RomCom Killjoys
109 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago -You love them. You hate them. We are here to eviscerate them. This is the RomCom Killjoys podcast: a social distancing project about films, feminism, and friends.
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Episodes
Bridgerton: Race, Casting, and Historical Fantasy
April 14, 2022 12:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBAs part of our ongoing series on Bridgerton, Eliza and Jonelle take a deep dive into how Bridgerton portrays (and glosses over) racial and/or cultural difference. Your hosts tread lightly into the difference between American and British representation; color conscious and color blind casting; and why it's weird that anyone thinks people of color didn't exist in early modern England. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)
Bridgerton: Race, Casting, and Historical Fantasy
April 14, 2022 12:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBAs part of our ongoing series on Bridgerton, Eliza and Jonelle take a deep dive into how Bridgerton portrays (and glosses over) racial and/or cultural difference. Your hosts tread lightly into the difference between American and British representation; color conscious and color blind casting; and why it's weird that anyone thinks people of color didn't exist in early modern England. Support the show
Bridgerton (2020-Present)
March 31, 2022 01:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBSpoilers abound, dear listeners ... Eliza and Jonelle (finally) tackle Regency juggernaut Bridgerton (2020-Present). Herein your heroines discuss race and speculative history for the British Empire; the perils of #GirlBoss feminism; and a truly shocking encounter with a bee ... don't tell the mamas ... Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)
Bridgerton (2020-Present)
March 31, 2022 01:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBSpoilers abound, dear listeners ... Eliza and Jonelle (finally) tackle Regency juggernaut Bridgerton (2020-Present). Herein your heroines discuss race and speculative history for the British Empire; the perils of #GirlBoss feminism; and a truly shocking encounter with a bee ... don't tell the mamas ... Support the show
Emma (2020)
March 17, 2022 12:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBOur Regency Romance series continues as Eliza is joined by special guest Kelsey Fast to discuss Emma (2020), including the relative hotness of Mr. Knightley; the particular perspective of our middle-aged authoress; and why Austen endures. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)
Emma (2020)
March 17, 2022 12:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBOur Regency Romance series continues as Eliza is joined by special guest Kelsey Fast to discuss Emma (2020), including the relative hotness of Mr. Knightley; the particular perspective of our middle-aged authoress; and why Austen endures. Support the show
Pride and Prejudice (1995/2005)
March 03, 2022 13:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBAaaaaaand we're back -- and with a new format! Kicking off our mini-serious on Regency romance is a Pride and Prejudice (1995/2005) double-header. Within we discuss the cinematic language of mise-en-scene; romantic leads post-masculinity; and the proto-feminism of Jane Austen. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)
Pride and Prejudice (1995/2005)
March 03, 2022 13:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBAaaaaaand we're back -- and with a new format! Kicking off our mini-serious on Regency romance is a Pride and Prejudice (1995/2005) double-header. Within we discuss the cinematic language of mise-en-scene; romantic leads post-masculinity; and the proto-feminism of Jane Austen. Support the show
A Yule Log Christmas Spectacular
December 23, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBWhy watch a romcom at Christmas when you could watch the destruction of wood in real time? Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from your favorite Killjoys. Support the show
Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021)
December 16, 2021 13:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBJonelle and Eliza take on simulacra of a simulacra Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021), including forgoing generic norms; forgoing the spirit of Christmas; and the missed opportunity for weird saint relics. Support the show
Single All the Way (2021)
December 09, 2021 13:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBJonelle and Eliza tackle Netflix's first queer Christmas romcom Single All the Way (2021), including homonormativity; the benefits of self-aware cliches; and why you should buckle-up along the New Hampshire border. Support the show
A Castle for Christmas (2021)
December 02, 2021 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBJonelle and Eliza kick off a Very Netflix Christmas with their banner film of the season -- A Castle for Christmas (2021) -- including plausible but fantastical love stories; the underutilization of Cary Elwes; and why we were surprised by Brooke Shields' comedic chops. Support the show
A Castle for Christmas (2021)
December 02, 2021 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBJonelle and Eliza kick off a Very Netflix Christmas with their banner film of the season -- A Castle for Christmas (2021) -- including plausible but fantastical love stories; the underutilization of Cary Elwes; and why we were surprised by Brooke Shields' comedic chops. Support the show
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
November 18, 2021 13:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBJonelle and Eliza are joined by special guest Alexandra Huber-Weiss to discuss obvious rom-com Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002), including the challenges of back writing for a prequel; hegemonic love and fascism in the Star Wars universe; and why you are better off falling in love with R2-D2. Support the show
LIVE! Addams Family Values (1993)
November 13, 2021 01:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBJonelle and Eliza kick off a month of Rom Coms that are not Rom Coms but are absolutely Rom Coms with our first live, in-person recording! Up for discussion is Addams Family Values (1993) including alternative families; finding your Gomez; and why Anjelica Huston's eyes in the film are otherworldly perfect. Support the show
Notting Hill (1999)
October 28, 2021 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBJonelle and Eliza tackle Patreon-pick Notting Hill (1999), including the star texts of Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant; how much our perception of fame has changed; and whether charming leads can make up for a milquetoast script. (Yeah, we said it.) Support the show
Never Been Kissed (1999)
October 21, 2021 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBJonelle and Eliza discuss the ick factor of Never Been Kissed (1999) including irresponsible representation of student-teacher relationships; why 90s movies hate the popular kids; and the sexualization of teenagers in high school romcoms. Support the show
But I'm A Cheerleader (1999)
October 14, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBHappy National Coming Out Day! Jonelle is joined by special guest host Melissa Englander for a discussion of queer cinema classic But I'm A Cheerleader (1999), including the tension between bleak reality and camp satire; femme representation and compulsory heterosexuality; and the most important issue of all -- the movie's iconic soundtrack. For resources on the fight against conversion therapy, please visit https://bornperfect.org/. Support the show
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
October 07, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBWe burn, we pine, we perish. Jonelle and Eliza throw it all the way back to the last millennium with 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), including 90s feminism and intersectionality; smart adaptations of problematic Shakespeare plays; and why you can't take your eyes off of Heath Ledger. Support the show
Bedazzled (1967/2000)
September 30, 2021 11:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBJonelle and Eliza close out Brendan Fraser month by discussing both the original and remake of Bedazzled (1967/2000), including the rise of self-objectification at the turn of the Millennium; uncomfy indentity-based humor; and why actors so often make deals with the devil to make it in Hollywood. Support the show
The Mummy (1999)
September 23, 2021 12:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBThe Mummy (1999) is a romcom. We will be taking no more questions at this time. Eliza and Jonelle are joined by Jodi McIntyre to discuss this film's undeniable orientalist lens; its chaotic bisexual energy; and jawlines so sharp you could light a match with them. Support the show
George of the Jungle (1997)
September 16, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBThis month we celebrate the one and only Himbo King of Hollywood -- Brendan Fraser. Eliza and Jonelle kick it off with personal favorite George of the Jungle (1997), including why the himbo and Brendan Fraser are both making a comeback; the importance of sensual intelligence; and how the second demographic transition is about to make a househusband out of you. Support the show
Love, Guaranteed (2020)
September 02, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBJonelle and Eliza discuss Netflix's borefest Love, Guaranteed (2020). Topics include sad spinster tropes, better courtroom dramas, and the existential anxiety spiral of online dating. Support the show
The Perfect Date (2019)
August 26, 2021 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBJonelle and Eliza discuss Gen Z confection The Perfect Date (2019), including finding an identity online; giving up your dreams; and why Michael Jordan has no place in this movie, Support the show
Must Love Dogs (2005)
August 19, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBJonelle and Eliza discuss Must Love Dogs (2005) -- this month's Patreon pick. The conversation covers the Game of love; our changing attitudes about online dating and divorce; and why you have to get Dermot Mulroney out of your backyard. Support the show
You've Got Mail (1998)
August 12, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB*insert vintage dial-up noises here* This month Eliza and Jonelle dive in to the world of online dating, starting with the original -- You've Got Mail (1998). Discussion includes expectations versus reality; New York in Fall; and Tom Hanks making even the worst characters irresistibly charming. Support the show
The Holiday (2006)
July 29, 2021 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBPour yourself a large glass of Chardonnay -- you've earned this. Eliza and Jonelle treat themselves to a discussion of The Holiday (2006) including embracing and undermining RomCom stock characters; relationships that end happy for now; and ontology of the f*ckboy. Support the show
A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby (2019)
July 22, 2021 12:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBBy God, it might be finally over. Jonelle and Eliza discuss the final (?) installment of the Christmas Prince series -- The Royal Baby (2019) -- including alternate histories; the representational politics of Penglia; and why this baby movie is somehow not about a baby. Support the show
One Royal Holiday (2020)
July 15, 2021 12:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBA Very Pandemic Christmas! Jonelle and Eliza are joined by Mary Ann Aabye to discuss One Royal Holiday (2020) -- filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown -- including unflattering costume design; wasting legendary Broadway talent; and if they are in Connecticut ... who is watching Galwick?? Support the show
A Princess for Christmas (2011)
July 08, 2021 12:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBChristmas in July keeps going ... and going ... Jonelle and Eliza discuss A Princess for Christmas (2011), including Sam Heughan looking good and being nice to children; why there is usually a pesky girlfriend in the way; and the shocking reason why Romania has been canceled! Support the show
The Princess Switch (2018) & The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)
July 01, 2021 11:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBJonelle and Eliza stare into the void and the void stares back. And by the void, we mean the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe's own Princess Switch series. Merry Christmas in July. Support the show
In The Heights (2021)
June 17, 2021 11:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBA VERY SPECIAL EPISODE! We break our hiatus to discuss In The Heights (2021) with friend of the show Ian, including representing Latinidad; whether musicals can be adapted for film successfully; and the immortal question: is Anthony Ramos too hot to play Usnavi? Support the show
The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
May 27, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBFellas, is it gay to go Bunburying? Jonelle and Eliza engage Jeff Gan in some witty repartee on The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) including Victorian gay jokes; reasons to get married; and designated f**king areas. Support the show
Bachelorette (2012)
May 20, 2021 12:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBJonelle and Eliza have the misfortune of discussing Bachelorette (2012) with guest Chelsea Lynn, including how to write woman anti-heroes; wild tone problems (tw: suicide, eating disorders, sexual assault); and why playwrights have to make nuanced plays simple for Hollywood. Support the show
Real Women Have Curves (2002)
May 13, 2021 12:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBJonelle and Eliza discuss Real Women Have Curves (2002), including falling in love outside the beauty standard; racism in the theatre industry; and non-descript white boys named ... Zack? ... Tyler? ... Brad? Support the show
Real Women Have Curves (2002)
May 13, 2021 12:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBJonelle and Eliza discuss Real Women Have Curves (2002), including falling in love outside the beauty standard; racism in the theatre industry; and non-descript white boys named ... Zack? ... Tyler? ... Brad? Support the show
Steel Magnolias (1989)
May 06, 2021 12:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBIf it works on stage, will it work on screen? This month we're discussing plays adapted into romcom films. To kick it off, Jonelle and Eliza sit down with noted theatre person and mom Esther Cohen to discuss Steel Magnolias (1989) for Mother's Day, including how the screenplay successfully remodeled the play for film; how our conversations around disability have changed in the last 30 years; and how much they adore the late Olympia Dukakis Support the show
Road to Morocco (1942)
April 29, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBJonelle and Eliza close out travel month with an honest-to-god road show. This week they discuss Road to Morocco (1942), including 19th century Orientalism in the World War II era; physical comedy bits that work; and the history of passing and racial masquerade in Hollywood. Support the show
Road to Morocco (1942)
April 29, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBJonelle and Eliza close out travel month with an honest-to-god road show. This week they discuss Road to Morocco (1942), including 19th century Orientalism in the World War II era; physical comedy bits that work; and the history of passing and racial masquerade in Hollywood. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)
Letters to Juliet (2010)
April 22, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBAs William Shakespeare once said, we were both young when I first saw you ... Jonelle and Eliza begrudgingly discuss Patreon-pick Letters to Juliet (2010), including painfully forced exposition in beautiful Italian settings; Romeo and Juliet in the popular imagination; and the real life romance on set that you didn't know about. Support the show
Letters to Juliet (2010)
April 22, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBAs William Shakespeare once said, we were both young when I first saw you ... Jonelle and Eliza begrudgingly discuss Patreon-pick Letters to Juliet (2010), including painfully forced exposition in beautiful Italian settings; Romeo and Juliet in the popular imagination; and the real life romance on set that you didn't know about. Support the show
Chasing Liberty (2004)
April 15, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBIt's our date with the President's daughter. Our date with the President's daughter, oh yeah. Jonelle and Eliza sit down with romance novelist Kate Kerns to discuss Chasing Liberty (2004), including the underdiscussed Presidential daughter subgenre; surprisingly nuanced vacation love stories; and why this movie doesn't deserve its 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Support the show
Eat Pray Love (2010)
April 08, 2021 17:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBWhen the movie is so offensive, you need a mega episode ... Medha joins Jonelle and Eliza for an unholy smackdown of Eat Pray Love (2010), including the history of Hinduism and Western counterculture; (un)ethical tourism; and why the specificity of your operatic music cue matters. Support the show
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
April 01, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBDo you hear that? It's Jamaica calling. Eliza and Jonelle kick-off our vacation month with iconic How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), including fantasies of a younger man; how Hollywood limits the success of Black-led romantic comedies; and the immortal question ... *did* Stella get her groove back? Support the show
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
March 25, 2021 12:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBMedha joins Jonelle and Eliza to discuss Always Be My Maybe (2019), including the importance of Asian-American representation from Asian-American creators; the right way to write successful career women; and why that Keanu Reeves sequence works so damn well. Some resources we want to highlight this week: Asian Mental Health Collective https://www.asianmhc.org/ Red Canary Song https://www.redcanarysong.net/ Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta https://www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org...
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
March 25, 2021 12:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBMedha joins Jonelle and Eliza to discuss Always Be My Maybe (2019), including the importance of Asian-American representation from Asian-American creators; the right way to write successful career women; and why that Keanu Reeves sequence works so damn well. Some resources we want to highlight this week: Asian Mental Health Collective https://www.asianmhc.org/ Red Canary Song https://www.redcanarysong.net/ Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta https://www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org...
Chef (2014)
March 18, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBJonelle and Eliza dive into Jon Favreau's vanity project Chef (2014) -- which we promise is a romcom -- including empowering female characters to do all the work; the cultural politics of street food; and toxic masculinity in the restaurant industry. Support the show
It's Complicated (2009)
March 11, 2021 13:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBJonelle and Eliza snuggle up to the West Coast dream world of It's Complicated (2009). Discussion includes wealthy retirement fantasies; societal pressure in your 20s and romantic journeys through your 60s; and getting warm Nancy Meyers-Williams & Sonoma scented hugs (which we could all use right now). Support the show
Mystic Pizza (1988)
March 04, 2021 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBBom apetite! This month Jonelle and Eliza are talking about food and the people who make it. First up is Mystic Pizza (1988) -- discussion includes inappropriate relationships for smart girls; the naive hopes of 80s empowerment feminism; and one of Jonelle's favorite topics -- Spicy Whites (TM). Support the show
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018) & The Half of It (2020)
February 25, 2021 15:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBJonelle and Eliza take on a Netflix battle of the Cyrano wits ... Sierra Burgess (2018) versus The Half of It (2020). Conversation topics include the importance of specificity; mean-spirited depiction of Gen Z; and why Sierra Burgess is, indeed, a loser. Support the show