Isn’t It Romantic? Movie Review
I love a good rom com. And I also love Rebel Wilson. So putting them together seemed like a really good idea to me. Isn’t It Romantic? is sort of a tongue in cheek movie. It’s basically making fun of the rom com genre as a whole. Natalie (Rebel Wilson) is a somewhat cynical woman living in New York and working at an architect firm. Her apartment is crappy and she hasn’t had much luck in the way of love.
Early on in the movie, there’s a montage of her railing against all the typical tropes of romantic comedies (of course she is forced to participate in all those tropes later on in the movie, which was pretty entertaining). But her utter disdain for romantic comedies is clear from the start. You can probably guess where this is headed. She is mugged one night and bonks her head causing her to end up in another reality where she is plopped into the typical romantic comedy world she despises. Here, she meets ridiculously handsome Blake (Liam Hemsworth) and starts a relationship with him. Her best friend Josh (Adam Devine) also meets the girl of his dreams, Isabella (Priyanka Chopra).
Despite its seemingly perfect set up, this alternate reality doesn’t make Natalie any happier than the real world. Then comes the plot twist that shakes up the typical rom com theme, which I won’t tell you because uh, spoilers.
The jabs at romantic comedies are genuinely funny (and accurate). And I enjoyed spotting all of the references to specific rom coms that are present throughout. Wilson’s comedic timing is incredible and she carries the movie handily. The supporting cast turns in solid performances but the funniest moments for me came from Wilson herself. There are a few song and dance numbers so there’s your fair warning. But if you’re seeing a romantic comedy I figure you already know what you’re getting into anyways. Was this the best rom com I’ve ever seen? Nope. But it was fun.
Confession: While viewing this movie, I sat in front of a couple who had to be in their eighties and were clearly having a date night. They laughed uproariously throughout the whole movie and made very loud comments that were mildly inappropriate. It made the movie ten times more enjoyable. Since you presumably will not have their laughter or commentary, I can’t guarantee that your experience of this movie will be as good as mine. Sorry not sorry.
Film or Movie: Movie
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You love rom coms
2. You’ve liked Rebel Wilson in other movies
3. You want a cheesy date night movie
