All the buzz last week is for the new film “Michael”, a biopic about pop superstar Michael Jackson, in theaters today (with early previews yesterday).
But if that’s not your speed, or you don’t mind waiting a few days before battling what’s expected to be some large crowds, two recent romantic comedies might be worth a look.
One is a by the books “rom-com”; the other takes a sledgehammer to the formula.
You might be surprised which one is the better date movie.
“You, Me & Tuscany” (US- rated PG-13)Cast: Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, Aziza Scott, Lorenzo de Moor
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Where to watch: In theaters
Dwight’s Rating:
If you’re 12 years old, and this is your very first rom-com, you might be inclined to think “You, Me & Tuscany” is the best thing since spaghetti and meatballs.
But if you’ve seen even two or three of these – and there are thousands of them going back to the silent era of cinema 100 years ago – you’ll recognize that “You, Me & Tuscany” is a paint-by-numbers type of film – a picture cranked out on a conveyor belt, “built” to the exacting standards of all the most common tropes of this genre.
It’s so predictable that we need to find a new word to describe this level of predictability!
I believe I’ve seen this movie at least 55 times before. Last time, it was set in New York or London or Paris or Seattle and another one in New York – actually, there’ve been quite a few of the NYC ones.
But here, as the name suggests, this one is set in Tuscany. When a woman crashes at an empty Italian villa, posing as the owner’s fiancée, she discovers an unexpected romance that could transform her life.
And again, unless this is your first, you know exactly how this will play out: things build and build until the great secret is exposed and life comes crashing down until true love triumphs again! It’s almost reassuring how much these things stick to the rom-com script. Almost!
However, while veteran film-goers should really dislike pictures like this, shockingly, it’s almost impossible to be entirely negative about “You, Me & Tuscany”.
The credit has to go to the cast. Everyone is so endearing and charming.
Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid”) is simply adorable. Yes, she’s committed at least a couple crimes here, but you can’t help but root for her character Anna, who’s bubbly and vibrant and quite lovable.
Her chemistry with Regé-Jean Page (“Bridgerton”, “Roots”) is undeniable, and the two are fun to watch.
The rest of the supporting cast are amusing like Disney side characters – the human embodiment of the pets or forest animals or utensils you might see in an animated flick from The House of Mouse.
Plus, there’s the beautiful scenery – but somehow, not nearly enough!
So, “You, Me & Tuscany” certainly breaks no new ground, and perhaps sticks too closely to formula. But it is a delightful, featherweight. A cool and inoffensive way to spend some time.
“The Drama” (US- rated R)Cast: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Alana Haim,
Mamoudou Athie
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Where to watch: In theaters
Dwight’s Rating:
This is the complete opposite of “You, Me & Tuscany”.
“The Drama” is the most surprising, most disturbing, most entertaining film to even be considered a “rom-com” in quite some time.
In fact, many won’t admit this is a rom-com, or even a comedy.
It is certainly exceptionally dark, and given the climate in the United States and even other parts of the world, you may even wonder how this got greenlit in the first place.
It tells the story of a happily engaged couple, whose relationship is tested by an unexpected revelation during the week before their wedding.
To say any more might spoil too much. But this is adventurous filmmaking, and Director/Screenwriter Kristoffer Borgli is not afraid to go there or go anywhere.
“The Drama” is also blessed with the perfect cast. Zendaya as Emma and Robert Pattinson as Charlie sizzle on the screen, and prove why they are two of the hottest actors today.
What can’t two-time Emmy winner Zendaya do? And we’ve known for years (even though she’s only 29) she is equally amazing at comedy and drama. This role seems made for her.
And Pattinson is obviously this generation’s Hugh Grant, taking awkward and befuddled to new heights.
The rest of the cast is superb, including Jordyn Curet as a young Emma. And there are fine performances from Alana Haim (perhaps better known for her singing career as one-third of the rock group Haim) and Mamoudou Athie.
Everyone and everything seem uncomfortably real and authentic, cringey at times. And yet, this might be the perfect date night movie. Go with your special person and have a “convo” afterwards. Ask, “what would you have done?”
This messy story will be a better predictor of the realities of romantic life than almost anything else. And I must highly recommend it!
“The Drama” proves that thinking outside that restrictive rom-com box will be the only way this tired genre will be able to make it another hundred years.
- Dwight Strachan is the host/producer of “Morning Blend” on Guardian Radio and station manager. He is a television producer and writer, and an avid TV history and film buff. Email dwight@nasguard.com and follow him on twitter @morningblend969.
