Arianna Peper
Editor-in-Chief
Margaret Korte
Print/Podcast Editor
From “The Notebook” (2004) to “500 Days of Summer” (2009), romantic comedies (rom-coms) are a significant part of Valentine’s Day traditions.
Whether it be the acting, plot or confession scene, there are many factors that make up a memorable and sentimental rom-com.
One of the most well known classics, “The Notebook” starring Ryan Gosling (“La La Land”) and Rachel McAdams (“Mean Girls”) follows the coming-of-age love story between two teenagers facing the external pressures of both society and their families.
“The Notebook” has a reputation as an incredibly sentimental film, as the audience often finds themselves in tears at the emotional twists and emphasis on the changes life brings as one grows old.
While it may not be the most unique version of a romantic tale, the movie feels like the standard for all rom-coms, following a story that feels familiar yet new in its own way. It portrays the struggles of choosing between society and oneself. In addition to this, the acting from Gosling and McAdams creates a sense of realism to each character’s struggle.
On the other hand, some movies hailed as classics lack the depth and character development which is necessary for a film to be enjoyable.
Of those films, “Pretty Woman” (1990) starring Julia Roberts (“Notting Hill”) and Richard Gere (“Primal Fear”) leaves the audience feeling as though the movie’s length and reputation are not justified.
While initially appearing unique in its plot, with a tale of a sex worker and a rich businessman, the story feels incredibly surface-level as there is a lack of chemistry and conversation between the two leads.
Instead of a conclusion that leads to self discovery, as the film intends, the movie’s ending is unfulfilling, making the movie feel like an empty promise.
One movie that does accomplish a more satisfying ending is “500 Days of Summer” (2009) starring Zooey Deschanel (“New Girl”) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (“Inception”). This film highlights the importance of self-discovery and independence in times of confusion within one’s relationships. “500 Days of Summer” doesn’t follow the typical rom-com plot, depicting the ups and downs of relationships instead of just the positives. Because of this, it stands out from others in the rom-com genre and contradicts and manipulates the need for a happy ending.
When it comes to chemistry, certain casting choices can impact the romance between the main characters. For instance, in “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger (“The Dark Knight”), though the main actors have a believable romance, their characters are too similar, creating a failed attempt to have opposites attract.
Despite this, the movie is an uplifting and comedic love story, and follows the paths of multiple characters, allowing the audience to be thoroughly entertained and offers a more well-rounded plot.
Although love-triangles can become tiresome and unrealistic, they can offer a fresh perspective on the traditional rom-com story.
“27 Dresses” (2008) starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, depicts an unofficial wedding planner as she follows the path to self-discovery. In this film, Heigl plays the role of Jane, a people-pleaser, who struggles with conflicting emotions as her sister grows closer to the man she has secretly admired. Marsden’s character, Kevin, challenges her tendency to put others first, teaching the audience the value of pursuing their own goals.
Each rom-com brings its own characters, plots, and perspective on romance to the genre, the odds of becoming a true classic are incredibly low; yet, they are still able to be entertaining for the audience depending on what they are looking for.
Arianna Peper–Editor in Chief
This will be Arianna Peper’s third year on ECHO staff. She made several contributions while taking journalism class her freshman year.
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Margaret Korte–Print/Podcast EditorThis will be Margaret Korte’s third year on ECHO staff. She made several contributions while taking journalism class her freshman year. |
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