not convinced: Everyone I know who I've recommended this one to thought it was hilarious, just watch the trailer on YouTube. Otherwise, I presume you must dislike British cinema. Relax, just turn on the subtitles if you can't understand it.
9. It Happened One Night (1934)
What's in it for me?: Here's the granddaddy of all rom-coms, and it still holds up as a good film, too. Clark Gable pioneered the rake telling the spoiled girl who's boss (and falling in love with her, at the same time). This film, at the zeitgeist of it's ilk, gets screwball comedy right; something that's sorely lacking in it's modern successors.
What's in it for her?: I hope she likes old films, or else this might be a tough sell. Do I have to get on my soapbox and yell at people to appreciate the classics?
I'm still not convinced: It's the first film to win all five major Oscars. If a film could accomplish such a thing back then, than it must be good, no? Sure beats slogging through four hours of Gone With the Wind if Golden Age classics are on the queue for the weekend.
10. Metropolitan (1990)
What's in it for me?: This is a "rom-com" for intellectuals - It's a no-frills, witty look at New York's social upper crust. And let's face it: Rich people have just as much problems as the rest of us do. The male lead is endearing in a Gatsby-esque way, too.
What's in it for her?: If she's into classic "chick-lit", she'll appreciate all the obvious nods to Jane Austen novels.
I'm still not convinced: Then don't watch it, it's too highbrow for the likes of you (see one of the "Honorable Mentions" below, instead).
11. My Cousin Vinny (1992)
What's in it for me?: If you go to law school, chances are, not a year goes by without this gem being quoted - Yes, it's mainly set in court, but funny-guy Joe Pesci's chemistry with his equally flashy, loudmouthed girlfriend (played by Marisa Tomei, in an Oscar-winning performance) are what make this worth watching in the first place.
What's in it for her?: Marisa Tomei has an empowering character arc where her unexpected expertise in automobile engines comes into play. In other words; she's sexy, she knows it, and she's probably smarter than you. Karate Kid Ralph Macchio plays...Vinny's cousin.
I'm still not convinced: You really think there's a better legal comedy that happens to be a "Rom-Com"? Let me guess: Legally Blonde?? Okay...
12. Roman Holiday (1953)
What's in it for me?: Gregory Peck plays a maverick reporter who falls in love with an incognito, runaway Princess (Audrey Hepburn). It's told mainly through his perspective, and does the job in the good, old-fashioned, no frills-kinda way. The screenplay is also very competently-written and doesn't offer the most ideal ending - rather, a more realistic one.
What's in it for her?: Audrey Hepburn in her debut performance, being cute, girly, and all that stuff. Also, some pretty Roman scenery.
I'm still not convinced: Meh, I guess old movies aren't your thing. No sex or violence here; it's more for the patient-types. Move along...
13. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
What's in it for me?: Blood, gore, zombies, parody. It's a great parade of the undead through London as Shaun tries to patch things up with his ex Liz. Some of the film's best comedy comes from the intentionally hackneyed bantering that goes on between Shaun and Liz.
What's in it for her?: IF she's not into the bloody stuff (it gets worse towards the end), at least she'll probably laugh at it, and if she's into British humor.
I'm still not convinced: In case you failed to notice, the poster says "A Romantic Comedy, with zombies." C'mon, are you sold?
14. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
What's in it for me?: Easily a more post-modern rendition of the romantic comedy about a recently-released mental patient trying to find his "silver lining" with his new lease on life. Along the way, he befriends the village bicycle (Jennifer Lawrence) who ends up becoming more than just a "friend with an 'F'." Plus, it's got gambling, football, and a strong inspirational message that transcends any genre.
What's in it for her?: Jennifer Lawrence has more cojones in this film than Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, combined! How's that for empowerment?
I'm still not convinced: Are you into psychiatry? The Philadelphia Eagles? Philly in general?? Otherwise, stay far away, Mr. Scrooge.
15. Ted (2012)
What's in it for me?: I may be stretching this one, too, but at the center of the story is a guy, his girl and his best friend, who happens to be a talking, CGI teddy bear. This is a creative play on the "bromance v. romance" parable that has Seth MacFarlane's usual lowbrow humor thrown in for good measure.
What's in it for her?: Mila Kunis doesn't take bull from anyone in this film. Otherwise, her performance as the straight female lead is a nice refresher from the otherwise unremarkable female characters in the film.
I'm still not convinced: Well, it's from the creator of Family Guy, so if you like that, you should know what you're getting yourself into.
I refuse to watch any of these, what else could there possibly be out there?? Okay, fine, then how about...
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
What's in it for me?: Your three basic film needs - Angelina Jolie (hot), guns (make things go "boom"), Brad Pitt (the guy we all aspire to be).
What's in it for her?: Her three basic film needs - Brad Pitt (to look at while we look at Angie), guns (a reason to get you - or both of you - to watch something), Angelina Jolie (what can I say? I talk to a lot of women who consider her the quintessential 21st century feminist - everyone needs a role model).
I'm still not convinced: Really? I give you an action movie and you turn it down? With all due respect, what kind of guy are you?? I guess your significant other must wear the pants in the relationship. Fair enough!
Honorable Mentions: Jerry Maguire, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Knocked Up, There's Something About Mary, The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Robin Hood: Men In Tights, The Wedding Singer, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Shrek, When Harry Met Sally, Wedding Crashers, Juno, Meet the Parents, High Fidelity.
