RomComCom.com
65 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratingsWhether you call them romcoms, rom-coms, or kissy ha-has, we love this genre, and we want you to love it, too. This is RomCom Commentary, and we are here to analyze and uplift the genre of the beautiful, entertaining romcom.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Ep. 64 -- While You Were Sleeping -- The Lost Episode
December 23, 2023 22:44 - 1 hour - 113 MBStarring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman, not to mention Peter Gallagher, this episode is from long ago and we somehow forgot to upload it. And best of all, it stars our friend Laura! We talk Christmas trees, Christmas ruses, and Chicago. We miss you, Laura!
Ep. 63 -- Silver Linings Playbook
February 17, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBThere is a reason J. Law won the Oscar for this movie and it was nominated in every acting category. It's so good! The most recent great romcom? Perhaps! We also discuss running, dancing, and thank you notes. Justin, shockingly, saves them for a bad day.
Ep. 62 -- Your Christmas or Mine?
December 23, 2022 18:48 - 1 hour - 110 MBIn a classic romcom mix-up, newly dating James and Hailey end up on each other's trains home for the holidays. He's royalty, shes working class, and their families don't know they're dating. What shenanigans will ensue? We’re back, baby!
Ep. 61 -- Sideways
December 03, 2021 14:25 - 1 hour - 128 MBIt’s been a loooong time since we recorded this episode, so I can’t remember really anything we talked about. But according to Justin’s notes, we talked a lot about wine! Big surprise! We really need to get back to recording…
Ep. 60 -- Easy A
April 09, 2021 22:22 - 1 hour - 95.8 MBThis week we cover Easy A, starring Emma Stone and Amanda Bynes—one in her first starring role and the other in her last movie role ever. We have special guest and Youth Correspondent Olivia on to help us decipher all of this youth culture, even for a movie from when we were the youths. We can all agree that Stanely Tucci and Patricia Clarkson are amazing, and we with they were our parents. Also considered: Peter Malone is the new secret (even to him) identity of Post Malone; boots should...
Ep. 59 -- Say Anything
February 22, 2021 18:30 - 1 hour - 86.4 MBStarring John Cusack and Ione Skye, this true 80s classic holds up as one of the strangest combinations of a romcom and a father-daughter relationship tested by a daughter growing up and a father going to prison. We discuss the needle John Mahoney threaded there, and we dive into whether to tell your parents you lost your virginity, the required weirdness of driving instructors, and Justin’s semi-retired life. Plus, a giant boombox.
Ep. 58--Palm Springs
January 16, 2021 22:30 - 1 hour - 94.2 MBThis episode discussion revolves around time travel, quantum theory, and existential dread and the meaning of life--you know, normal romcom stuff. With our special guest Laura, we delve into having a relationship in a time loop and how amazingly similar it is to having a relationship during a pandemic. No wonder this is the highest grossing movie ever for Hulu. Also, Justin practices eulogies while driving alone, prompting us to want to publish a book titled "Eulogies for my Not-Dead Frie...
Ep. 57 -- Happiest Season
December 24, 2020 21:56 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBJust in time for Christmas, this delightful lesbian rom-com has a cast chock full of queer actors and powerhouses, like our very own favorite Dan Levy. But somehow, we still make this episode mostly about us, sharing stories about our own experiences in gay bars, awkward family Christmas moments, and the joy of the White Elephant gift exchange. This movie is so good that we unilaterally recommend it to anyone and everyone. It is heartwarming, timely, funny, and pretty much a perfect rom-co...
Ep. 56 -- Love and Basketball
November 13, 2020 18:55 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBThis week, we go back to the year 2000, when basketball and hiphop were perhaps even cooler than they are now. Produced by Spike Lee and directed and written by Gina Prince-Bythewood (a lady!), this modern classic is told in four quarters. Justin talking about Dick Vital and Sarah talking about HS band is inevitable. But we also delve into the history of the Black Eyed Peas, sexy R&B music, and sly glances as wieners. Alfrie Woodard doesn't age, but are you in good hands?
Ep. 55 -- Love, Guaranteed
October 22, 2020 18:43 - 1 hour - 80.9 MBThis week, we capitalize on being six weeks late to covering the Netflix fall romp through the idyllic neighborhoods of Seattle that is Love, Guaranteed. What can we say? This is a classic no hurt romcom: you won't find a tragic past, a missing spouse, a horrible boss, or a mean spirited neighbor in this movie. If you're looking for some fall fun and a serious suspension of disbelief ala the Lifetime network, you've come to the right movie! We do have fun taking this one apart, and we may sp...
Ep. 54 -- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
September 02, 2020 20:21 - 1 hour - 82.1 MBThis week, we have special guest Mike Donohoe to discuss heavy hitter How to Lose a Guy, a Hudson-McConaughey classic. We discuss whether Justin is a bad boy, if we've ever made wagers about relationships, and whether all really is "love in fair and war." Mike clearly doesn't think McConaughey is as sexy or alluring as Justin does, but does anyone?
Ep. 53 -- Crazy, Stupid, Love
August 07, 2020 23:49 - 1 hour - 87.6 MBThis episode is over a year old. Our special guest Spicy Dave made it incredibly hard to edit due to yelling, inappropriate comments, and offensive topics. However, he did drink a 40 and suggest that everyone take off their shirts. We also discuss getting caught masturbating, Ryan Gosling's chest, and the worthiness of expensive liquor. Can you tell we were all over the place?
Ep. 52 -- The Half of It
July 24, 2020 23:56 - 1 hour - 87.7 MBThis week, we cover the Netflix movie The Half of It, which is a cover of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac. Is this a teen movie? Is this a new twist on an old story with an LGBTQ lens? Is this an immigrant story? Perhaps a Bildungsroman? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. We also indulge in a Greek mythology and philosophy lesson (sorry), a sex ed lesson (yay), and the majesty of Gordon Lightfoot. Novogratz rules!
Ep. 51 — The Big Sick
June 25, 2020 20:06 - 1 hour - 67 MBStarring Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, this week we rediscover a gem of a movie perfect for quarantine times. We discuss whether our relationships would survive a coma, what constitutes good dating advice, and what our dealbreakers/necessities are (i.e. Star Wars, the Muppets, and Seinfeld). And, yes, I know Bob Marley wrote "Redemption Song." I'm kicking myself, too.
Ep. 50 -- Isn't It Romantic
May 15, 2020 20:58 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBThis week, we dive into the meta moment with "Isn't It Romantic," starring mostly Rebel Wilson and Adam Devine. Justin and Sarah discuss whether Adam Devine could go full Hanks and have a dramatic movie career. We talk ice cream and caffeine and all those boring old people decisions we have to make now. And we talk future rom-com writing opportunities with karaoke and "My prom date took my job" as a working title. Is it still pandemic time? What day is it again?
Ep. 49 -- White Men Can't Jump
April 17, 2020 20:45 - 1 hour - 80.3 MBThis week/month/what day is it? we dunk our way into White Men Can’t Jump. Woody Harrleson surprises everyone, including Justin, with his real basketball skills. Wesley Snipes could be the name of a white British man (a la 30 Rock). Rosie Perez allows Sarah to talk about her Jeopardy! experience and remember her grade school brush with fame. Rosie also challenges Justin to learn how to be a better listener and partner. But the real question we try to answer is: could this be a romantic comed...
Ep. 48 -- To All the Boys, P.S. I Still Love You
March 28, 2020 00:47 - 1 hour - 69.6 MBOur first sequel! In this lovely Netflix follow-up to the juggernaut To All the Boys I Loved Before, we come back to see what's up with Laura Jean and Peter now that they're an item. And we find out what exactly happened to John Ambrose and the letter he unintentionally received from Laura Jean. Justin can't remember anyone or anything from the first movie, so we have to do a little reviewing. We discuss Valentine's Day during our school years, day dates, ice cream sandwiches, and Fakesgivi...
Ep. 47 — Yesterday
March 14, 2020 13:51 - 76.6 MBThis week, we cover Yesterday, starring Himesh Patel and Lily James. It’s that Beatles movie everyone was excited about but no one saw, and if they did see it, they mostly hated it. Is it a Beatles movie? Is it a rom-com? Can it be both? We just don’t know. Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis do their best to try to do both, but its lack of box office pull shows that there’s a lot they probably could have done differently. Was it fun? Absolutely! Best soundtrack thus far!
Ep. 46 — Splash
February 22, 2020 15:36 - 74.1 MBThis week, it’s rom-com heavy Tom Hanks opposite the delightful Daryl Hannah in this whimsical retelling of the Little Mermaid story. NYC, John Candy, Eugene Levy: need we say more? Well, how do mermaids reproduce? Does Tom Hanks become a mermaid? Is Disney World the greatest place on Earth? Is Madison a good girl baby name? So many questions and so many answers!
Ep. 45 -- Last Christmas
January 23, 2020 18:57 - 1 hour - 146 MBYes, it's another Christmas movie. Yes, it's late January. But Christmas is a state of mind, and this one is worth the wait. With our special guest Laura, we try (once again) to figure out ghost logic, organ donating, the streets of London, Christmas-themed nicknames, and a big old talent-show ending. This really has it all (including homemade marshmallows). It may not be in theaters anymore, but Last Christmas should be first on your list at Redbox.
Ep. 44 -- The Family Stone
December 26, 2019 02:19 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBThis week, we are covering yet another family rom-com-dram with a huge cast full of big talent. Did they use all that talent to good end? Sarah breaks down the four crazy plot points of this movie and makes Justin decide which is most improbable. Rachel McAdams is so sassy, SJP plays difficult so good, and the deaf brother is also gay! This movie has a great grip on the messiness of family and holidays with a good dose of cancer and morbidity. Get ready for Christmas!
Ep. 43 -- The Spirit of Christmas
December 16, 2019 21:32 - 1 hour - 67.2 MBIn this Lifetime movies from 2015, we meet Kate, the workaholic lawyer, and Daniel, the disgruntled ghost who becomes a real man for only 12 days a year. Mystery, death, bootlegging, and Christmas parties ensue. Can Kate and Daniel make love work across 100 years (and despite the face that he's married and dead...)? It's Christmas after all.
Ep. 42 — About Time
November 29, 2019 19:55 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBOn this Thanksgiving weekend, we celebrate a movie that starts as a romcom and becomes so much more. A family romdramedy with a heart of gold, this one is a keeper. And it’s written by the UK’s version of Nora Ephron, Richard Curtis. Except, why are Rachel McAdams’ bangs so bad? Why, Richard??
Ep. 41 -- Sleeping with Other People
November 21, 2019 18:39 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBStarring Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis, this little ditty explores the Harry Met Sally question of whether men and women can be friends. We explore our own friendship as well as those we've had with other members of the opposite sex; we discuss dudes that get under our skin; and we wonder if tequila is still something we need in our lives. Write in to tell us your tequila and friendship stories! Can women and men really be just friends? Does Justin have a chance in hell with Alison Brie?
Ep. 40 -- Autumn in New York
November 02, 2019 19:02 - 1 hour - 90.9 MBStarring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder, this wild ride obviously takes place in New York... in autumn. We had the brilliant idea to watch a fall movie in the fall, but boy, we didn't know what we were getting ourselves into. Questions: What exactly does Winona do for a living? Who has time to have sex on a roof? Is fall the dumbest season? We prefect our "yes and" banter on this one and try to entertain ourselves as best we can with this pre-9/11 romance from a more innocent time.
Ep. 39 -- It's Complicated
September 11, 2019 17:36 - 1 hour - 118 MBThis week, we tackle It’s Complicated starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. Classic Nancy Meyers—the set design is so insanely beautiful it’s like a dream. But the plot is, shall we say “complicated”? And Alec Baldwin may be the only man in the world who can carry such a creepy role (and he’s still pretty creepy). Does Meryl belong in rom-com-ville or in comedy at all for that matter? Does Joh Krasinski steal the show? Also, where are all the black people? We’ll get to those...
Ep. 38 — Fever Pitch
August 09, 2019 21:28 - 1 hour - 123 MBThis week, we hope we hit it out of the park with Fever Pitch starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon. We discuss idiosyncrasies of dads, bringing a laptop to a sporting event, and what does Drew Barrymore’s character do anyway? It’s the second half of baseball season, folks, and it’s getting real. Can they make it?
Ep. 37 -- Always Be My Maybe
July 27, 2019 12:07 - 1 hour - 99.7 MBThis week, we bring you the Netflix movie Always Be My Maybe, starring Ali Wong and Randall Park and set mostly in lovely San Fransisco. We cover things like: divorce parties, herb scissors (very sharp!), D'angelo lyrics, and a big epiphany about Keanu Reeves. This was a fun one. Bounce back like a tennis ball!
Ep. 36 -- The Wedding Planner
July 08, 2019 17:55 - 1 hour - 123 MBThis week, we are back from a brief summer hiatus to bring you the delightful wedding rom-com The Wedding Planner. Young McConnaughey, sassy JLo, weddings, dancing, emotional honesty—does it get any better? We ask important questions like: Can JLo play Italian? Are brown M&Ms worth it? and Is Eddie a secret dirtbag? We also tackle topics like surprise dates, jet skiing in Ohio, romantic missed connections.
Ep. 35 -- The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer
June 07, 2019 17:37 - 1 hour - 98.6 MBThis week we take a listener suggestion and dive right into 1947, when women could be judges, and 17 year olds could trick men into loving them, kind of. We also discuss being more scared of teens than murderers, teacher crushes, sympathy sweats, and the best kids' drink in the world.
Ep. 34 -- Just Wright
May 14, 2019 18:36 - 1 hour - 116 MBFor this week's episode, we have very special guest Kerry Winfrey. Kerry is a fiction and YA fiction writer with a deep obsession for rom-coms, maintaining a blog about them for years. Just Wright is one of her favorites, and we discussed things like: Can Common pull off play a pro basketball player? Is Queen Latifah good at everything? Are dude’s secret rooms a thing? And we veered off path to discuss things like: Are hot air balloons the bane of all movies? Why does getting older ruin eve...
Ep. 33 -- Moonstruck
April 19, 2019 18:01 - 1 hour - 107 MBIs this week's episode, we encounter Cosmo's moon in the inimitable Moonstruck. But we do things a little differently: we experimented with a progressive recording by watching the movie together and stopping every 30 minutes to record. So this one is fresh off the presses and carries with it our opinions unadulterated by refection or even the rest of the movie. We can both agree that this movie was one of our absolute favorites (though this is the first time Justin's seen it!), and Cher is ...
Ep. 32 — Sense and Sensibility
April 02, 2019 17:33 - 59 minutes - 80.8 MBThis week we run through the heather with period romcom Sense and Sensibility. Two sets of actors met their spouses on this set! Emma Thompson won the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay! Justin doesn’t get the historic nature or the language in this movie. But he does agree that we could update it into an amazing movie for our times. Stay tuned to hear about sheep facts, Shakespeare, and Michelmas.
Ep. 31 -- Clueless
March 18, 2019 16:57 - 1 hour - 123 MBThis one's a doozy, folks. And it couldn't have been done without a second guest appearance by Taryn, sharing her keen L.A. insider knowledge! With a great cast, an awesome soundtrack, and the best 90's fashion, how could this not be a classic? Plus, Justin drinks two full bottles of wine during recording! Strap in for this shining paragon of a podcast episode.
Ep. 30 -- Bring It On
March 04, 2019 18:27 - 1 hour - 81.9 MBThis week, we star-jump into the movie that has it all: cheerleading, racism, overcoming racism(?), nonchalant sexual assault, and lots of midriffs! It feels like it should be the modern version of a Shakespeare classic, but is it? Justin also admits his career as a high school mascot, and Sarah tell him no a lot. There must be some Toros in the atmosphere!
Ep. 29 -- Commuter: The Office "The Job"
February 25, 2019 18:39 - 38 minutes - 52.5 MBSorry about the delay this week. We had some hosting site issues. All good now! This week, we explore another Office episode as a rom-com. The season 3 finale has Michael, Jim, and Karen all vying for Jan’s old job. Jim is with Karen, but Pam just poured her heart out to Jim at the Lake Scranton retreat about how much she misses his friendship. Jan wins Michael back with some very noticeable “enhancements.” Lots of rom-com situations and discussion!
Ep. 28 -- Forgetting Sarah Marshall
February 04, 2019 18:03 - 1 hour - 150 MBThis week, we have a very special guest: Justin’s good friend Mike, all the way from Hawaii! Mike has keen insight on the tourism industry in Hawaii, what it’s like to wear a Hawaiian shirt to a funeral, and how the movie nailed resort life for guests and workers. Justin identifies with Jason Segel’s character more than he’d like to admit—especially about Muppets, And we all agree that puking off of a boat is the best way to puke (if given a choice). This is a long one, but one of our best!
Ep. 27 -- Commuter: The Office Christmas Party
January 25, 2019 17:54 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBThis week, we are trying something new by covering an episode of everyone's favorite TV show: The Office! We are caroling into season 2 episode 10, the first Christmas episode of the office. Can one episode of a TV show be a rom com? Can we only talk for 30 min? Are Jim and Pam the best? All questions we (try to) answer this week!
Ep. 26 -- The Wedding Date
January 15, 2019 18:10 - 1 hour - 112 MBThis week we fly into an across-the-pond romcom with our very special guest Laura Englehart Toerner! Laura just had a baby three days ago, so this episode is dedicated to her and baby Reese, may she grow to love romcoms as much as her mother. The Wedding Date stars Debra Messing and Dermott Mulroney in what we can only assume to be some sort of money-desperate career move. Not only do they have no chemistry, but the plot is a mess, Amy Adams is a nightmare sister, and there is no reason it ...
Ep. 25 -- 13 Going on 30
January 04, 2019 19:18 - 1 hour - 102 MBThis week, we electric slide into 13 Going on 30, starring Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and, as an awesome sassy-mean friend, Judy Greer! We discuss bad grade-school haircuts, old friends, wishing dust, and Andy Serkis' expressive eyes. We also develop the genius idea of a Paul Simon Broadway travelog/stage show, and we dive into our listener mail. And apparently every knows the Thriller dance!
Ep. 24 -- Just Friends
December 28, 2018 16:53 - 1 hour - 98.2 MBThis week we sled into 2005's Christmas classic Just Friends, starring Ryan Reynolds in a fat suit with a retainer! We can all relate to going home for the holidays and reverting right back to our high school selves. But somehow, Sarah uncovers a whole host of stories in which she was the high school heartbreaker. Do girls get friend-zoned? Can you age out of the friend zone? Do you call pants "trousers"? We cover these important questions and more this week!
Ep. 23 -- The Holiday
December 14, 2018 19:01 - 1 hour - 103 MBWelcome to our first Christmas rom-com! We sleighride into Nancy Meyers' world of whimsy and fantasy on this week's episode. And we get two rom-coms in one with a double romance situation, tackling things like: is Jude Law hot? whose house is nicer? and who has the best acting chops in this film? We also play "Oh, Dern It," and Sarah eats while recording (again).
Ep. 22 -- Home for the Holidays
December 05, 2018 18:10 - 59 minutes - 83.5 MBThis week we are hot off the presses. Recorded last night and brought you to today! We tried to find a Thanksgiving rom-com, and we kind of did? This movie unleashes a lot of truth bombs about family and memory, but it loses itself in the romance area. Who is Leo Fish? How high was Robert Downey Jr. during the filming? Why couldn't (director) Jodie Foster stick to one theme? All good questions. All mostly unanswered. But it sure does nail the holidays.
Ep. 21 -- Leap Year
November 27, 2018 18:14 - 1 hour - 101 MBThis week, we leap into Leap Year, starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode. Questions we ask: Are Leap Day proposals a thing? Would you spend $3500 on a suitcase? What would we grab if the house caught on fire? And, where is the romantic chemistry??? All these questions and more will be answered as we wind our way through this strange, awkward movie.
Ep. 20 -- To All the Boys I've Loved Before
November 19, 2018 18:29 - 1 hour - 101 MBThis week, we jump on the Netflix rom-com bandwagon and check out this cute high school story of a girl with lots of crushes and not a lot else. Lana Condor and Noah Centineo sizzle as unlikely partners in a situation only a rom-com could pull off. This movie really gets us to tap into our high school memories, for better or worse. We also discuss Asian yogurt drinks, Benny the Jet from Sandlot, and John Corbett!
Ep. 19 -- So I Married an Axe Murderer
November 09, 2018 00:50 - 1 hour - 99 MBStarring Mike Myers and Nancy Travis, this classic tale of love and murder may come in slightly late for Halloween, but who's counting? This week we discuss Justin being born 10 years too late for his perfect era, how we can find an artsy person to join our friend group, and whether a butcher shop is a safe place for a meet cute. Please, just watch this movie. It's so good!
Ep. 18 -- Casper
November 01, 2018 14:44 - 1 hour - 94 MBStarring Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, and Devon Sawa(!), Casper is our first kid rom-com, and it has a special place in Sarah's heart. But is it a rom-com? And who exactly is Lazarus? And why is Casper so round? All questions we hash out in this delightful, yet surprisingly dark, film. Devon Sawa!
Ep. 17 -- Fool's Gold
October 24, 2018 14:20 - 1 hour - 94.7 MBStarring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, this adventure rom-com is sure to delight with its incredibly light-hearted tone and undeniable chemistry between the leads. Justin talks scuba diving, Sarah talks lake life, and we find true insight in the unlikeliest place. You'll be hard pressed to find a more fun, no-consequences movie.
Ep. 16 -- Groundhog Day
October 16, 2018 20:21 - 1 hour - 114 MBThis week, we wade around in the never-ending nightmare that is Punxatawney, PA with Bill Murray and Sarah’s dad Pat as special guest! This may not seem like a typical rom-com, but Justin makes a strong case. Sarah gets pretty deeply into the philosophical themes of this movie, Pat does his Dean Martin impression, and we discuss Justin’s chances at a bachelor auction (spoiler: not great).
Ep. 15 -- Wedding Crashers
October 08, 2018 19:51 - 1 hour - 105 MBOwen Wilson and Vince Vaughn take us on a wild ride through wedding season, and Rachel McAdams steals our hearts. This one has a huge cast and a bevy of memorable lines, but we like to focus on things like: how much is Justin like Owen Wilson? When does a waffle become a dessert waffle? And what exactly is Connecticut casual? (We discover that Justin doesn't know where New England is located.)