Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon selects some of her favourite romantic comedy films from 2000 to the present day….
Laws of Attraction (2004): starring Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore, this gentle romantic comedy of two lawyers battling it out has plenty laughs and charm. The small cast also offer some brilliant characterisations that fill out the story nicely and Brosnan and Moore’s chemistry is utterly charming from start to finish.
Letters to Juliet (2010): this is a film that perhaps is lesser known than many of the other ones on this list. The story follows Sophie who is on a pre-wedding holiday to Verona with her fiancee – there she discovers a letter written 50 years ago and soon sets off on a journey to find this Juliet and her Romeo. Some of the lines are corny, but there is no denying that its heart is in the right place.
The Ugly Truth (2009): this is definitely a more frank look at relationships than other films on this list. It’s cheekily naughty as Abby attempts to land the man of her dreams with the help of the arrogant and cynical Mike – but of course love acts in mysterious ways as these two find out!
The Proposal (2009): Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds make a great pair in this film that sees editor Margaret threatened with deportation after her visa runs out until she decides to marry her assistant Andrew – the main problem is they don’t like each other! What I love about this film is the way in which you can really see how Margaret softens and changes during it as she confronts her loneliness – it is really quite touching.
27 Dresses (2008): always the bridesmaid and never the bride is Jane’s (Katherine Heigl) problem in this hilarious romantic comedy that sees the character having to organise her sister’s wedding to her boss – further complicated by Jane’s own feelings for him. Throw in a dashing reporter sent to cover the wedding and all kinds of hilarious situations crop up!
Hitch (2005): Will Smith has never been so charming as he is in this film. Told more from a male perspective – particularly those men struggling to make it clear to women that they like them, it is surprisingly endearing as well as coming across as one of the more stylish romantic comedies in recent years.
The Holiday (2006): this lovely festive heart-warmer never fails to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside no matter how many times I watch it. The natural chemistry between all the cast, the sincerity of the script and gentleness of the humour makes it a well constructed film.