Tiffany Scott
Exec. Business Manager
“Isn’t It Romantic,” succeeds at making fun of romantic comedies, but its predictable script and unoriginality makes for a dull viewing experience.
The film was directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson and written by Erin Cardillo and Dana Fox. Produced by BRON studios, the film was released to theaters nationwide on Feb. 13. The movie features Rebel Wilson as Natalie, Liam Hemsworth as the love interest and Adam Devine as the best friend.
Natalie, an average New York architect, thinks love is stupid and rom-coms are worse. But after she gets mugged in the subway and hits her head into a column, she awakens finding herself in an unrealistic rom-com version of her life. She is forced to embrace the genre’s conventions by trying to find true love in order to return to her old life. Along the journey, she learns to become a better version of her old self with a newfound confidence and positive outlook on life.
The film does a good job at spoofing the typical, generic rom-com, but this results in an extremely predictable storyline. The film starts by making fun of the cliches in the typical rom-com, and then proceeds to use them all. On the way to the expected conclusion, the movie demonstrates other cliches such as full-fledged musical numbers and the use of slow-motion running.
Most of Wilson’s comedy comes from the idea that her character is unattractive or ugly. The film then tries to spin this message to one of self-worth, but because of the predictable script, it falls short. The movie spends a lot of time making fun of other movies, even referencing their lines, but unfortunately employs the same unoriginal formula.
Despite the insufficient script, Wilson’s performance excellently walks the fine line between rom-com heroine and unrelatable cynic. Her co-stars, Hemsworth and Devine, also play their romantic leads in different, but compelling ways. Hemsworth takes on the businessman and overly-romantic role, while Devine brings in his own humor and charm to a more realistic character.
Although “Isn’t It Romantic” likely could have gone a little deeper into its deconstruction of rom-com tropes and conventions, the film does use its 90 minutes of runtime well enough, making for an overall entertaining movie. The film fits perfectly into the recent rom-com revival, offering a slightly different perspective as it plays with convention, but still adhering to the heart of the genre.
“Isn’t It Romantic” is perfect for rom-com fanatics who are looking to have a quick laugh and will likely be just as fun of a watch for couples as for singles and groups of friends. Overall, the film is a fun and modern rom-com that could improve by incorporating more original content, but does well to entertain audiences.
“Isn’t It Romantic” is rated PG-13 and is playing in theaters worldwide.
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