Written By: Thatiana Smith, Staff Writer
ROMANCE: It’s better in the movies.
Watching movies and television shows are the favorite pastimes of many people. Although, the most popular genre of movies is action, according to the website filmblerg.com, rom-coms are the most popular in February. A rom-com, also known as romantic comedy, is a comedic movie with a dash of romance. For example: 10 Things I Hate About You, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 13 Going on 30, and She’s the Man, are just some of the most iconic rom-coms.
February 14 is Valentine’s day and what better way to celebrate the annual love fest than watching a great romantic comedy! Karol Rivera (11), says that her favorite rom-com is Made of Honor directed by Paul Weiland. She explains that it’s her favorite rom-com because, “it shows that if someone really loves you they will fight for you.” Even though romantic comedies are supposed to be fun and enjoyable, they also have an underlying theme and message just like every other piece of media. Another student, Nellie Harralson, (12) says that her favorite rom-com is 10 Things I Hate About You directed by Gil Junger. She says it’s her favorite because, “it shows a lesson and in the end the lesson is to not go out with a girl that no one likes even if your getting paid because in the end you may fall in love.”
While rom-coms are the favorite genre of many across the world, some film critics have many critiques. In the article titled In Criticism of: Rom-Coms, published by theedgesusu.co.uk, written by Daisy Gazzard, explains that, “they promote unhealthy, sometimes stalkerish forms of love and other times they’re just too cheesy to bear.” What Gazzard said was true. Sometimes rom-coms can be harmful to their audiences. For example, Bridget Jones’s Diary, directed by Sharon Maguire, showcases the already pretty thin Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger, who wishes to lose more weight in the new year. Bridget’s body dysmorphia also can make the film more relatable to its audience. Gazzard then goes on to say that, “most rom-coms are just plain unrealistic.” However, most rom-coms are made to be “unrealistic” to appeal to their audience. The more cheesy and lovey-dove a rom-com is, the more it will turn into people’s favorites.
Unfortunately, not everyone is fit to experience a whirlwind romance like in the movies. Many don’t believe in love at first sight while others think that it exists. Some introverts might prefer to stay home and cuddle up on the couch while they watch their favorite rom-com. No matter what rom-coms are there to make someone’s day a bit better than it was.