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.
Return to Me
This thoroughly entertaining romantic comedy/drama makes the audience both laugh and cry. It has the innocent and tender feel of a romantic classic movie transported into a a modern day setting. The film boasts witty dialogue and excellent situational comedy. Almost without exception, the acting is admirable, and the film features such stars as David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, Carol O' Connor, and James Belushi. Return to Me offers good, clean fun, without a need to rely on sex, excessive language, or graphic violence for its entertainment value.
Running Time: 116 minutes. Released 2000. Rated PG.
The Story of Us
This drama/comedy/romance stars Bruce Willis. While the film made excessive use of the f-word (in a manner which was usually awkward, obtrusive, and out of place, not to mention unrealistic), its virtues eclipse its vices. The movie inspires a few laughs, but it is also emotionally intense. The Story of Us chronicles the near break up of a marriage, and ends, I believe appropriately, with both parties realizing that relationships take work, and that you cannot (and should not) easily walk away from a shared history.
Running Time: 96 minutes. Released 1999. Rated R.
A Walk in the Clouds
I am not a particular admirer of Keanu Reeves's acting ability, but his performance was more than watchable in this film. This beautiful period piece is a wonderfully romantic tale with (for a refreshing change) a protagonist who has a sense of honor. Keanu Reeves has just returned from World War II only to discover that he cannot relate to his wife, who has not even bothered to read his many letters. To please her, he sets out to sell chocolates. On one of his trips, he meets the daughter (played by Sanchez-Gijon) of a rich vineyard owner who is pregnant, unwed, and terrified of her strict, traditional Hispanic father. Reeves offers to pose as her husband and (an orphan himself) begins to learn what it is like to have a family for the first time. Anthony Quinn is especially entertaining as the grandfatherly figure. The scenery is spectacular and the direction is superb. The film is funny, moving, and uplifting. It celebrates love, family, and honor.
Running Time: 102 minutes. Released 1995. Rated PG-13.
The Winslow Boy
A G-rated drama? Is that even possible these days? Yes, with The Winslow Boy. Set in the early 1900's, The Winslow Boy is a very understated romance. The film is extremely well acted, with Emma star Jeremy Northam performing exquisitely as a man of both logic and passion. The story is likewise well scripted, and the dramatic tale is interspersed with enough clever wit to suitably lighten its otherwise heavy character. Finally, The Winslow Boy has admirable moral overtones.
Running Time: 110 minutes. Released 1999. Rated G.
An Ideal Husband
Subtle acting (with exceptional performances from Rubert Everett and Jeremy Northam) combines with a moral storyline (rooted in the virtues of integrity and forgiveness) to produce a fine film. The title character--an ideal husband--has a dark moment in his past. When he is blackmailed for it (being asked to support a bill he knows is wrong or be exposed), will he stand the test of integrity? And will a past sin shatter his wife's love for him, which has been rooted in an abstract idealism that has no room for the "clay feet" of men (or for the possibility of growth and reform)? The movie runs only one hour and 38 minutes, which, in conjunction with a tightly plotted storyline (based on Oscar Wilde's play), assures that there is never a dull moment. Setting (it takes place in 19th century England) and costuming are also well crafted.
Running Time: 98 minutes. Released 1999. Rated PG-13.
Rent One Today
Looking for a movie that breaks out in some special way from the predictable, romantic movie mold? Then check out one of these unexpected gems today.