Love, laughter, and second chances
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in a rom-com (romantic comedy), even if you’re suddenly single or separated. These classic rom-coms capture the humor and heartache of second chances.
Whether it’s reconnecting with an old flame or finding new love in unexpected places, these lighthearted funnies remind us that love is rarely perfect, but sometimes worth the effort.
‘It’s Complicated’
A good romantic comedy is a rarity, so who better than rom-com specialist Nancy Meyers (“The Holiday,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” “What Women Want”) to write and direct yet another?
Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) were married for 10 years and divorced for 15, but while attending their son’s college graduation, sparks fly between the old flames. However, Jake is now married to the much younger Agness (Lake Bell), while Jane finds herself drawn to Adam (Steve Martin), her architect and fellow divorcee. This puts everyone on a rollercoaster ride of what-ifs, which includes Jane and Jake’s three grown kids.
Seeing excellent actors delivering the laughs is a treat, especially when it looks like they’re having a great time, too. In particular, John Krasinski stands out in his supporting role as Harley, Jane, and Jake’s future son-in-law, who accidentally finds out about the affair before everyone else. Streep shines as usual, while Baldwin eases into his newfound role of go-to comedy guy since his career-reviving “30 Rock” success. The usually slapstick Martin surprisingly turns in a more toned-down performance, which is a relief.
It’s wonderful to see intelligent lead roles still being written for mature actors that don’t exclude younger audiences. The story and characters have broad appeal; the dilemmas remain relevant regardless of age and so do the punchlines. With its blend of sophistication and humor, “It’s Complicated” proves love can be messy but worth the ride.
Rating: ****
‘No Reservations’
If you prefer your rom-coms tasty, “No Reservations” serves up a delicious blend of cheese. The forever stunning and talented Catherine Zeta-Jones is spot-on as Kate, a workaholic chef at hoity-toity 22 Bleeker. Kate unexpectedly inherits her niece Zoe, played tremendously by Abigail Breslin.
Aaron Eckhart plays Nick, the Italian-trained, opera-singing, charismatic new chef who invades Kate’s precision-perfect French kitchen. Nick is Kate’s quintessential opposite and eventually helps her sort her trust issues and even enhances her parenting skills.
Despite an awful MTV-like montage of the trio grocery shopping and some unspectacular elements, “No Reservations” makes you feel for the characters. It’s likable even for a formula rom-com, mainly because of the terrific casting and performances.
It’s refreshing to see Zeta-Jones show her softer side with the restraint her character requires. Playing a nonglamorous character, even sans makeup in some scenes, her courage is consistent with all the flawed personalities she likes to play. Her onscreen chemistry with Eckhart is positively sizzling, and his cockiness to her coolness makes you forget about the trite plot. While Zeta-Jones has also been criticized for being too beautiful for the role of a lonely chef, it’s one of the points the movie tackles: Beauty and talent don’t guarantee a blissful relationship.
Rating: ***
‘Fool’s Gold’
For those who love a little adventure and sun-soaked romance, “Fool’s Gold” attempts to bring the heat. If you need a break from reality while folding laundry, give “Fool’s Gold” a whirl.
The producers probably just wanted to easily cash in on the cache of Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, who play recently divorced treasure seekers Tess and Benjamin Finnegan. Somehow they convince bazillionaire Nigel Honeycutt (Donald Sutherland) to help them on their quest, while his daughter Gemma (played annoyingly by Alexis Dziena) tags along. Of course, evil people are also after the treasure. While the treasure-hunting premise had potential, uneven storytelling and excessive exposition slow it down.
The editing was horrible, multiple subplots were awkwardly thrown in, and the extensive explanatory dialogue did not help the silly plot. Still, if you’re looking for a visually stunning escape, the Florida coastline (and McConaughey’s charisma) might be worth the watch.
Rating: **
‘Did You Hear About the Morgans?’
Writer/director Marc Lawrence adds another gem to his string of rom-com hits (“Music & Lyrics,” “Two Weeks’ Notice,” “Miss Congeniality”) by banking on Hugh Grant for the third time and on the star power of another popular female lead, Sarah Jessica Parker.
Paul (Grant) and Meryl Morgan (Parker) are a separated couple from New York who jointly witness a murder and are abruptly whisked to a small town as part of a witness-protection program. While the US Marshals look for separate relocation sites for them, Wyoming sheriff Clay Wheeler (Sam Elliott) and his wife Emma (Mary Steenburgen) temporarily take them into their home, where the stereotypically career-driven city slickers learn how to rough it up and are forced to work on their issues.
What makes this movie work, despite the formulaic plot, is how it injects pockets of realism even in its light moments without jarring the overall happy mood. Perhaps because the lead characters are so likable, you root for them and want them to succeed. Life lessons and marital advice are imparted but they go down easy. The situations are ridiculous and the bumbling Paul and Meryl seem oblivious. Still, the storytelling allows the audience to be in on the emotions of each character amid thoughtful laughter.
With their differences and struggles, can Paul and Meryl rediscover their feelings for each other, and prove that love can withstand even the craziest circumstances? “Did You Hear About the Morgans?” delivers enough charm and humor to make for a chill V-Day viewing.
Rating: ***
