For those without significant others, Valentine’s Day can be a lonely holiday, and if that applies to you, The Daily Illini has your back. This Valentine’s Day, buy yourself some chocolate, grab a blanket and turn on the television. Here are the best three romantic comedies to distract yourself from loneliness and depression.
“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” follows the story of Andie (Kate Hudson), a journalist who is writing a how-to on losing a guy in 10 days. At the same time, Ben (Matthew McConaughey), an advertising agent, bets an advertising campaign on the fact that he can make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days.
Naturally, the two become each other’s targets and the movie follows their excruciating 10 days together.
“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” does an excellent job of keeping a balance between romance and comedy, something many movies in the genre struggle with. The plot was written to generate laughs while maintaining its position as a romance.
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Additionally, the characters are relatable and easily likable. Andie feels professionally stuck as a journalist, only writing fluff when she desperately aspires to write heavy-hitting stories.
Ben seems like a typical, cold corporate advertiser but turns out to have a soft spot for his family, often spending quality time with them.
These qualities in the two make them both easy to root for, leading to an immersive storyline that makes audience members feel like they have something at stake.
“13 Going on 30” is another important addition to the Valentine’s Day watch party. Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner), a 13-year-old, is unhappy with her looks, love life and popularity. On her 13th birthday, she makes a wish to be 30, flirty and thriving. After her wish magically comes true, Jenna wakes up as a successful, 30-year-old magazine editor.
The magical elements of “13 Going on 30” break the movie out of the box for typical romantic comedies and make the plot unique.
This movie brings all of the nostalgic feels with its bright scrunchies, flip phones and endless ’90s business casual apparel. The fashion and settings provide an escape from social media and modern technology.
To add to the nostalgia, the magazine’s party is one of the most iconic romantic comedy scenes. Jenna’s swirled cutout dress is envied by many as the office dances to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. The scene is composed so well it’ll make you want to jump up and dance along with the characters.
Aside from “Thriller,” the movie has a killer soundtrack filled with hits to keep the audience engaged with songs like “Jessie’s Girl,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “What I Like About You.”
To round out the cinematic experience, Garner’s acting job is phenomenal. Playing a child stuck in the body of an adult can’t be easy, but she makes it look that way.
Jenna’s hesitance to swear, difficulty walking in heels and constant state of being overwhelmed by her new responsibilities bring a different level of realism to the movie.
The sweet ending brings the story full circle and prompts the audience to reflect on the lessons learned while also feeling good about seeing the characters get the happy ending they deserve.
“Holidate” brings up the rear for the perfect triad of romantic comedies to watch on Valentine’s Day.
Having just come out in 2020, “Holidate” incorporates modern settings, fashion and technology into creating a comedic love story.
Sloane (Emma Roberts), is tired of her family pitying her for showing up to holiday gatherings alone, so she makes a deal with Jackson (Luke Bracey) to be her “holidate.” The two pretend to date only at holiday gatherings so Sloane can deceive her family. Naturally, there are a few hiccups along the way.
While the movie cycles through most major holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter, the bookends of the movie are delivered at Christmas time, therefore giving the film a semi-Christmas theme.
However, this certainly doesn’t mean that one can’t enjoy “Holidate” at any point of the year. The plot lends itself to be funny, but the writers did an excellent job of adding jokes and comedic plot twists to keep the audience laughing.
Ending with a public proclamation of love, “Holidate” checks off all of the boxes for a successful romantic comedy to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
