Perfect viewing for Valentine’s Day.
With a plethora of cheesy films being shown over Valentine’s Day, we’re fairly certain that you might be looking for something that’s not cheesier than the cheesiest cheese that has ever been cheesed (yeah, we made that up).
Not all rom-coms are atrocious though and with that in mind, here are our favourites. There’s not a Katherine Heigl or a Kate Hudson in sight.
The Wedding Singer
Why does it work? : Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have remarkable chemistry on-screen and there are some great gags thrown in for good measure.
We especially liked Jon Lovitz’ creepy singer, Billy Idol’s cameo and Steve Buscemi’s horrendous best man speech.
Shaun of The Dead
Why does it work? : It’s a romantic comedy from the creators of Spaced…but with zombies. Yes, it still counts!
Edgar Wright’s film is endlessly quotable while playfully parodying the obvious clichés that over-sentimental American romantic films fall into.
The real romance is between Shaun and Ed though. Liz must be heartbroken.
The Big Sick
Why does it work? Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon received an Oscar nomination for this film that’s based on their actual lives. Aside from having fully formed characters that you genuinely are interested in, the film doesn’t shy away from the fact that mixed marriages can sometimes be a pain in the ass. Unlike most Hollywood fare, it’s not sugar-coated, over-sentimental or fake. Holly Hunter’s performance is superb and the joke about 9/11 is really twisted…and great. You don’t get that level of bravery in your average rom-com.
True Romance
Why does it work?: It counts. See, it even has romance in its title.
Silver Linings Playbook
Why does it work? : Bradley Cooper’s character Pat is completely at a loss in the film as he tries to readjust to normal life after a spell in a mental institution while also hoping to reconcile with his unfaithful wife.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Tiffany has even bigger problems to contend with as she struggles with the recent death of her husband and her own mental health issues.
While it doesn’t sound overly cheerful, Silver Linings Playbook works because it revels in the messed-up nature of falling in love.
David O. Russell’s film is what happens when two people, regardless of their flaws and problems, meet at the right/wrong time.
High Fidelity
Why does it work? : The book is superb, absolutely superb. Did we say it’s superb?
Nick Hornby was able to dissect the male psyche and attitude towards romance in a way that’s honest, intelligent and painfully accurate. How did he do this? By juxtaposing all the neurosis that us guys have about romance with our nerdy tendencies to categorise and overthink things, especially music.
The film took all of the novel’s best qualities and managed to make a film that’s too cool for school. It also has a kick-ass soundtrack and a career-best performance from John Cusack.
Be honest, every guy still wants to work in a record store.
Groundhog Day
Why does it work? : There have been college classes, PHD’s and countless essays devoted to studying the spiritual, religious and theological lessons behind Harold Ramis’ film but the simple fact remains, Phil Connors only snaps out of his loop after falling in love.
It’s a wonderful film because with each viewing there are little subtleties and nuances that you pick up. Yes, he’s a dickhead but yopu can’t help but root for him.
Any film where a man punches an annoying stranger in the face, drives on the train-tracks, and lets a rodent drive his car is a winner in our opinion.
Chasing Amy
Why does it work? : Kevin Smith’s most mature and serious film proved that the Clerks and Mallrats director was capable of mixing comedy, romance, and drama.
While Jay and Silent Bob do feature, they take a back-seat as Smith turns his unconventional New Jersey tinted view of the world towards gay relationships, crossed wires and dating in the ’90s.
It’s not all serious though because in classic Smith style there’s lots of Star Wars, sex and comic book references thrown in for good measure. Oh yeah, it also features one of his best ever scenes.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Why does it work? : We all have memories of our ex that we need to forget… and fast.
A romantic film that’s written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry was never going to be straightforward, but it’s Jim Carrey who steals the show in what could be his best performance to date.
Eternal Sunshine is bonkers and bittersweet in equal measure.
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Why does it work? : Before the ‘bromance’ films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Superbad and I Love You, Man became the industry norm, Freaks and Geeks creator Judd Apatow made his mark with this filthy-sweet film about a man that has the worst dry streak in history.
40 years, yikes.
While Steve Carrell and Catherine Keener’s romance is the main focus, we can’t help but love the clearly improvised scenes between the SmartTech crew.
In Search of A Midnight Kiss
Why does it work? : One of the films that not many people may know about, but it’s definitely worth checking out because the idea is so simple and effective.
Two complete strangers meet over the internet on New Year’s Eve because they’re equally afraid/desperate of being alone.
In typical romantic fashion, they slowly begin to fall for each other.
Imagine a spontaneous Tinder date but one that goes really well and without the need to have an ‘exit strategy’ in place.
About Time
Why does it work?: Unlike Love Actually or Notting Hill, Richard Curtis made a really astute decision with this film. Yes, the main focus is on the relationship between Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, but the real resonance is the bond between Gleeson and his father, deftly played by Bill Nighy. Trust us, after seeing it you’ll probably want to call your dad.
Beyond Sunrise
Why does it work?: Two people meet on a train and spend the rest of the film getting to know each other and slowly falling in love. Richard Linklater’s entire trilogy is excellent because it really understands the dynamics of human relationships. A perfect trilogy.
Out of Sight
Why does it work? : Steven Soderbergh’s slick crime drama might be a surprise inclusion on the list but all the bullets, boxing and prison breakouts are secondary when measured against the chemistry between George Clooney’s bank robber Jack Foley and Jennifer Lopez’ FBI agent Karen Sisco.
Northern Irish DJ David Holmes provides the sultry soundtrack but it’s Clooney and Lopez that make the film pop, ironic considering the duo couldn’t see eye-to-eye when the cameras weren’t rolling.
As Good as It Gets
Why does it work? : Apart from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest, this is the role that most people would closely associate Jack Nicholson’s with because it’s so hard to separate him from the cranky, narcissistic and OCD Melvin Udall.
Some of the dialogue is razor sharp yet there’s something that’s very poignant about a man who’s clearly well-meaning but still can’t help himself from putting his foot in his mouth.
Just like anyone in a relationship then.
Annie Hall
Why does it work? : No other film has best captured the inability of people to understand each other quite like Woody Allen’s 1977 masterpiece.
Heartbreak as art has seldom been this funny but we can’t help but remember a line from The Simpsons whilst watching it.
“I like Woody Allen’s films except for that nervous fella who’s always in them”.
Moonlight
Why does it work?: Thank God that the Oscars got it right after that La La Land mixup because Barry Jenkins’ film truly deserved to win the Oscar.
There’s Something About Mary
Why does it work?: Take your pick. We’re going to opt for the deranged lengths that Healy (Matt Dillon) went to impress the woman of his dreams.
When Harry Met Sally
Why does it work? : It invented the rulebook that every romantic film has since followed.
You could make a shout for Submarine, Let The Right One In (in a weird way), Wall-E, Badlands. The list goes on.
