Romantic Comedy Movies that Break Barriers

I find it annoying to invite to a romantic comedy movie only to be met with: "Huh? Isn't that a chick-flick?" And the next thing I know, I am being re-oriented to the latest action movie and on 3D IMAX, no less.

Lesson learned, I now say to persevere, staying the course on belief that even the most stoic of stoics, is affected - even remotely. How so, you ask? Well, simply because, generations of romantics and entertainers have colluded to device the winning formula that engages and draws on the collective strength of multiple factions: story, character, circumstance, location, wardrobe, food, star power -- and yes, of course, music. Simply put, if Hollywood does not win you over with some combination - if not - all of these factors, their long tentacles with rope you in with at least one.

Let's start with my movie recommendation #1: Notting Hill, a 1999 British romantic comedy.

The title alone provides for a good start to draw in. Folks who have travelled to London have likely made a stop at Notting Hill - a uniquely charming, upscale district in the heart of London. Forget the carnival in August. Year round, not only do you have the Portobello market, but also the galleries and theaters, cool pubs and restaurants, the bright architecture, and rustic townhouses. And then, of course, there is the little blue book shop and the red door to the townhouse, as shown in the movie.

Needless to say, on my last trip to London, I "pulled a movie tourist" and made a point to stop by Notting Hill. And yes, I did swing by the infamous blue book shop and walked past the red door.

STAR POWER, MUSIC, AND OF COURSE, THE DRAW OF UNREQUITED LOVE

There is also, some star power in this movie. You've got leading romantic comedy heart throbs -- Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. A nice blend and draw for both British and American audiences who know, and perhaps have even been charmed over, by their previous movie successes.

As per story, character and circumstance -- there lies the thematic draw of unrequited love, which was amplified by a chart-breaking cover song by Elvis Costello, "She."

I mean, really, who hasn't been subject to unrequited love? At times also referred to as "blissful torture," this very topic alone supports the livelihood of many a therapists, not to mention countless upon countless of hours lamenting amongst friends and family. Bolstered by some well placed tunes....the bet is on for "a pull on the heart strings."

FOR SOME COMPLEXITY, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE BOASTS LOVE & LOSS, UNCONDITIONAL, FAMILIAL, SETTLED, CONCEPTUAL, AND THE PROMISE OF TRUE LOVE

Which brings me to my movie recommendation #2: Sleepless in Seattle, a 1993 American romantic comedy.

The movie kicks off at a funeral, a young son and widower clearly heart broken. On self-therapy, father and son venture off to Seattle to forget and start over. But it doesn't really work. Propelled, the young son engages a radio show to play match maker, in hopes of helping his father overcome his sorrow.

Cue in unhappily engaged reporter from Maryland, who falls hook-line-and-sinker into the son's heroic quest. And there ensues the heartbreaking drama to get oblivious father to connect with the re-invigorated reporter from Maryland.

We find a lot of complexity in this move, which starts off with love and loss and then sustained with unconditional love between father and son. Tom Hanks, in a departure from typical comedic roles, ably pulls a subdued, heart broken widower. While a young Ross Malinger, as his son, is earnest in his endeavors to help.

Then enters Meg Ryan, who has settled in a love-less, but comfortable relationship with her fiancé. Their existence, however, was upended by the Ross Malinger's appeal and Meg Ryan is re-invigorated. She heartily pursues conceptual love and we hold our breath until the end as the narrative weaves around their adventures to, hopefully, find true love at the top of the Empire State Building.

Whew. A lot, isn't it? Yes, but we argue that that is the draw. How do all these plots and sub-plots come together in the end? Add-on a fast paced narrative, bright performances from other talented Hollywood stars - Rob Reiner and Rita Wilson, and another solid soundtrack...the movie seeks to effectively engage and entertain.

LET'S KEEP IT SIMPLE: LOVE, ACTUALLY...IS ALL AROUND US

This then brings us to our movie pick #3, an ensemble cast across continents with the 2003 romantic comedy, Love, Actually.

To us, this movie, pretty much throws in everything, including the kitchen sink. Incredibly complex, it weaves in and out of eight -- perhaps even 10 -- stories about love in all its intricacies. A big sweep, it pulls across circumstances -- infidelity, language, underdog, loyalty, politics, ethics, and puppy love, among others. Star power too cuts across genres -- action stars, drama, comic, adventure...even models and Playboy stars. As does the soundtrack. Quite an undertaking.

As the story weaves, you could almost argue that - Love, Actually - is a romantic comedy's spin of an action packed movie. Yes, no guns or fight scenes. And yes, no real violence. But the multiple plots, albeit on human relations, strives to keep one "on edge."

Well-thought out, the movie does - and thankfully - coalesce to love in all its simplicity, as all complex themes are worked out to essentially reflect love as a basic, feel good emotion that connects humanity at its core.

As icing on the cake, the movie also draws on the spirit of Christmas. An event that helps center on the importance of family and friends...of giving...of basically "snapping out of it, pulling yourself together, and putting all in proper perspective - !"

Then again, that may be too much for romance critics and naysayers. At the very least, Love, Actually could just serve as a reminder to tip your doorman or your mailman.

Look, I am not out to change people here. I have seen and experienced first hand the difficulties in negotiating a movie-date with romantic-comedy skeptics.

While yes, I am arguing that good romantic comedies, such as Notting Hill, Sleepless in Seattle, and Love, Actually -- have winning formulas that seek to attract from mundane to rich thematic.

However, realistically, if all fails, go with a barter or quid-pro-quo. Don't begrudge. Sit in on the next Quentin Tarantino issue.