Cristina Fowler Blog | Movie Review: Isn't It Romantic

One of my favorite things to do is go to the movies alone. Is that weird? I don’t think so. When I have a day away from the office, I’ll do a little work on my laptop over my favorite coffee at Starbucks and then head over to an almost always empty matinee. Self-care, people!

Anyway, I’ve been looking forward to a solo viewing of Isn’t It Romantic since last year. No, literally, I’ve had the opening date marked in my calendar for months. You see, I’m equal parts romantic and cynic. This movie was made for me!

Here’s the synopsis courtesy of Fandango:

Natalie is a New York architect who works hard to get noticed at her job, but is more likely to deliver coffee and bagels than design the city’s next skyscraper. Things go from bad to weird when she gets knocked unconscious during a subway mugging and magically wakes up to find herself in an alternate universe. Always cynical about love, Natalie’s worst nightmare soon comes true when she suddenly discovers that she’s playing the leading lady in a real-life romantic comedy.

I’ve read other reviews describe it as a “loving send-up” of the romantic comedy and a “fun, glossy take down of age-old genre tropes.” True and true.

This movie was exactly what I wanted it to be. It was funny and sweet and self-aware. Did I know who would end up together? Of course. But let’s be honest; you don’t see a rom com for the twists, amiright?

Rebel Wilson perfectly plays Natalie, the disillusioned New York single. And Liam Hemsworth cracked me up as her “perfect” rom com leading man.

The real star of this movie, though? New York City! Or rather the rose-colored New York City — where everyone’s apartment is gigantic, everyone in the background seems to be coupled off, and it smells like fresh cut flowers ALL THE TIME. Call me crazy, but that IS how I see this magical town. Just me? Okay, moving on.

On the down side, I will say that her gay best friend was a little over the top for me. I know that was the point, but it was still bordering on offensive a bit too often for my taste.

Making up for that are a couple of wonderfully silly musical numbers. Karaoke with backup singers and choreography? You better believe it.

Oh, and be sure to stay for the big finale! 😉