Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Rom Com Rewrite
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Love Hard | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:55:47 | |
Why isn't this film called Love Sleeping? Or Love You Were Sleeping? Or Actually, Love, Were You Sleeping? Or Do You Actually Love Sleeping? Or some other combination of the films Love Actually and WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING!?
This film wants to exist at the place where Love Actually meets Die Hard but the story of a woman who falls for a guy she knows nothing about beyond how he looks makes us think of a different film entirely. There is some good stuff here, some less good stuff and one or two elephants in the room - the biggest and noisiest elephant being: why does this film reference While You Were Sleeping so much and NEVER ONCE ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT??? If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about eleven minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: And the TV series: *Films marked with an asterisk have previously been featured on the podcast.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Runaway Bride | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:52:23 | |
This one is worth returning to - it might be better than you remember!
Always the bride-to-be! This month we conclude our all-too-brief Julia Roberts mini-season with this gorgeous small-town battle of the sexes. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 11 minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: *Films marked with an asterisk have previously been featured on the podcast. Addendum: it turns out that Laura Solon, who wrote the film Let It Snow, also co-wrote (with Daisy Haggard) the brilliant and funny TV series Back To Life (2019-2021) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8594510) Next month we are going to be talking about Love Hard (2021) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10752004/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Holidate | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:44:18 | |
This is a film you can safely drag your straight boyfriend to.
"I think that's, like, the straightest movie I've seen in a while" - Lisa Findley If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 8 and a half minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: And the TV series: *These films have previously been featured on the podcast. We also reference the book Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus (1992) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_Are_from_Mars,_Women_Are_from_Venus). If you want to read more about the 'cool girl' and 'pick me' tropes, Cosmopolitan has articles on them here: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a32077/chill-girl-falls-in-love/ and here: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a42134933/what-is-a-pick-me-girl-definition/. You can watch Paul Rudd pranking Conan O'Brien with fake movie clips on YouTube starting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rcqGBrHDtw&list=PLSYFbhIZUHHQEbPrCyoPawoiXVIooGZgN Next month we are going to watch Going The Distance (2010) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1322312/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Our Little Secret | 11 Jan 2025 | 00:53:18 | |
La Lohan is back with another Christmas rom com.
The second of Lindsay Lohan's forays into festive romance is more interesting than the first but it still needs a little work (no pun intended). Luckily, we have ideas. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 14 minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: And the TV series: *These films have previously been featured on the podcast. Next month we plan to watch Holidate (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9866072/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Something from Tiffany's | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:49:06 | |
Good bread and bad boyfriends!
We have some fixes to turn this perfectly charming seasonal film into an absolute banger. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about fourteen and a half minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: And the TV series: *This film has previously been featured on the podcast. Next month we are going to watch Our Little Secret (2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31022050/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Meet Me Next Christmas | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:57:03 | |
Women are from Pentatonix, men are from Mac L'Amour.
Meet us THIS MONTH for Christmas with Christina Milian! We loved her in Resort To Love. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about nine minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: *This film has previously been featured on the podcast. In case you are curious about "that SNL sketch that thingummy and thingummy used to do of the weird nordic couple who live in a strange house", this is one version of it: https://youtu.be/OXt0J2K0nEg?si=KMDZXp1UQYLUJTov Next month we are going to watch another Christmas Rom Com but we don't know which one yet.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| A Family Affair & The Idea of You | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:57:26 | |
These two films map so brilliantly onto one another. They are neither of them quite what we would call a rom com but, in both cases, for interesting reasons.
The Idea of You
Show notes: "Maybe you're an amazing duck" - Lisa Findley's message for Zac Efron.
If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about fourteen and a quarter minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: *This film has previously been featured on the podcast. Correction: Harry Styles was just 16 years old in 2010 when he auditioned for the TV show The X Factor, which lead to him becoming part of One Direction (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Styles). Robbie Williams was also 16 when he joined Take That in 1990 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Williams).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Housesitter | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:54:28 | |
"She understands the truth of things even through all the lies. That's the whole film."
Show notes: A house that was too big for a woman's finger, sketched on a napkin and left for another woman to fill. We love this rom com with its gorgeous, forty-seven-year-old leads. This episode contains a disquisition on domestic architecture. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about twelve minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: Manic Pixie Dream Girl is a term coined by the critic Nathan Rabin and you can read more about it on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manic_Pixie_Dream_Girl.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Anyone But You | 09 Aug 2024 | 00:54:47 | |
Anything but this, frankly.
Show notes: Apologies to anyone who liked this film. We lay into it pretty comprehensively. But then, honestly, any time you want to set yourself up against William Shakespeare you'd better bring your very best (in our humble opinion). If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward a little over thirteen minutes into the episode. In this episode we talk a lot about the play Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, which this film makes much of being based on. You can read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Much_Ado_About_Nothing. We also mention the films: And the TV show The Bear (2022- ) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14452776/) *Films marked with an asterisk have previously been featured on the podcast. The Ashton Kutcher film Charles Adrian is trying to get Lisa to watch for the podcast is A Lot Like Love (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0391304/). Next month we are going to watch Housesitter (1992) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104452/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| French Kiss | 12 Jul 2024 | 00:52:09 | |
"If you didn't think you had a thing for Kevin Kline before… that scene is gonna give you one."
Show notes: Why is this film not easier to find (in the UK)?? This is one of the best rom coms on the market. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward just over fourteen minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: *Films marked with an asterisk have previously been featured on the podcast. Also, speaking of wine and the enjoyment of wine, Charles Adrian would like to recommend one of his favourite films, Uncorked (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9261218/) Next month we are going to watch Anyone But You (2023) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26047818/). The 'Much Ado' that Lisa mentions towards the end of this episode is the play Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, which you can read about here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Much_Ado_About_Nothing.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| I.Q. | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:52:45 | |
Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, Walter Mathau… this film is cute and fun with a great cast. But it needs more work.
Show notes: This month, Lisa and Charles Adrian go deep into this apparently light and breezy romantic comedy about the life and loves of Albert Einstein's putative niece. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward a little over 12 minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: French Kiss (1995) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113117/) *This film has previously been featured on the podcast. You can read more about the novel Room With A View (1908) by E. M. Forster on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Room_with_a_View. The article about having many wealthy babies that Lisa mentions is this one: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/may/25/american-pronatalists-malcolm-and-simone-collins Next month we are going to watch French Kiss. If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Always Be My Maybe | 17 May 2024 | 00:48:09 | |
No notes. This is a gorgeous, funny, beautifully-performed, character-driven rom com. Always Be My Maybe
Show notes: This month Lisa and Charles Adrian try very hard to put their fingers on exactly how it is that this rom com is as good as it is. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward 9 and a half minutes into the episode. Correction: when we talk about the Billy Eichner film Bros, we call it Boys. We mean Bros. In this episode we mention the films: And the TV series: *Films marked with an asterisk have previously been featured on the podcast. You can find a list of Hallmark Christmas movies on imdb here: https://m.imdb.com/list/ls068976997/ and you can read about Chekhov's Gun on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov%27s_gun.
If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Notting Hill | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:57:09 | |
It's just a film standing in front of two podcasters asking them to take it lovingly apart and put it back together better.
We really get into this one - and for 'this one' read Richard Curtis films in general and their male leads in particular. 26 years after its release there is much that is good about this film and also much to fix. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 12 minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: And the TV series: *Films marked with an asterisk have previously been featured on the podcast. Correction: We said in the last episode that Hitch might be the only rom com that centres the heterosexual man's experience. For whatever reason we forgot that Notting Hill also does this. As does Four Weddings And A Funeral. And other Richard Curtis films. If you are interested to read more about what has been called Boarding School Syndrome, Nick Duffell's book The Making of Them is a good primer. Chapter 8 can be found in its entirety on the boardingrecovery site here: https://boardingrecovery.com/docs/leaving-home.pdf. Next month we are going to be talking about The Runaway Bride (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163187/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Mr Malcolm's List | 12 Apr 2024 | 00:57:55 | |
But what if Mr Malcolm had written a more interesting list?
Show notes: We love this film. Seriously. Full marks for performances, set, locations, score, costumes and more where this month's film is concerned. Nevertheless, we have some notes on language & mores, our all-important B couple and the eponymous list.
Incidentally, the Mozart opera Charles Adrian was mostly likely thinking of is The Marriage Of Figaro (1786) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Marriage_of_Figaro) and you can find out more about "the world's first purpose-built public art gallery", aka the Dulwich Picture Gallery (1811), here: https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/.
Next month we [are planning to watch The Apartment (1960) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053604/)] will watch Always Be My Maybe (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7374948/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Players | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:50:54 | |
"They are very small poops and I make sure it's only after greens."
Show notes: This very charming film gets past a somewhat gross set-up to persuade us that its lovers belong together. Good job, film!
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| The Wedding Planner | 14 Feb 2024 | 00:53:45 | |
Who knew Mattifer (Jenthew?) would have so much chemistry!
Show notes: This podcast is now three years old!!! To celebrate, Lisa and Charles Adrian watched J Lo and Matt McConaughey do everything they need to do in this genuinely sweet and funny romantic comedy from the very beginning of the century. The plot summary of this film finishes at about 10 minutes into the episode, in case you would like to skip it.
And the TV series: *Films marked with an asterisk have previously been featured on the podcast.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| When Harry Met Sally | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:44:09 | |
Can men and women ever really be friends??
Show notes: This month Lisa and Charles Adrian invite you to spend New Year with them, enjoying one of the most perfect rom coms ever made. In this episode we mention the film Same Time, Next Year (1978) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078199/) and the TV show How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460649/). If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Merry & Gay | 08 Dec 2023 | 00:49:31 | |
You think Christmas is bad in your house??
Show notes: This movie has good bones but Single All The Way deserved more from its queer sibling. Correction: we are not 0 for 4 at this point, as Charles Adrian says towards the end of the episode. We are only 0 for 3. In this episode we mention the films: and the TV shows: You can find the Guardian 'How we met' article Charles Adrian mentions here: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/nov/30/how-we-met-dressed-up-as-horse-i-was-the-bum. Next month we will be watching When Harry Met Sally (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/) If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| They Came Together | 10 Nov 2023 | 00:44:05 | |
This month we watch a fun three-minute sketch that goes on for an hour and twenty-three minutes.
Show notes: In this episode there are digressions into the worlds of improv and sketch comedy, whether it is even possible to lovingly send up Romantic Comedy, why send-ups of Murder Mystery work so much better, genre, fandom, and patchworking. We mention the films: and the TV shows: We also mention the radio programme and podcast This American Life (https://www.thisamericanlife.org/). More information about the comedy troupe The State can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_State_(comedy_troupe). If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Choose Love | 06 Oct 2023 | 00:51:49 | |
It's Toddlers' Choice this week on the Rom Com Rewrite!
Show notes: This rom com is interactive! Viewers get to decide what happens to our heroine! This rom com has broken our podcast. In this episode we mention the films Groundhog Day (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/), Palm Springs (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9484998/), Sliding Doors (1998) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120148/), About Time (2013) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2194499/), Past Lives (2023) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13238346/), They Came Together (2014) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2398249/) and the Meg Ryan directed What Happens Later (2023) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19890316/). We also mention the TV show Bandersnatch (2018) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9495224/) and the Choose Your Own Adventure book series (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choose_Your_Own_Adventure). If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Red, White & Royal Blue | 08 Sep 2023 | 00:53:12 | |
Sex haze meets trauma, with private jets.
Show notes: This is such a gorgeous film. In this episode we mention the book Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice), the films You've Got Mail (1998) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128853/), The Princess Diaries (2001) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247638/) and Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/), the tv series The West Wing (1999-2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0200276/), and the work of P.G. Wodehouse as read by Stephen Fry (https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/PG-Wodehouse-Volume-1-Audiobook/B08QDKDNK9). You can find out more about London's V&A museum here: https://www.vam.ac.uk/ If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| The Perfect Find | 14 Jul 2023 | 00:46:51 | |
This film is less than perfect.
Show notes: For a film that loves films, this film could work on loving itself more. The very talented stars of this film deserved better! We get right into fixing this month. In this episode we mention the TV shows Ridiculousness (2011- ) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1820166/) and You've Been Framed (1990-2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204113/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1). If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Faraway | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:51:35 | |
The Croatian tourist board did good with this one.
Faraway Year: 2023 Written by: Jane Ainscough Based on a story idea by: Alex Kendall Directed by: Vanessa Jopp Stars: Naomi Krauss, Goran Bogdan
Show notes:
Croatia. Oh yes.
In this episode, we mention the films Shirley Valentine (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098319/), Under The Tuscan Sun (2003) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328589/), Love Actually (2003) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314331/), Pillow Talk (1959) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053172/) and the radio (1985-1989) and TV (1988-1992) series After Henry (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092314/). The film about elephants somewhere in Africa that stars Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe is called Holiday In The Wild (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8510488/) and is, in fact, set in Zambia.
The song 99 Luftballons is by Nena (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMSlTQmDLx4).
If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Hitch | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:54:15 | |
Women have surfaces, men have depths. Hitch
We are not aware of many rom coms that centre a straight man's experience. Maybe this is the only one. Straight men rejoice! Content note: In this episode there is some discussion of incel culture, assault, violence and death. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 5 and a half minutes or so into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: And the TV series:
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| You've Got Mail | 12 May 2023 | 00:52:01 | |
This month, a message in a bottle from the dawn of the internet dating age washes up on our shore.
You've Got Mail Year: 1998 Written by: Miklós László, Nora Ephron, Delia Ephron Directed by: Nora Ephron Stars: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan
Show notes:
In the third of the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks rom coms, Kathleen owns a bookshop and Joe owns a bigger bookshop. What could possibly go wrong?
In this episode, we mention The Shop Around The Corner (1940) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033045/), Pillow Talk (1959) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053172/), Your Place Or Mine (2023) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12823454/), Catfish: The TV Show (2012- ) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2498968/), Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (1782) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Liaisons_dangereuses), Dangerous Liaisons (1988) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/) and Cruel Intentions (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0139134/). We refer obliquely to Joe Versus The Volcano (1990) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099892/) and Sleepless In Seattle (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108160/).
If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Rye Lane | 14 Apr 2023 | 00:47:38 | |
This month, we respond (with love) to this love letter to South London.
Rye Lane Year: 2023 Written by: Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia Directed by: Raine Allen-Miller Stars: David Jonsson, Vivian Oparah
Show notes:
Peckham, Brixton, Brockley Park, Camberwell Green and Bankside. This is South London, baby.
In this episode, we mention the films Before Sunrise (1995) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and (inadvertently) Before Sunset (2004) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381681/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), 10 Things I Hate About You (1995) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), and Garden State (2004) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0333766/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0). We also mention the song London Boy by Taylor Swift (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsKoOH6DVys) and the New York comedy collective Improv Everywhere (https://improveverywhere.com/).
You can find Nathan Rabin's 2007 coining of the phrase Manic Pixie Dream Girl here: https://www.avclub.com/the-bataan-death-march-of-whimsy-case-file-1-elizabet-1798210595 and a 2014 follow up here: https://www.salon.com/2014/07/15/im_sorry_for_coining_the_phrase_manic_pixie_dream_girl/. You can read about Colin Firth's Rye Lane cameo here: https://www.indiewire.com/2023/04/rye-lane-colin-firth-cameo-1234823244/.
The song Charles Adrian reminisces about 43 minutes into this episode is Sign Your Name by Sananda Maitreya (singing as Terence Trent D'Arby) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dluHzQhLcME).
If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley. | |||
| Your Place Or Mine | 17 Mar 2023 | 00:50:22 | |
This is a film starring Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher.
Your Place Or Mine Year: 2023 Written and Directed by: Aline Brosh McKenna Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher, Zoe Chao, Jesse Williams
Show notes:
Listen, we took this film apart and, after a conversation that lasted 1 hour 20 minutes in its raw form (edited down to 50 minutes for your convenience) we have put it back together better. For you!
In this episode, we mention the films Going The Distance (2010) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1322312/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3), When Harry Met Sally (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), Sleepless In Seattle (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108160/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), A Lot Like Love (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0391304/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and Rye Lane (2023) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15893750/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) as well as the TV series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4094300/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0).
If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Saving Face | 10 Feb 2023 | 00:50:49 | |
Still every bit as fresh as the day that it was born, this perfectly pitched, very funny rom com is shot through with pain and rewards repeated viewing.
Saving Face Year: 2004 Written and Directed by: Alice Wu Stars: Michelle Krusiec, Joan Chen, Lynn Chen
Show notes:
How much do we love this film? Very much. Happy Valentines!
In this episode, we mention the films The Half Of It (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9683478/) and The Graduate (1967) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061722/), and the TV series Friends (1994-2004) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108778/).
If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Falling For Christmas | 13 Jan 2023 | 00:47:41 | |
Lindsay Lohan deserved better, frankly.
Falling For Christmas Year: 2022 Screenplay by: Jeff Bonnett and Ron Oliver Based on a story by: Jeff Bonnett Directed by: Janeen Damian Stars: Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet, George Young
Show notes:
Compare and despair! This bland remake of 1987's Overboard is not good in lots of different ways. But we can fix it.
For the absence of doubt, the names of the main characters in this film are: Sierra Belmont, Jake Russell and Tad Fairchild.
In this episode we make much mention the 1987 film Overboard starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093693/). We also mention the films Titanic (1997) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120338/) and 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/).
If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| The Holiday | 18 Dec 2022 | 00:49:04 | |
"Yeah, but the women… they're on holiday and suddenly the man of their dreams is knocking at the door. Like, what could be cuter?"
The Holiday Year: 2006 Written and Directed by: Nancy Meyers Stars: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach
Show notes:
Have you ever thought to yourself: I quite like The Holiday but Miles should have been gay?
In this episode, we mostly lay out the case for the prosecution in The Rom Com Rewrite vs The Holiday but there is some mitigation offered.
Some of the things this film is not: the TV series The Holiday (2021) (https://m.imdb.com/title/tt14773642/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_10), the film Holiday (1938) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030241/) and the film Last Holiday (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408985/).
We refer to the character of the Baroness in The Sound Of Music (1965) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/) and we mention the films Under The Tuscan Sun (2003) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328589/), Bend It Like Beckham (2002) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286499/) and Overboard (1987) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093693/).
Next month we will watch Falling For Christmas (2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14715170/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Bros & Fire Island | 14 Nov 2022 | 00:53:11 | |
This November, the gays get their say.
Bros Year: 2022 Written by: Billy Eichner, Nicholas Stoller Director: Nicholas Stoller Stars: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane
Fire Island Year: 2022 Written by: Joel Kim Booster Director: Andrew Ahn Stars: Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Margaret Cho, Conrad Ricamora, James Scully
Show notes:
"Happy ending… rom com… but also we're gay and we do things a little differently."
In this episode Lisa and Charles Adrian dig into this year's big gay rom coms, one of which was released in cinemas and one of which was not.
We reference both the 2005 (not 2007) film adaptation (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and the 1995 BBC TV adaptation (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112130/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3) of Jane Austin's novel Pride And Prejudice, which you can read about here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice. Charles Adrian also mentions her novel Persuasion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persuasion_(novel)) and Lisa mentions the film When Harry Met Sally (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1).
You can find out more about the British band Bros here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bros_(British_band). Debra Messing, for those who do not know, played the eponymous Grace in the series Will And Grace (1998-2006 and 2017-2020), which you can read about here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_%26_Grace.
With regard to LGBTQ+ museum spaces in the US and the UK: there are LGBTQ+ objects and archival materials at the National Museum of American History in Washington DC (https://americanhistory.si.edu/topics/lgbtq-history) and an aspiration to create a separate LGBTQ+ museum within the Smithsonian Institution at some point in the future (https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/10/05/smithsonian-lgbtq-museum-bills-introduced-mark-pocan). In London, meanwhile, there is now a dedicated LGBTQ+ museum called Queer Britain (https://queerbritain.org.uk/).
Next month, much to Lisa's disgust, we will watch The Holiday (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457939/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Romancing The Stone & The Lost City | 14 Oct 2022 | 01:00:03 | |
This month, Lisa and Charles Adrian compare and contrast two jungle-based adventure rom coms.
Romancing The Stone Year: 1984 Written by: Diane Thomas, Lem Dobbs, Howard Franklin, Treva Silverman Director: Robert Zermeckis Stars: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito
The Lost City Year: 2022 Screenplay by: Oren Uziel, Dana Fox, Adam Nee, Aaron Nee Based on a story by: Seth Gordon Director: Aaron Nee, Adam Nee Stars: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum
Show notes:
This month's episode is slightly longer than usual because we need the time to get into which of these films is better than the other. Spoiler: it's the first one. The first one is better.
The 'Fabio' who is mentioned is Fabio Lanzoni. Fabio is famous for being, among other things, a prolific romance novel cover model. You can read more about him in the Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/jul/15/fabio-confessions-original-male-supermodel.
We mention the films Step Up (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462590/), Magic Mike (2012) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1915581/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1), 21 Jump Street (2012) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1232829/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243155/), The Jewel Of The Nile (1985)(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089370/) and Body Heat (1981)(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082089/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), and the TV series Only Murders In The Building (2021- )(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12851524/) and The Office (US version) (2005-2013)(https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386676/). The gay rom com we have already covered on the podcast is Single All The Way (2021) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14315756/), which is the subject of our 11th episode.
Next month we will try to watch Bros (assuming it is available to watch in our jurisdiction by the time we need to record) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9731598/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Wedding Season | 09 Sep 2022 | 00:38:51 | |
It's still wedding season! This month we look at a desi take on the wedding-based rom com. But how desi is it? And, frankly, how wedding-based?
Wedding Season Year: 2022 Written by: Shiwani Srivastava Director: Tom Dey Stars: Pallavi Sharda, Suraj Sharma
Show notes:
In this episode, we (and our desi co-watchers, through us) weigh in on whether or not this entertaining, funny film really makes good on its apparent promises.
Charles Adrian references the films Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/), The Wedding Year (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367184/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt), Plus One (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7645122/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), Father Of The Bride (1950) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042451/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_8 ) or (1991) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101862/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0).
For anyone unfamiliar with the word 'desi', which we use in this episode, it is used to refer to people and culture of the Indian diaspora. For more information, you can visit the Wikipedia entry here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desi.
Next month we will be watching Romancing The Stone (1984) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088011/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and The Lost City (2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13320622/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Pillow Talk | 12 Aug 2022 | 00:43:41 | |
The first of three (3) films to star Rock Hudson, Doris Day and Tony Randall, Lisa and Charles Adrian chew over whether Pillow Talk can be said to have succeeded on its own terms.
Pillow Talk Year: 1959 Screenplay by: Stanley Shapiro and Maurice Richlin Based on a story by: Russell Rouse and Clarence Greene Director: Michael Gordon Stars: Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter
Show notes:
In this episode we reference the films The African Queen (1951) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043265/), Bringing Up Baby (1938) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029947/), The Shop Around The Corner (1940) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033045/) and You've Got Mail (1998) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128853/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1). We also mention (or allude to) the films 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/), Joe Versus The Volcano (1990) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099892/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3), Failure To Launch (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427229/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and Dirty Dancing (1987) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092890/), which have all been discussed in previous episodes.
For anyone who is interested, Wikipedia has an entry on party lines in telephony: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_line_(telephony).
Next month we will be watching Wedding Season (2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11426572/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley. | |||
| 27 Dresses | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:53:18 | |
Always the bridesmaid never the bride.
This is a film about a woman who says yes and her hate-able sister and the guy they both fancy and another guy called Kevin and a closet full of dresses. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 8 and a half minutes or so into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: And the TV series: *This film has previously been featured on the podcast.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Dirty Dancing | 08 Jul 2022 | 00:59:37 | |
Whom amongst us has not carried a watermelon?
Content note for this episode: Roe v. Wade, abortion, bodily autonomy, reproductive justice.
Dirty Dancing Year: 1987 Written by: Eleanor Bergstein Director: Emile Ardolino Stars: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey
Show notes:
With one of the most iconic meet-cutes in the history of cinema, some serious obstacles and an all-time great happy ending, this might be the best rom com ever made. Is it really a rom com, though? Who cares when it's the best freaking film in the history of cinema!
In this episode, we mention The Wedding Year (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367184/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt), which we covered more fully in our previous episode. Lisa also talks about the film That Thing You Do (1996) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117887/), the TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4094300/?ref_=nm_knf_t1) and the band Fountains of Wayne (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fountains_of_Wayne), all of which featured music by Adam Schlesinger. She also references Titanic (1997) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120338/). The intensely erotic upside-down Spiderman kiss that Charles Adrian mentions is from the 2002 film Spider-Man (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145487/) starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.
We also reflect, from about 28 minutes in until about 36 minutes in, on how the story of Penny's abortion is handled in this film and how differently that part of the film hits now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned in the US.
This episode features a contribution from Charles Adrian's younger sister Lissa Gillott.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| The Wedding Year and Plus One | 10 Jun 2022 | 00:47:12 | |
One of these films is better than the other. Boomshakalaka.
The Wedding Year Year: 2019 Screenplay by: Donald Diego Director: Robert Luketic Stars: Sarah Hyland, Tyler James Williams
Plus One Year: 2019 Written and directed by: Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer Stars: Jack Quaid, Maya Erskine
Show notes:
June is the beginning of big-time wedding season in the UK so when better to compare and contrast these two multi-wedding-themed rom-coms? The watchword for this month's episode is COMMITMENT.
In this episode we reference Friends With Benefits (2011) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1632708/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) and No Strings Attached (2011) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411238/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), which were the subject of our fifth episode. Charles Adrian also mentions the TV show Greenleaf (which he loves) (2016-2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4971144/).
In July, we will be watching DIRTY DANCING!!!!!!!! (1987) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092890/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| I Want You Back | 13 May 2022 | 00:49:55 | |
You have to put your own oxygen mask on first, folks. That's just how it is.
I Want You Back Year: 2022 Written by: Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger Director: Jason Orley Stars: Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Scott Eastwood, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto, Clark Backo
Show notes:
This six-some reel of a film feels simultaneously up-to-date and out of time. And it might just be (for Charles Adrian, at least) too funny? In this episode, we reference the musical Little Shop Of Horrors (first published 1982) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Shop_of_Horrors_(musical)) and the films Sleepless In Seattle (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108160/), The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405422/) and When Harry Met Sally (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) (Sleepless In Seattle is also the subject of our 12th episode, btw). We namecheck Nancy Meyers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Meyers) and the "Polish guy who used to wake his actors up", whose name Charles Adrian can't remember at around the 31 minute mark, is Jerzy Grotowski (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerzy_Grotowski).
In June, we will be watching the films Plus One (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7645122/) and The Wedding Year (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367184/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Stud Life | 11 Mar 2022 | 00:45:16 | |
It takes all sorts to make the lesbian nation. Thank goodness. Go watch this film!
Stud Life Year: 2012 Written by: Campbell Ex Director: Campbell Ex Stars: T'Nia Miller, Kyle Treslove, Robyn Kerr
Show notes:
In a world where MySpace is still a thing, JJ, Seb and Elle work out their various issues in this British indie that might or might not be a rom com. Don't worry: Lisa and Charles Adrian weigh in.
We reference the films Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109831/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and Resort To Love (2021) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12929990/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0). (Resort To Love is the subject of the 9th episode of this podcast.)
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Just Wright | 11 Feb 2022 | 00:46:46 | |
"All I can think is… what a misuse of the wonderful Queen Latifah." Lisa Findley "Cry emoji, cry emoji, cry emoji." Charles Adrian
Just Wright Year: 2010 Written by: Michael Elliot Director: Sanaa Hamri Stars: Queen Latifah, Common
Show notes:
We cannot in all conscience recommend this film, although Queen Latifah is wonderful in it. And other people are very good in it too. And it contains one of the best meet cutes we've seen. It's just a mess of a movie (in our opinion; ymmv*) and we are ready to tell you why.
We mention the book The Rules, Time-tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right (1995) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rules), the films Grease (1978) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077631/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), The Bodyguard (1992) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103855/) and Last Holiday (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408985/), and the podcast You're Wrong About (https://yourewrongabout.com/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening!
*ymmv = your mileage may vary, used to mean that people's tastes and preferences differ and that's fine. | |||
| Sleepless In Seattle | 14 Jan 2022 | 00:52:03 | |
Lisa and Charles Adrian round off their holiday season with one of the most beloved rom coms ever made. Which, they decide, might not actually be a rom com. This episode was not supposed to be a take down of Sleepless In Seattle but that is what it has turned into. Sorry not sorry.
Sleepless In Seattle Year: 1993 Screenplay by: Nora Ephron, David S. Ward, Jeff Arch Based on a story by: Jeff Arch Director: Nora Ephron Stars: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger, Rosie O'Donnell
Show notes:
Straightforwardly plumping for magic over security and for fantasy over reality, Sleepless In Seattle is for sure a film about yearning and it is certainly very funny and beautifully written and well-made, but is it romantic? We prepare to upset literally millions of fans by arguing that this film is not the rom com that it purports to be and that it is, in fact, about a woman who abuses her position as a journalist to stalk a man who is still mourning his dead wife.
We mention the films An Affair To Remember (1957) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050105/), Joe Versus The Volcano (1990) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099892/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), While You Were Sleeping (1995) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114924/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1), When Harry Met Sally (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), You've Got Mail (1998) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128853/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) and Fatal Attraction (1987) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093010/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Single All The Way | 10 Dec 2021 | 00:45:58 | |
Lisa and Charles Adrian's extended Christmas season continues with a Netflix-produced, gay-themed, family-focused rom com.
Single All The Way Year: 2021 Written by: Chad Hodge Director: Michael Mayer Stars: Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers
Show notes:
Is there to be no end to these excellent Christmas rom coms? Spoilers be damned, we loved this gay ass film.
We mention the film While You Were Sleeping (1995) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114924/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1), which was the subject of our previous episode, the TV series Schitt's Creek (2015-2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3526078/), which features Jennifer Robertson as Jocelyn Schitt, and the films Dumplin' (2018) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4878482/), Hocus Pocus (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/) and Sister Act (1992) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105417/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1), which all star Kathy Najimi.
Here is the definition of 'plant gay' in the Urban Dictionary: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=plant%20gay and their definition of 'guncle' is here: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=guncle.
Next month we are planning to watch Sleepless In Seattle.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| While You Were Sleeping | 12 Nov 2021 | 00:50:59 | |
This month, Lisa and Charles Adrian give themselves an early Christmas present.
While You Were Sleeping Year: 1995 Screenplay by: Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow Director: Jon Turtletaub Stars: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher
Show notes:
While You Were Sleeping is one of Lisa's favourite films; she has watched it many, many times. Charles Adrian was watching this for, maybe, the third time. It's a great film. We like it so much.
In this episode, we acquit Lucy of the charge of being creepy, investigate the mystery of the missing meet-cute and propose two small changes to raise what is already a perfect rom com to greater perfection. Merry Christmas already.
You can watch the trailer for While You Were Sleeping here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsJxyUvkB_E
Next month we are planning to watch Single All The Way, which is due to be released on Netflix on 2nd December, 2021.
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Resort To Love | 15 Oct 2021 | 00:49:19 | |
Surely designed to make you want to go to Mauritius, Lisa and Charles Adrian find that this month's rom com is a lot more than just an advertising feature.
Resort To Love Year: 2021 Screenplay by: Tabi McCartney and Dana Schmalenberg Based on a story by: Tabi McCartney Director: Steven K. Tsuchida Stars: Christina Milian, Jay Pharoah, Sinqua Walls, Christini Pitts
Show notes:
Resort To Love is a really good rom com. It's a solidly built, satisfying, funny, well-written, well-acted rom com with a beautiful soundtrack and dreamy locations. But would we pay to see it at the cinema? Maybe. We don't know. We streamed it on Netflix. And how is it different from the great rom coms of yesteryear? Is it really so different from them? What makes a great rom com anyway? We are not sure. But we have some ideas.
Other films mentioned in this episode are: Joe Versus The Volcano (1990) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099892/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 – also the subject of episode 8 of this podcast), To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3846674/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 – also the subject of episode 2 of this podcast), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 – also the subject of episode 1 of this podcast), My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119738/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800039/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), Love's Last Resort (2017) (the synopsis of which is here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6398360/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), You've Got Mail (1998) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128853/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1), Sliding Doors (1998) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120148/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) and Christina Milian's previous Netflix outing Falling Inn Love (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9860728/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Joe Versus The Volcano | 10 Sep 2021 | 00:49:28 | |
For this month's episode, long-time listener first-time caller Liz Bailey joins Lisa and Charles Adrian from Cardiff for a wide-ranging discussion about the first film in the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan cinematic universe.
Joe Versus The Volcano Year: 1990 Screenplay by: John Patrick Shanley Director: John Patrick Shanley Stars: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan
Show notes:
Is this a rom com? In this episode we more or less abandon our search for meet-cutes, obstacles and happy endings in order to zero in on what each of us want from a romantic film that may, like this one, also be very funny. Some of us have also climbed volcanoes in real life.
You can find an image of the poster for this film on imdb.com here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099892/
Charles Adrian references the artist L. S. Lowry, who you can read about on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._S._Lowry. Liz references filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, who you can read about on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Luc_Godard, and the Tom Hanks/Shelley Long film The Money Pit (1986) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091541/). Also mentioned are the films High Society (1956) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049314/), Twister (1996) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117998/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), Jurassic Park (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107290/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), Jaws (1975) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), Die Hard (1988) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and She's All That (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0160862/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), as well as Jane Austin's Persuasion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persuasion_(novel)).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Also, due to circumstances beyond our control, there is some noise of pneumatic drilling intermittently audible in the background of this episode from about 28 minutes in; apologies for that too.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| A Nice Indian Boy | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:54:32 | |
Pride season continues!
Another one for the pile of films that we liked, this is a film about love and culture and family and who does the bride's family's dance at the wedding. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 10 minutes or so into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: The Wedding Banquet* (2025) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32214413/) *These films have previously been featured on the podcast. If you would like to know more about OUTtv, you can read about it on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OUTtv_(Canadian_TV_channel). Next month we are going to be talking about 27 Dresses (2008) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988595/). If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Thank you for listening! | |||
| Palm Springs | 13 Aug 2021 | 00:49:51 | |
It is August, which is supposed to be summertime in the UK (where we record from), so Lisa and Charles Adrian have picked a sunny rom com for this month's episode. If you haven't seen this film, don't read any further! Don't listen to this episode yet! Watch the film! Enjoy the surprises! Then come back to read on and listen. You will thank us.
Palm Springs Year: 2020 Screenplay by: Andy Siara Based on a story by: Max Barbakow and Andy Siara Director: Max Barbakow Stars: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons
Show notes:
A reminder that this podcast is all spoilers all the time and this film is so delightful to watch unspoiled that we urge you, if possible, to watch it without knowing anything about it (as we did).
We loved this film. We had to work really hard to find anything to fix. We hope you like it as much as we did.
The short, spoiler-filled plot summary for this film on imdb.com can be found here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9484998/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
In this episode we reference (and this is, in itself, a HUGE SPOILER) Groundhog Day (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/), Russian Doll (which Charles Adrian calls "Russian Dolls") (2019 – ) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7520794/), Love Wedding Repeat (which Charles Adrian calls "that other wedding thing that was on Netflix recently") (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5096470/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_7) and The Good Place (2016 – 2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4955642/).
We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| The Proposal | 23 Jul 2021 | 00:10:13 | |
In a mini-episode, Lisa reads a brief piece on why The Proposal is one of the unfunniest, cruelest rom coms out there -- not the mild romp it's meant to be.
Year: 2009
Writer: Peter Chiarelli
Director: Anne Fletcher
Stars: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson
Show notes:
In this episode, Lisa reads a short essay she wrote back in 2010 about how this movie is heavy-handed where it should be lighthearted, mean-spirited where it should be heartwarming, and dull where it should be lively. Not to mention, it does not understand book publishing at all, and as someone who has worked in book publishing, Lisa took this personally.
Lisa references It Happened One Night (1934) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025316/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) and Bringing Up Baby (1938) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029947/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0).
Our theme music is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (http://martinzaltzaustwick.com), and this episode was edited by Nakul Pande (http://nakulpande.com).
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Friends With Benefits and No Strings Attached | 11 Jun 2021 | 00:49:53 | |
This month, Lisa and Charles Adrian look into the novel and surprising concept of 'sex friends' as it is explored in two films from ten years ago.
Friends With Benefits Year: 2011 Screenplay by: Keith Merryman, David A. Newman and Will Gluck Based on a story by: Harley Peyton, Keith Merryman and David A. Newman Director: Will Gluck Stars: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis
No Strings Attached Year: 2011 Screenplay by: Elizabeth Meriwether Based on a story by: Michael Samonek and Elizabeth Meriwether Director: Ivan Reitman Stars: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher
Show notes:
In this episode we take two films about 'sex friends' that came out in 2011 – Friends With Benefits and No Strings Attached – and we compare and we contrast and we generally fix.
Incidentally, another very important link between these two films, at least at time of recording this episode, and which we forgot to mention, is that Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are married to each other.
Charles Adrian mentions another two Mila Kunis vehicles, Bad Moms (2016) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4651520/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800039/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1), and he also references an episode of the comedy series Kim's Convenience (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim%27s_Convenience). Lisa talks about the film Up In The Air (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1193138/).
For anybody who is interested, the Defence Of Marriage Act (known as DOMA) was not struck down by the United States Supreme Court until 2013 (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Defense-of-Marriage-Act) and so cannot be the reason people were only just discovering the concept of 'sex friends' in 2011.
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||
| Long Shot | 14 May 2021 | 00:49:42 | |
Lisa and Charles Adrian love June Diane Raphael, Lisa Kudrow and also, to a large extent, the Charlize Theron/Seth Rogen vehicle that is Long Shot. Those are the main take-aways from this episode.
Year: 2019 Writers: Dan Sterling and Liz Hannah Based on a story by: Dan Sterling Director: Jonathan Levine Stars: Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen, June Diane Raphael, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Ravi Patel
Show notes:
Note: We record these episodes over the internet and the sound quality in this episode is not always perfect. Our apologies.
In this episode, we talk a lot about how much we love June Diane Raphael, who has a crucial supporting role in Long Shot as Maggie Millikin, the chief aide to Charlize Theron's character (Secretary) Charlotte Field. We also talk about how much we love Lisa Kudrow, who has a short and memorable cameo as a pollster. And we get into the nitty-gritty of how we might go about fixing two or three of the small but intensely irritating problems with the film as a whole.
Oh, and we do also talk about how much we like this film. We really do like this film.
In this episode, Charles Adrian makes a comparison with a climactic scene from Notting Hill (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125439/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and Lisa mentions a previous Seth Rogen vehicle Knocked Up (2007) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478311/).
Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzaltzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.
Thank you for listening! | |||