Isn't It Romantic - Movie Review

Natalie (Rebel Wilson) learned at a young age that "girls like her don't get the fairy-tale endings." Her mother was a bit jaded. After getting mugged on the subway, Natalie knocks herself unconscious only to wake up in her own romantic comedy. New York has turned into a sappy sweet rendition of itself. Birds fly in a heart formation and men suddenly find Natalie "beguiling." Natalie has everything she has ever dreamed of. What she learns is that life doesn't have to be a fairy-tale to have a happy ending.

Isn't It Romantic is a silly, humorous take on the romantic comedy genre. The film spoofs itself. I have to admit I laughed a few times, but the film wasn't that good. If the film wasn't predictable enough already, it literally told you what was coming next. It was part of the spoofing. But it didn't work great for me. The film had a trio of writers I have never heard of who have written a hodge-podge of similar tripe. None of it looked good to me, nor have I seen any of their other films. It is unfortunate that this film wasn't very good. It was one of those films that put the best scenes in the trailer to trick you into the theater. As a whole, the film was forgettable.

Rebel Wilson is funny. I have liked her in quite a few films. In fact, I am looking forward to her next film, The Hustle with Anne Hathaway. But I really didn't get this film. Rebel was funny, but I didn't love her in this role. I think she is funnier as a sidekick than a leading lady. Liam Hensworth showed some versatility with a bit of humor in this film, but his role was limited. I am sort of surprised he signed on for this film. I liked Adam Devine. He wasn't exceptional, but delivered a solid performance. Priyanka Chopra was decent. The casting for this film was okay, but I just don't think Rebel Wilson carried this film the way I thought she might.

Isn't It Romantic is rated PG-13 by the MPAA. The film, like most romantic comedies, toes the line to appeal to a broader audience. A broader female audience, particularly. I have to admit I am not much a fan of the genre. The film has some suggested material and adult themes, but never delves too deeply into mature subject matter. The film has alcohol consumption and drug references, but nothing notable. Overall, the film carefully skirts the triggers for an R rating, delivering a milquetoast film in nearly every way possible. Run time is one hour, 29 minutes

Isn't It Romantic is a romantic comedy. I thought it was more comedy than Rom-Com, but I was wrong. It was silly, sappy, predictable, hackneyed and everything else that irritates me about a film. There were some decent laugh lines and some contrived situational comedy, but mostly just a ridiculous spoof on the genre. I like several of the actors in this film, but I didn't get it. I didn't get Rebel Wilson as the lead. She should have been tremendously funny, but I wasn't that taken with it. Disappointing. 5.5/10.

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