Quick Take: The Romantic Comedy

Absolutely abysmal reviews for the romantic comedy Life as We Know It have me missing the days of a solid, funny, and poignant release from the genre. Romantic comedies (affectionately, rom-coms) have an awful reputation, as studios feel the need to churn out flat, unimaginative projects on a regular basis, hoping to attract a large female audience. Audiences can tell when they're watching drivel, and box office numbers will reflect the lack of substance. The romantic comedy truly succeeds when it can attract both a male and female following, touching into a niche that satisfies both sexes. It's an incredibly tough line to play with, but romantic comedies that survive the grind know how to play the game. Romantic comedies aren't doing much to further "the art of cinema," but should be a mindless blast.

One woman who has mastered the modern romantic comedy is Sandra Bullock, currently at the top of her game. Taking the title once held in the divine hands of Julia Roberts, Bullock now embodies the woman every man wants to date, that every woman wants to be best friends with. Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, and Anne Hathaway are among the other leading ladies that can successful carry a strong rom-com. Katherine Heigl seems to be making a play for the next big romantic comedy actress, but she lacks a defining likability factor; she's an undoubtedly beautiful woman, but she has yet to truly connect with a female audience.

However, an original concept is even more important than a strong leading lady. In a way, the romantic comedy is a stripped-down microcosm for Hollywood, focusing in on the strength of a central story without distracting factors. While big dramas can focus the viewer's attention on arresting performances, the romantic comedy is reliant on the plot's trajectory holding up, remaining engaging and funny; this doesn't mean that the film needs to break formula, but that is just needs to be endlessly entertaining. Films like Miss Congeniality, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Legally Blonde (especially when compared to the lackluster sequel) are some of America's favorite rom-coms because incredibly charismatic women are given charming and hilarious situations, parodying well-known elements of by overblowing real life. The results are tangible.

An example of a rom-com that playfully stretches the genre, throwing a leading male character at the center of a madcap tale, is Shallow Hal. Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow make a surprisingly heartwarming duo. Shallow Hal succeeds because everyone is invested in the film's outrageous yet sweet story. The concept is enough to add an extra layer to the romantic comedy sheen while avoiding overly dramatic plotting. Shallow Hal uses raunchy male humor and a more masculine view of relationships, but also crafts a coda that gives the picture an uplifting and romantic message. The film is nothing spectacular, but it's a refreshingly different slant on the romantic comedy. Sure, the entire proceedings are on the predictable side, but isn't that one of the most pleasing elements of the genre? As a viewer, you're able to settle in, laugh, and let the mind escape.

This post is dedicated to Eric McKenna