Monday, June 15, 2020

Looking for a little romance and laughs...by Kristin Wallace

“It is truth universally acknowledged that RomCom movies are not popular and never get made.”

Pardon me for stealing from Jane Austen. I’ve heard plenty of complaints over the years about the lack of romantic comedy books and movies. About how hard they are to sell, and that audiences don’t go see them. With few exceptions, this might remain true on the big screen. However, that’s not the case on Netflix, where romantic comedies are not only plentiful but also very successful. 

Since we’ve all been stuck at home, we all have more time to catch up on #Netflixmovies. I’ve watched many romantic comedies so I thought I’d share some of my favorites in case you missed them.

Always Be My Maybe

What’s it about?
They were childhood sweethearts. Now they live in different worlds. The chemistry’s still there but will the timing ever be right?

This movie is absolutely hilarious and put a spin on the popular “billionaire” trope that is still popular in romance. In this instance, the billionaire is a woman. It stars Ali Wong and Randall Park and both are amazing. Plus, you'll love a scene-stealing cameo by Keanu Reeves.


To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

What’s it about?
When her secret love letters somehow get mailed to each of her five crushes, Lara Jean finds her quiet high school existence turned upside down.

This movie is based on a popular YA series. The story is original while still being a familiar tale of the awkward/shy girl who suddenly catches the eye of the popular boy. Lana Condor (Lara Jean) is fantastic and perfectly captures the spirit of teen angst. 

Set It Up

What’s it about?
In desperate need of a break from the office, two beleaguered assistants team up to trick their workaholic bosses into falling in love. Of course, they might also end up falling for each other. 

This is a fun and engaging movie with some good performances. I especially loved Zoey Deutch as aspiring sports writer, Harper, and Lucy Liu as her demanding boss, Kirsten.  




Love Wedding Repeat
 
What’s it about?
Different versions of the same day unfold as Jack juggles difficult guests, unbridled chaos, and potential romance at his sister’s wedding.

This is a screwball comedy with some great performances. (If you've ever seen "Death at a Funeral" you will love this movie.) Jack’s sister’s ex shows up and threatens to ruin her wedding. She wants Jack to give him sleeping pills. But what happens if the wrong person (or several wrong people) accidentally takes them? The best part is the narration by the impeccable Judy Dench. 

Sweet Magnolias

What’s it about?

Three lifelong friends lift each other up as they juggle relationships, family, and careers in the small Southern town of Serenity. The women team up to renovate an old home and turn it into a "ladies only" spa. 

This is a series rather than a movie so prepare to binge-watch. It’s based on a book series by Sherryl Woods, which I didn’t realize until I saw her name in the credits. Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) is a mom of three who is reeling after a messy divorce from her cheating husband; Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott) is a single mom and the chef/owner of a restaurant who’s dealing with a rebellious teen daughter; and Helen Decatur (Heather Headley) is a tough as nails attorney who seems to be part of love triangle involving her first love and a possible new romantic interest with a chef at Dana Sue's restaurant. There’s also some nice eye candy in the form of Cal Maddox (Justin Bruening), a former pro baseball player who is now the coach of Maddie’s son’s high school team. Not awkward at all!

So there are my suggestions...have you seen any good RomComs I should catch? 

Kristin Wallace is the USA Today Best Selling Author of inspirational romance and women’s fiction filled with Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith. She is the author of the three best selling series, Shellwater Key Tales, Palm Cove Tales, and Covington Falls Chronicles.

4 comments:

Lynn Lovegreen said...

Fun post, Kristin! Thanks for giving me some movies to add to my to-watch list. One of my favorite rom coms is Notting Hill, with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. The supporting actors are brilliant too.

Judith Ashley said...

Thanks Kristin, if I ever buy Netflix, I've a list of movies/shows to watch. Yes, I'm still a paperback reader.

Sarah Raplee said...

Thank you for the RomCom recommendations, Kristin! These are new to me, so I really appreciate the ideas after months of pandemic isolation. I've been running out of movies.

Maggie Lynch said...

I would think Rom Coms would be something a lot of women want to watch these days when so much in the real world is depressing and uncontrollable. I've loved Sheryl Woods' books in the past. I didn't know there was a series made from them. Thanks for sharing these.