Warning: This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.
ActorKristen Bellis no stranger to romantic comedies, appearing in six movies and TV shows within the rom-com genre, each of which found varying degrees of success. Since her 1998 movie debut, Bell has grown in popularity, becoming a household name. Though she’s shown herself capable of performing in any genre, she’s especially skilled in comedy and has great chemistry with co-stars. These traits lend themselves well toromantic comedies.
Unsurprisingly, she’s appeared in six different rom-coms – five movies and one TV show. Critics generally don’t respond well to genre films, so it’s not surprising that most of the critics dislike these movies and shows meant to fit within romantic comedy tropes. However,these projects have a pretty even divide when it comes to quality, entertainment value, writing, and acting– all of which contribute to the overall success with audiences.
Many romantic comedies are lambasted by critics but praised by viewers, butCouples Retreatis a rare example where most people hate it equally. The premise might be interesting, butCouples Retreatis mediocre at best and downright bad at worst. It’s a bad sign when a film tries to get the audience to root for reconciliation butelicits the desire for all the couples to get divorced already so that the movie will end.Some issues the couples are facing aren’t things that can just be wrapped up in a two-hour movie, especially when the focus is split four ways.
Unfortunately, the A+ cast, including powerhouse actors Kristen Bell, Vince Vaughn, and Jason Bateman, couldn’t even save the rom-com. Despite their best efforts, the characters they portray are two-dimensional and uninteresting, making it hard to invest in their stories. The couples’ bickering feels mean and spiteful instead of funny.Couples Retreat’s pacing feels disjointed, slowing and speeding up seemingly at random.
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Worse than that is the lack of humor in romantic comedy, which is one of the most fundamental requirements. Only a few lines actually offer laughs, with most of the jokes falling flat. Ultimately, the saving grace of this movie is that the setting is visually stunning, a positive that can only do so much to save theCouples Retreat. This is by far the weakest Kristen Bell rom-com.
When Amazon announced a romantic comedy starring Ben Platt and Kristen Bell, there was plenty of excitement. These two actors can make even the roughest film enjoyable. Unfortunately,The People We Hate at the Weddingfailed because it feels like two vastly different stories mashed together in a discordant way.Amazon branding the film as a rom-com feels misleading after watching it.
The People We Hate at the Weddingisn’t terrible or great, falling into the category of moderately enjoyable but mostly forgettable movies.
Part of the film is a family dramedy focusing on a family trying to mend their bonds at a wedding after a family death and a miscarriage tear them apart. The other part of the film is a romantic comedy about the love lives of a mom and her three children. As hard as the creative team tries, these stories don’t blend together well. Either of these narratives could have thrived independently, but they ultimately ruin each other’s strong points when forced together.
Thecast ofThe People We Hate at the Weddingunsurprisingly offers good performances, with Kristen Bell’s humor and charm shining. However, they can’t make up for the minimal character growth within the story. The dialogue could have also been punchier, offering more verbal jokes instead of just physical comedy. In the end,The People We Hate at the Weddingisn’t terrible or great, falling into the category of moderately enjoyable but mostly forgettable movies.
Kristen Bell’sWhen in Romeis a schlocky, formulaic rom-com that’s easy to watch but has nothing to say. The movie will appeal to romantic comedy lovers as long as they go into it with low expectations.Viewers shouldn’t expect anything remarkable from the film, or they’ll be sorely disappointed.
Unfortunately, the premise and message are vastly underwhelming.When in Romealso relies on a serious suspension of disbelief that a conventionally attractive woman with a good job and pleasant personality can’t possibly find a relationship without the help of The Fountain of Love’s magic. Sadly, the two lead actors, Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel, were also stuck with one-dimensional character archetypes. Their acting abilities can only do so much when it comes to a lackluster script.
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Unlike worse Kristen Bell rom-coms,When in Romedoes at least offer a decent number of laughs, leaning into the fact that it’s silly. The movie makes no apologies for its cheesy tone, and it doesn’t pretend to have a profound message, which makes its shortcomings more forgivable. The movie’s setting is also beautiful to look at, showing the advantages of filming onsite. However, this isn’t enough to save it from being labeled a mundane romantic comedy from the 2010s – a period with a massive legacy for great rom-coms considered modern classics in the genre.
The Kristen Bell rom-comStuck in Loveis a great movie that could rank among the best rom-coms of the 2010s if it weren’t for problematic messages that haven’t aged well and underdeveloped subplots. The movie provides a fascinating exploration of existentialism and love in various different stages in a very similar way toCrazy, Stupid, Love. The characters seem like real people with flaws and strengths, going through strong arcs that force them to grow.
Unlike many other rom-com movies,Stuck in Loveleans into dark comedy and shock humor that won’t appeal to everyone.Regardless of whether an individual favors this tone, it certainly sets the movie apart. The score by Nate Walcott is complex and evocative in the best way possible, displaying his competency as a composer.
William’s arc promotes the harmful idea that someone stalking and pining for an individual who rejected them is romantic.
Unfortunately,Stuck in Lovefails to develop subplots, such as William sleeping with Tricia and Kate’s addiction recovery. The ending also feels abrupt because so much happens to resolve the storylines within a span of 15 minutes. Lastly, despite being well-told,Stuck in Lovesends a really problematic message. William’s arc promotes the harmful idea that someone stalking and pining for an individual who rejected them is romantic. If he faced any consequences, it might have been different, but the fact that William and Erica get back together says that these behaviors will result in the victim falling for the perpetrator.
2Nobody Wants This (2024)
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From the start to theend ofNobody Wants This, rom-com fans will find themselves swooning at the phenomenal chemistry between Kristen Bell, who plays Joanne, and Adam Brody, who plays Noah. The sexual tension between them feels palpable and grows throughout season 1.Joanne and Noah have witty banter, bouncing off one another with perfect comedic timing. While this aspect ofNobody Wants Thisis the highlight of the show, it’s not the only strength.
The supporting actors give memorable performances that inject characters with nuance and offer compassion for their mistakes. Though they’re meant to be the antagonists, both Esther and Rachel are layered and lovable. The only character who feels extremely one-dimensional is Noah’s mother, Bina, who unfortunately falls into the overbearing, angry Jewish mother stereotype – one of the most significant negatives aboutNobody Wants Thisseason 1.
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In addition to the fantastic characters and actors, music is also an important part of the show’s success. Duncan Blickenstaff wrote an incredible score for the Netflix series that relays the longing, tenderness, and jubilation of two people falling in love.Nobody Wants This’ soundtrackis equally beneficial to the success of the romantic comedy series, shaping the characters and ambiance. Each track feels perfectly curated for the scene in which it appears. Ultimately, Nobody Wants This lands as the second-best Kristen Bell romantic comedy because of the questionable use of the Jewish mom trope and the fact thatForgetting Sarah Marshallis just all-around better.
In addition to being one of Jason Segel’s best movies of all time (viaMovieWeb), Forgetting Sarah Marshall lands at the top of the list of Kristen Bell’s rom-coms. The 2008 movie is genuinely hilarious, offering a solid blend of witty dialogue and physical comedy. It’s hard to forget the naked break-up scene at the start of the movie. Additionally, the script seamlessly ties in a ridiculous but wonderful Dracula puppet musical –most people don’t know that part of Forgetting Sarah Marshallwas written by Segel.
The movie also offers a refreshing take on masculinity that is incredibly progressive, especially when considering that it came out in the late aughts. The main character, Peter Bretter (Segel), is extremely sensitive and emotional. While other movies like to make fun of men’s feelings,Forgetting Sarah Marshalldoesn’t treat this like the butt of the joke. The other man vying for the titular main character’s affection is a rock and roll singer with long hair who blends feminine and masculine clothing styles together. Neither of these men is the traditional stereotype, but they’re treated as equally valid.
In 2009,Forgetting Sarah Marshallgained five Teen Choice Award nominations and a nomination for Best Comedy Movie at the Critics Choice Awards.
On top of these strengths, the actors give top-caliber performances. Jason Segel has equally strong chemistry with Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell, the actors who play both of his love interests. This makes it easy to understand why Peter was with Sarah Marshall to begin with and also why he develops an interest in Rachel Jansen. Ultimately, these elements combine to create one of the funniest, best-written romantic comedies that will consistently rank among the bestKristen Bellmovies.
