Let me start by wishing a very Happy New Year to you all!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas watching as many festive movies as possible, but alas that season has past for another year. Say, is it that time? The time for love to bloom and romance to blossom? Well, almost. In fact, when this blog is released, I suspect many of you will be deep into planning your Valentine’s Days or seeking to find a date at least. So, if you’re stuck on what to do, why not treat your other half or date to a viewing of one of the four great romcoms I’m about to inform you of.
We’ll start with something that is now seen as a modern classic, Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation (2003).
Starring the esteemed Bill Murray (Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day) and Scarlett Johansson (The Avengers, Lucy) as its leads, this film has exponentially risen in its popularity since being released almost two decades ago. Murray plays Bob, a fading actor in the midst of a midlife crisis (compounded by trouble in his 25-year marriage). Bob decides to travel to Tokyo to act in some commercials for Suntory Whisky, both for a break and a pay day. While there he stays at the Park Hyatt hotel (an existent hotel that Coppola herself stayed in while promoting her first film), which acts as the setting for the majority of the film. It is here that he happens upon another estranged American in Charlotte (Johansson), a recent newlywed and Yale graduate, travelling with her husband who is working in the city.
After frequently bumping into each other, while simultaneously lounging around the hotel, the two eventually introduce themselves at the hotel bar. As the two begin to converse about their current predicaments, an unlikely friendship blossoms, which in turn threatens to become something even more. Inspired by the director’s love of Japan, this film received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike; in particular for the chemistry of it’s two leads, the writing and direction. Ironically, the very limited criticism was directed towards its depiction of Japan, however it is still seen as one of the best romcoms ever made worldwide.
Lost in Translation is available to watch now on DVD in the Library. Grab a look at Bob and Charlotte’s meet cute by clicking the link below:
From a classic to a cult hit, our second entry is box-office smash Bride Wars (2009).
Headlined by the incredible Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables, Interstellar), this is certainly an extremely modern take on the romantic comedy genre. Hathaway stars alongside Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, You, Me & Dupree), as two childhood best friends who have for years planned their respective future weddings together. When both their boyfriends finally propose they endeavour to have both weddings at the Plaza hotel (the place where they first witnessed one and consequently fell in love with weddings), with each being the other’s maid of honour.
Things begin to fall apart however, when the two learn the Plaza only has 3 slots available due to high demand, two on the same day in June and one a few weeks later. They apply for different days but due to a clerical error are scheduled for the same day, only hours between the two. Hence a hilarious war ensues between the brides-to-be, in order to gain not only the day but also the guests for themselves solely by whatever means necessary. Unfortunately, more drama unfolds, as the girl’s relationship is not the only one put to the test by these events.
Despite some misgivings, this is not a bad all-around film, though it leans slightly more into the comedy than the romance. The slightly basic story is seen as a missed opportunity by critics, yet does include some very intriguing, funny and touching moments. The cast tries their best, with Hathaway in particular receiving the most praise. While clearly not beloved by everybody, this romcom has found a cult following in the years since it first appeared. You too can join that cult fanbase, by watching it now exclusively on Planet e-stream anytime you want. Watch the entertaining trailer now by clicking the link below:
I find it rather apt that for our 3rd entry we travel back almost 30 years to 1993, with Much Ado About Nothing (1993).
Based upon the play by William Shakespeare, it is one of the lesser adapted for the screen of his works, and this version is seen as the definitive adaptation by all. Though it may in some part be connected to its incredible cast, including Denzel Washington, Dame Emma Thompson, Sir Kenneth Brannagh (a true Shakespeare aficionado who also directs this feature), Keanu Reeves, Michael Keaton and Kate Beckinsale (in her film debut).
In this tale there are two love stories interwoven, both cultivated by the same person, Don Pedro the Prince of Aragon (Washington). Don Pedro and his noblemen pay a visit to his old friend Leonato in Messina, Sicily. While there, Pedro notices that one of his men pays a lot of attention to Leonato’s daughter Hero (Beckinsale) as he had before he went to war. After learning of his friend’s feelings Pedro sets out unite the two by organising a party. It works a treat, and they are to be married (despite an attempt to foil the meeting by Pedro’s jealous half-brother, Don John). Don John (Reeves) doesn’t just leave things there however, causing disruption throughout the film in rebellion against his half-brother. As the love between Claudio and Hero blossoms however, so too does a potential romance between Benedict (Branagh, Pedro’s other nobleman) and Beatrice (Thompson, Hero’s cousin); former friends who hold long buried feelings for one another, but always try to hide them. As such, Don Pedro conspires to bring them together too.
Full of hilarious vigour from the offset, this is the perfect romcom to warm your heart in these cold harsh winter months. Though Claudio & Hero may be the headline couple, it is very much Benedict & Beatrice who steal the show with their every scene, their wit and animosity reminiscent of an old married couple. This has seen it lauded by critics as “cheerful from beginning to end” and “invigorating fun.” Not the words you were expecting to describe a Shakespeare film? Well worry not, for despite being packed full of old Bill’s usual jargon Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing has plenty of punch with its real modern take on this timeless piece. You can experience this genuine masterclass on DVD and through Planet e-stream anytime you want, alternatively you can start enjoy the laughs right now by watching the clip below:
We finish with another favourite of mine and something certainly unique for its time: Definitely, Maybe (2008).
Handled with the upmost care by romcom genre guru Adam Brooks (Practical Magic, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), this movie is the ultimate definition of an underrated gem. It stars a young Ryan Reynolds (before he became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars) as a former political consultant and a father to ten-year-old Maya (Abigail Breslin). Throughout the majority of the runtime he chronicles the story of his previous relationships with three women (using alternative names to their real ones) and implores Maya to guess which is her mother, in order to better help her understand her parents impending divorce.
While recalling his past, Will himself lives through the tale inadvertedly realising which of the women (played by Isla Fisher, Elizabeth Banks and Rachel Weisz respectively) he truly loves, leading to the true romance of this film. In a nice twist the audience themselves also have to guess which woman he later married and who he will end up with by the end, so are even more emotionally invested in the feature. Definitely, Maybe was a modest box-office hit and received positive reviews from critics, yet is still somewhat underrated even today. It was seen as a huge piece of development in Reynolds and Breslin’s careers, with the story more sophisticated and a breath of fresh air compared to various other films within the genre. You can find out the answer to this entries’ romantic mysteries by loaning the film only on DVD from the library now, or view a sneak peek by clicking the link below:
Though I would not take these films too literally, they can be great tools to help you in your own relationships. Whether it be on how to find love, ideas for Valentine’s Day, how to propose, how not to plan a wedding, or what not do in a relationship; you can find examples of all in these four films. So, come on down to the Library and enjoy one or more now!
Bradford College Planet Estream.
0 Comments.