‘Isn’t It Romantic’ movie review

Note: This is a spoiler-free Isn’t It Romantic movie review

It is currently February 13th. You don’t have a Valentine’s Day plan yet. If you’re a real procrastinator, it is currently February 14th. You still don’t have a Valentine’s Day plan yet.

How about the movies!? It’s 2019, everyone loves a good reason to not talk to their date for 90 minutes on a holiday surrounded by love and connection! I just might have a movie for you.

Isn’t It Romantic takes a shot at being the rom-com to make fun of all other rom-coms. It works in some parts, falls flat in others, and still provides all the romcom feels in the end.

I’m gonna make this easy for you and your significant other this Valentine’s Day, Cassanova. Here are a few reasons why Isn’t It Romantic is the V-Day movie for you, and a few why it isn’t.

You’ll Like Isn’t It Romantic If…

You can make fun of yourself. Most of the humor in Isn’t It Romantic is dry and self-deprecating. If you’re a fan of that, you’ll be a fan of the movie. There are also some slapstick humor elements at times, but it doesn’t work nearly as well. The concept of the entire movie is a rom-com to make fun of all other rom-coms, so it’s essentially making fun of itself for 90 minutes. As long as you can appreciate that brand of humor, you’ll appreciate the movie.

You like Rebel Wilson and/or Adam Devine. At this point, you know what to expect from Rebel Wilson. She’s high-energy, witty, relatable, and can even sing a little bit. Her performance as the lead in Isn’t It Romantic has all of that. Wilson has become a draw to the theater, and you won’t be disappointed if that’s who you came to see.

Adam Devine has also carved out a nice little niche for himself as the innocent “boy next door” in the comedy world. He adds to that resume in this movie, so if you’re a fan of his you’ll be satisfied as well.

You’re looking for a light date night. There are a few serious moments to Isn’t It Romantic, but you’re not gonna experience any life and death scenes here. Overall the movie is good for more than a few laughs, a happy ending, and a feel-good start or end to a date. It’s light-hearted and works great in that sense for a Valentine’s night out.

You Won’t Like Isn’t It Romantic If…

You don’t like rom-coms. I’ve already told you that Isn’t It Romantic is unique because it makes fun of rom-coms, yes. But in the end, this movie is still a rom-com at heart. The end is cheesy and mushy and over-the-top. These are all descriptors that rom-com fans look for in a movie, while non-fans avoid it. This ending falls along those lines.

You like a traditional rom-com. While the ending is something a rom-com fan will recognize, much of the rest of the movie isn’t. If you’re looking for a man to save a damsel in distress, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for everything falling into place perfectly, look elsewhere. All the traditional elements are more of a punching bag than the playbook of Isn’t It Romantic.

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(Featured Image courtesy of Warner Brothers)