Reflection 02: I'll Have What She's Having—Analyzing Romantic Comedies

Romantic comedies (often called "rom-coms") have been a Hollywood mainstay for decades. And while these films can appeal to a broad audience, over the past few years they have become increasingly targeted toward women. As a result, female audiences have propelled many of these so-called "chick flicks" to new heights at the box office. Of course, one of the reasons for these films' success is their steadfast commitment to romance: Love, however improbable, always wins out at the end—with extra points for a wedding. And while some argue that the whole point of a rom-com is to get lost in the fantasy, a number of critics and researchers have recently begun to question their effects on women. Specifically, how do such idealistic portrayals of relationships affect women's views of real-life love? Are rom-com fantasies innocent fun or do they invariably set women up for disappointment in their lives? For this reflection, you will analyze two romantic comedies. In your analysis, consider the relationship between the films' romantic fantasy and everyday reality. What is the underlying message about love, romance, and sex? Who are the heroines of the films and how realistic are they? And how are the male love interests portrayed? What do these films say about the men women want to be with?

Watch two of the following films for this reflection:
The Wedding Planner (2001)
Brown Sugar (2002)
Maid in Manhattan (2002)
Sweet Home Alabama (2002) 
The Break-Up (2006)
The Holiday (2006)
27 Dresses (2008)
Definitely, Maybe (2008)
Fool's Gold (2008)
Made of Honor (2008)
What Happens in Vegas (2008) 
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009)
He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2009)
The Proposal (2009)
The Ugly Truth (2009)
The Back-up Plan (2010)
Going the Distance (2010)
Leap Year (2010)
Love and Other Drugs (2010)
The Switch (2010)
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Friends with Benefits (2011)
No Strings Attached (2011)
What's Your Number? (2011)

Additionally, cite at least two of the following in your reflection:

• "Burning Question: Why Do Women Love Romantic Comedies?" SHINE
• "Are Romantic Movies Bad for You?" TIME 
• "The 'Notting Hill' Effect: How Romantic Comedies Can Harm Your Love Life" DAILY MAIL 
• "Why We're Still Seduced by the Rom-Com" OBSERVER 
• "In Defense of Romantic Comedies" PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY  
• "Why Watch Romantic Comedies" THE FUNNY FEMINIST

Required:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be two full pages in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due: Thursday, Sept. 13th