Rom-Com – Page 7 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Hitch”

By Brett_G on January 11, 2023

7.7

Kevin James must always Kevin James. Like Will Ferrell being shirtless, Kevin James must dance like a buffoon. And Will Smith must riff some lines. I don’t make the rules.

All that said, Eva Mendez and Amber Valletta? These guys seriously out-kick their coverage here.

Some extremely valuable lessons here about human connection and the value of balancing being honest and bettering oneself in the name finding true love. And jet skis. Beware of jet skis. I’ve been there. It’s a hard date to master, especially when you fall off and have to be rescued. Just saying…

A rom-com staple with an absolutely fire soundtrack!

Comedy Rom-Com Romance

“The Ugly Truth”

By Brett_G on January 10, 2023

7.5

The classic “straight laced character learns from the goofball character and they end up proving the opposites attract theory” rom-com. A tale as old as time. A film so old it’s before Gerard Butler decided to drop the American accent. Also, a strong entry into the Katherine Heigl renaissance.

These two play these parts perfectly, and as I’ve said here before, mail the most important part of the rom-com formula: the heart. Without anchoring itself to true human romantic connection, the comedy falls flat. The laughs are only as strong as the “awe” factor at the other end of the spectrum, and this film has both for days. There’s also a lesson in there about opposites attracting, game theory, and the player just being a broken nice guy protecting his heart… but I digress.

Amazon Prime Rom-Com

“Something From Tiffany’s”

By Brett_G on December 27, 2022

7.2

Not too much, not too little. Just right.

In the spirit of “no good deed goes unpunished,” this poor guy saves an asshat’s life, only to have said action cause a ripple effect resulting in his proposal being thwarted. Only to then be wooed by the baking prowess of Zoey Deutch. (Is there anything she can’t do?) She dumps the zero, and gets with the hero in the end. Both learn that someone you met yesterday can be better for you than someone you’ve known for years. Well done, Amazon! Netflix better look out, they’re gunning for the rom-com kingdom.

Comedy Rom-Com

“Good Luck Chuck”

By Brett_G on November 22, 2022

7.8

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

The male equivalent to “27 dresses,” locked and loaded with Dan Fogler playing his signature raunchy sidekick that makes even Dane Cook seem sweet.

Jessica Alba kills it as Cam, and the penguin angle is perfect for the story. They are a perfect analogy for this love story. A little awkward, but that just makes them even more adorable and likable. The pinnacle of the Dane Cook wave, and has a well-earned spot in his standup act as a punchline even modern day.

No comment on any parallels between this film and the real life adventures of your favorite internet movie reviewer.

Comedy Rom-Com

“Employee of the Month”

By Brett_G on November 22, 2022

7.7

It isn’t always about getting the girl. Sure, that’s an added bonus, but sometimes it’s more about who we become along the way in becoming a better person to pursue the girl that turns out to be the real prize.

Another Dane Cook renaissance film with a surprising depth to it and heartfelt message. Full of inappropriate jokes and a rivalry for the ages, putting our hero against Dax Shepard.