Isn't it Romantic?

Nope.

Skip this movie.

Re-watch your favorite rom-com instead.

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What’s a rom-com?

A romantic comedy. A love story with laughs. A chick-flik.

Boy meets Girl.

They fight. Or they work together against an obstacle. Or they don’t realize they are right for each other.

Characters grow. Boy and Girl finally are together in love.

Three rom-coms to watch instead.

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Don’t give up on me! Yes, this is a silly movie. Ridiculous, even. But also touching. And funny.

Eugenio Derbez lives off the wealth of older women. When he gets dumped, he must move in with his estranged sister Salma Hayek and her son Raphael Alejandro.

If you’ve seen Instructions Not Included, you know that Eugenio Derbez is capable of both slapstick and tender heartbreak. You get both in this movie, plus Salma Hayek gets to be more than just the comedic foil.

All the small parts are played by well-known actors hamming it up: Rob Lowe, Kristen Bell, Mckenna Grace, Raquel Welch, Linda Lavin, Renee Taylor, Rob Corddry, Rob Riggle, Rob Huebel, Michael Cera, and Mather Zickel.

Not pure rom-com, but enough romance and enough comedy to count.

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Before romantic comedies were called rom-coms, they were called screwball comedies.

This 1940 movie may be in black and white, but the story is still strong. Formerly married co-workers Cary Grant tries to keep Rosalind Russell from leaving town to marry Ralph Bellamy. Watch how Cary manipulates his introduction to Rosalind’s fiancee.

Clever writing! Great acting, with subtle facial expressions conveying the internal dialogue.

Less screwball comedy than others in the era, less rom-com than modern films, this movie has the fastest dialogue around a smart story-line among actors that crackle and snap!

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Finally, a traditional rom-com. Grieving widow David Duchovny meets medically damaged Minnie Driver. It’s the year 2000, and everyone is sweet and well-meaning and believes in the value of family. Funny, with great supporting characters. But watch out - we bet you’ll tear up a little before the end!

What are your favorite rom-coms?

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