Not every great romantic comedy or romantic drama is a major box office draw. Some films fade inexplicably from the silver screen and land in the video store. Here are seven films that may not have raked in the cash but that are well worth the price of your time.
Some wonderful films inexplicably fade from the silver screen and land in the video store in the blink of an eye. These films may never be the subject of critical rhapsodies, or they may receive positive reviews yet fail to receive an audience. Here are seven romantic movies (both dramas and comedies) that may not have been major box office draws but which are well worth the investment of your time.
Fever Pitch
The original Fever Pitch, released in 1997 and starring Colin Firth, is not what you might expect. When I first happened upon this movie in my local video store, it sported a Porky's-style cover, which seemed to imply that the film would be a shallow, trashy comedy. Fever Pitch, though comical at times, is really more of a Romantic Drama than a Romantic Comedy. It is thoughtful, serious, and emotionally affecting.
The story follows an unusual English teacher and coach, Paul, who has an obsession with the Arsenal football (soccer) team, and who has come to live his life vicariously through their triumphs and defeats, filling in the empty places with his sports-obsession. The game soon becomes a metaphor for his relationship with Sarah, a fellow teacher whose meticulous and disciplined personality contrasts sharply with his own. The film develops its main character fairly well, and Colin Firth turns in a spectacular performance as the football-obsessed romantic lead. The story toys with profundity, but it moves very slowly and ultimately fails to show us adequately Paul's final transformation. Nevertheless, Fever Pitch is well worth watching once, both for the superb acting and the meaningful storyline.
Running Time: 102 minutes. Released 1997. Rated R for language.
Happy Accidents
Starring Marisa Tomei and Vincent D'Onofrio (of Law and Order: Criminal Intent), Happy Accidents is an atypical romantic comedy that provides a much needed break from a stale formula. D'Onofrio performance is entertaining, and the unique plot (no spoilers here) makes the movie more refreshing than most romantic comedies. The movie is not well known, but if you enjoy the genre and are looking for something fresh, you could use a healthy does of Happy Accidents.
Running Time: 110 minutes. Released 2001. Rated R for language.