We recommend our top five picks to watch after you’ve seen the newest satirical look at the romantic comedy genre.
The romantic comedy genre has had a resurgence over the past couple of years with mega-hits like Crazy Rich Asians, The Big Sick, Set It Up and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. This has of course influenced the return of satirical looks at the genre. While rom-coms are full of cliches, these satirical films overstuffed themselves to make a point. The most recent addition to this subgenre has been one of the better stories to make fun of this tropes (review here).
For this week’s list of movie recommendations, I’ve looked at films that not only play to the satirical side of rom-coms, but also the ones that seemed to influence the tropes used throughout. These films aren’t cinematic masterpieces by any means, but they certainly quench the craving that Isn’t It Romantic might leave you with after two hours of gut-busting laughs.
THEY CAME TOGETHER (2014)
Another notable satirical look at the rom-com genre is this underappreciated gem. It follows the story of a small business owner who is about to lose her shop to a major corporate development. Boasting a truly star-studded cast headed by Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler this is a hilarious satire. Its overuse of rom-com cliches, tone and overall atmosphere look at the prototypical model of the genre and pokes fun at its ridiculousness. If you enjoyed Isn’t it Romantic’s story, satirical comedy, tone, themes or atmosphere then you might like They Came Together.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989)
Some could consider this the best romantic comedy of all-time. It follows the story of Harry and Sally who have known each other for years, but fear sex may ruin their friendship. This is the type of film that Isn’t it Romantic is mocking. It even has direct references to many of this film’s iconic scenes. While the comedy isn’t as satirical, it makes for a thoroughly enjoyable story. If you enjoyed Isn’t it Romantic’s characters, comedy, tone, themes or atmosphere then you might like When Harry Met Sally.
WHEN WE FIRST MET (2018)
This is one of the Netflix films that helped show how streaming services could be the home for romantic comedies. It follows the story of a man who, after spending a night with the girl of his dreams, is given the opportunity to travel through time and alter that night until he wins her heart. Its Groundhog Day-style story allows for some originality, but this is a prototypical rom-com. It has the story beats and cliches expected of the genre and even has Isn’t It Romantic‘s Adam Devine starring in the lead role. If you enjoyed Isn’t it Romantic’s comedy, tone, themes, atmosphere or cast then you might like When We First Met.
I FEEL PRETTY (2018)
This isn’t the greatest film on this list, but it feels the most like Isn’t it Romantic in terms of its storytelling. It follows the story of an insecure woman who wakes up from a fall with extreme self-confidence ready to change her world. The film’s premise is essentially the real rom-com version of Isn’t it Romantic. It has all the checklist markers of the genre. Unfortunately, the lead performance isn’t as funny or charismatic as the newer version. If you enjoyed Isn’t it Romantic’s story, satirical comedy, tone, themes or atmosphere then you might like I Feel Pretty.
HOW TO BE SINGLE (2016)
The final film on this list is one of the better romantic comedies of the last couple of years. It follows the story of a group of young adults who navigate love and relationships in New York City. Again it has the typical tropes of the genre, but its selling point is the similar cast. Rebel Wilson stars in both films bringing the same charm and hilarious performances to her characters. If you enjoyed Isn’t it Romantic’s comedy, tone, themes, atmosphere or cast then you might like How to be Single.
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