Shows
The Rom Com RewriteYear of the CometMoustachioed multimillionaire adventurer scientist meets flame-haired kick-ass wine babe in this adventure rom com from 1992. Year of the Comet Year: 1992 Written by: William Goldman Directed by: Peter Yates Stars: Penelope Ann Miller, Tim Daly Show notes: Like loving parents on the touch line at their child's hockey match, we really get into this film. It is already so charming and has so much good stuff in. We just want it to be better! If yo...
2026-03-1358 minThe Rom Com RewriteLeap YearA film that begins with a meet-cringe and ends with mis-apportioned blame. Leap Year Year: 2010 Written by: Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont Directed by: Anand Tucker Stars: Amy Adams, Matthew Goode Show notes: Happy 5th anniversary to us!!! In this year that is not a leap year please allow us to propose a film about proposals that also did not come out in a leap year. If you would like to skip the plot summ...
2026-02-1353 minThe Rom Com RewriteBridget Jones's DiaryNot so much a rewrite as an appreciation of this 25-year-old classic in general and of Daniel Cleaver as played by Hugh Grant in particular. Bridget Jones's Diary Year: 2001 Screenplay by: Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies, Richard Curtis Based on the novel by: Helen Fielding Directed by: Sharon Maguire Stars: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant Show notes: CN: discussion of fatphobia and diet culture; derogatory language If you would like to skip the plot summary for th...
2026-01-1646 minThe Rom Com RewriteLove HardWhy 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!? Love Hard Year: 2021 Written by: Daniel Mackey and Rebecca Ewing Directed by: Hernán Jiménez Stars: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet Show notes: This film wants to exist at the place where Love Actually meets Die Hard but the story of a woman who falls for a...
2025-12-1255 minThe Rom Com RewriteRunaway BrideThis one is worth returning to - it might be better than you remember! Runaway Bride Year: 1999 Written by: Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott Directed by: Garry Marshall Stars: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Joan Cusack, Hector Elizondo, Rita Wilson, Paul Dooley, Christopher Meloni, Laurie Metcalf (uncredited) Show notes: 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...
2025-11-1452 minThe Rom Com RewriteNotting HillIt's just a film standing in front of two podcasters asking them to take it lovingly apart and put it back together better. Notting Hill Year: 1999 Written by: Richard Curtis Directed by: Roger Michell Stars: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant Show notes: 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...
2025-10-1057 minThe Rom Com RewriteHitchWomen have surfaces, men have depths. Hitch Year: 2005 Written by: Kevin Bisch Directed by: Andy Tennant Stars: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta Show notes: 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...
2025-09-1254 minThe Rom Com Rewrite27 DressesAlways the bridesmaid never the bride. 27 Dresses Year: 2008 Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna Directed by: Anne Fletcher Stars: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Edward Burns, Judy Greer Show notes: 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...
2025-08-1553 minThe Rom Com RewriteA Nice Indian BoyPride season continues! A Nice Indian Boy Year: 2024 Written by: Eric Randall Based on the play by: Madhuri Shekar Directed by: Roshan Sethi Stars: Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff Show notes: 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.
2025-07-1154 minThe Rom Com RewriteThe Wedding BanquetHappy Pride Month! The Wedding Banquet Year: 2025 Screenplay by: Andrew Ahn and James Shamus Based on the screenplay by: Ang Lee, Neil Peng and James Shamus Directed by: Andrew Ahn Stars: Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-Chan, Joan Chen, Youn Yuh-jung, Bobo Le Show notes: A remake of the 1993 Ang Lee film, this 2025 update is queer struggle and queer joy and green cards and IVF and family and chosen family. It's not a rom com but it's a beautiful film and we loved...
2025-06-1347 minThe Rom Com RewriteIt Happened One NightFor our half century, a film that is approaching its whole century. It Happened One Night Year: 1934 Screenplay by: Robert Riskin Based on the short story by: Samuel Hopkins Adams Directed by: Frank Capra Stars: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert Show notes: With the exception of a couple of non-consensual slaps, the words "shut up" and the title (which we think is silly), there is really nothing we would change about this 92-year-old film. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! If...
2025-05-0943 minThe Rom Com RewriteBrown SugarA warm bath of a film or kind of dull, depending on your point of view. Brown Sugar Year: 2002 Screenplay by: Michael Eliot and Rick Famuyiwa Story by: Michael Eliot Directed by: Rick Famuyiwa Stars: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Queen Latifa Show notes: We consider this a romance rather than a rom com so we are a bit stumped when it comes to fixes but we are resourceful and we do what we can! If you would like to skip the plot summary for this...
2025-04-1131 minThe Rom Com RewriteGoing The Distance (2010)This film holds up! Going The Distance Year: 2010 Written by: Geoff LaTulippe Directed by: Nanette Burstein Stars: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Christina Applegate Show notes: Finally. A rom com that takes long distance relationships seriously. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 11 minutes and 15 seconds into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: Going The Distance (2004) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388285/) Failure To Launch* (2006) (https://www.imdb...
2025-03-1452 minThe Rom Com RewriteHolidateThis is a film you can safely drag your straight boyfriend to. Holidate Year: 2020 Written by: Tiffany Paulson Directed by: John Whitesell Stars: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey Show notes: "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: Our Little Secret* (2024) (https://www.imdb...
2025-02-0744 minThe Rom Com RewriteOur Little SecretLa Lohan is back with another Christmas rom com. Our Little Secret Year: 2024 Written by: Hailey DeDominicis Directed by: Stephen Herek Stars: Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Kristin Chenoweth Show notes: 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...
2025-01-1153 minThe Rom Com RewriteSomething from Tiffany'sGood bread and bad boyfriends! Something from Tiffany's Year: 2022 Screenplay by: Tamara Chestna Based on the book by: Melissa Hill Directed by: Daryl Wein Stars: Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Sampson, Ray Nicholson, Shay Mitchell, Leah Jeffries, Jojo T. Gibbs Show notes: 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...
2024-12-1349 minThe Rom Com RewriteMeet Me Next ChristmasWomen are from Pentatonix, men are from Mac L'Amour. Meet Me Next Christmas Year: 2024 Written by: Molly Haldeman and Camilla Rubis Directed by: Rusty Cundieff Stars: Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Pentatonix Show notes: 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: Going The Distance (2010...
2024-11-1557 minThe Rom Com RewriteA Family Affair & The Idea of YouThese 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. A Family Affair Year: 2024 Written by: Carrie Solomon Directed by: Richard LaGravenese Stars: Nicole Kidman, Zac Effron, Joey King The Idea of You Year: 2024 Screenplay by: Michael Showalter and Jennifer Westfeldt Novel by: Robinne Lee Directed by: Michael Showalter Stars: Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galatzine, Ella Rubin Show notes: "Maybe you're a...
2024-10-1157 minThe Rom Com RewriteHousesitter"She understands the truth of things even through all the lies. That's the whole film." Housesitter Year: 1992 Screenplay by: Mark Stein Story by: Mark Stein and Brian Grazer Directed by: Frank Oz Stars: Steve Martin, Goldie Hawn 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 li...
2024-09-2054 minThe Rom Com RewriteAnyone But YouAnything but this, frankly. Anyone But You Year: 2023 Screenplay by: Ilana Wolpert and Will Gluck Story by: Ilana Wolpert Directed by: Will Gluck Stars: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell 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 fo...
2024-08-0954 minThe Rom Com RewriteFrench Kiss"If you didn't think you had a thing for Kevin Kline before… that scene is gonna give you one." French Kiss Year: 1995 Written by: Adam Brooks Directed by: Lawrence Kasdan Stars: Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline, Timothy Hutton 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 epis...
2024-07-1252 minThe Rom Com RewriteI.Q.Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, Walter Mathau… this film is cute and fun with a great cast. But it needs more work. I.Q. Year: 1994 Written by: Andy Breckman and Michael Leeson Based on a story by: Andy Breckman Directed by: Fred Schepisi Stars: Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Walter Mathau, Lou Jacobi, Gene Saks, Joseph Maher, Stephen Fry 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.
2024-06-2152 minThe Rom Com RewriteAlways Be My MaybeNo notes. This is a gorgeous, funny, beautifully-performed, character-driven rom com. Always Be My Maybe Year: 2019 Written by: Ali Wong, Randall Park & Michael Golamco Directed by: Nahnatchka Khan Stars: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang, Keanu Reeves, Daniel Dae Kim 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 mo...
2024-05-1748 minThe Rom Com RewriteMr Malcolm's ListBut what if Mr Malcolm had written a more interesting list? Mr Malcolm's List Year: 2022 Written by: Suzanne Allain Based on the novel by: Suzanne Allain Directed by: Emma Holly Jones Stars: Zawe Ashton, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Sope Dirisu, Theo James, Freida Pinto, Ashley Park 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.
2024-04-1257 minThe Rom Com RewritePlayers"They are very small poops and I make sure it's only after greens." Players Year: 2024 Written by: Whit Anderson Directed by: Trish Sie Stars: Gina Rodriguez, Damon Wayans Jr., Tom Ellis, Augustus Prew, Joel Courney, Liza Koshy Show notes: This very charming film gets past a somewhat gross set-up to persuade us that its lovers belong together. Good job, film! In this episode we mention the film Someone Great (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8075260/) and the book The Game (2005) (https://en.wikipedia.o...
2024-03-0850 minThe Rom Com RewriteThe Wedding PlannerWho knew Mattifer (Jenthew?) would have so much chemistry! The Wedding Planner Year: 2001 Written by: Pamela Falk and Michael Ellis Directed by: Adam Shankman Stars: Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey 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 e...
2024-02-1453 minThe Rom Com RewriteWhen Harry Met SallyCan men and women ever really be friends?? When Harry Met Sally Year: 1989 Written by: Nora Ephron Directed by: Rob Reiner Stars: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan 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/t...
2024-01-1944 minThe Rom Com RewriteMerry & GayYou think Christmas is bad in your house?? Merry & Gay Year: 2022 Written by: Christin Baker Based on a story by: Maggie Cummings and Megan Ullrich Directed by: Christin Baker Stars: Dia Frampton, Andi René Christensen 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 fi...
2023-12-0849 minThe Rom Com RewriteThey Came TogetherThis month we watch a fun three-minute sketch that goes on for an hour and twenty-three minutes. They Came Together Year: 2014 Written by: Michael Showalter and David Wain Directed by: David Wain Stars: Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler 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: Knives Out (2019) (ht...
2023-11-1044 minThe Rom Com RewriteChoose LoveIt's Toddlers' Choice this week on the Rom Com Rewrite! Choose Love Year: 2023 Written by: Josann McGibbon Directed by: Stuart McDonald Stars: Laura Marano, Avan Jogia, Scott Michael Foster, Jordi Webber 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/t...
2023-10-0651 min
The Rom Com RewriteRed, White & Royal BlueSex haze meets trauma, with private jets. Red, White & Royal Blue Year: 2023 Screenplay by: Matthew López and Ted Malawer Based on the novel by: Casey McQuiston Directed by: Matthew López Stars: Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar Perez 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.imd...
2023-09-0853 minThe Rom Com RewriteThe Perfect FindThis film is less than perfect. The Perfect Find Year: 2023 Screenplay by: Leigh Davenport Based on the book by: Tia Williams Directed by: Numa Perrier Stars: Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers 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) (h...
2023-07-1446 min
The Rom Com RewriteFarawayThe 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/tit...
2023-06-1251 minThe Rom Com RewriteYou've Got MailThis 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...
2023-05-1252 minThe Rom Com RewriteRye LaneThis 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...
2023-04-1447 minThe Rom Com RewriteYour Place Or MineThis 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...
2023-03-1750 minThe Rom Com RewriteSaving FaceStill 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) (http...
2023-02-1050 minThe Rom Com RewriteFalling For ChristmasLindsay 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 ch...
2023-01-1347 minThe Rom Com RewriteThe Holiday"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 ca...
2022-12-1849 minThe Rom Com RewriteBros & Fire IslandThis 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."
2022-11-1453 minThe Rom Com RewriteRomancing The Stone & The Lost CityThis 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
2022-10-141h 00The Rom Com RewriteWedding SeasonIt'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 f...
2022-09-0938 minThe Rom Com RewritePillow TalkThe 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 Afri...
2022-08-1243 minThe Rom Com RewriteDirty DancingWhom 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...
2022-07-0859 minThe Rom Com RewriteThe Wedding Year and Plus OneOne 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 episo...
2022-06-1047 minThe Rom Com RewriteI Want You BackYou 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 mus...
2022-05-1349 minThe Rom Com RewriteStud Life 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 re...
2022-03-1145 minThe Rom Com RewriteJust Wright"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...
2022-02-1146 min
The Rom Com RewriteSleepless In SeattleLisa 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 M...
2022-01-1452 min
The Rom Com RewriteSingle All The WayLisa 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...
2021-12-1045 min
The Rom Com RewriteWhile You Were SleepingThis 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 epis...
2021-11-1250 min
The Rom Com RewriteResort To LoveSurely 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, wel...
2021-10-1549 min
The Rom Com RewriteJoe Versus The VolcanoFor 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...
2021-09-1049 min
The Rom Com RewritePalm SpringsIt 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 S...
2021-08-1349 min
The Rom Com RewriteThe Proposal (A Takedown)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-spi...
2021-07-2310 min
The Rom Com RewriteFriends With Benefits and No Strings AttachedThis 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: Mi...
2021-06-1149 min
The Rom Com RewriteLong ShotLisa 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 thi...
2021-05-1449 min
The Rom Com RewriteFailure To LaunchLisa and Charles Adrian stumble upon a real fixer-upper in this week's film, Failure To Launch. Year: 2006 Writers: Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember Director: Tom Dey Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper, Terry Bradshaw, Kathy Bates, Tyrel Jackson Williams Show notes: Note: We record these episodes over the internet and the sound quality in this episode is not always perfect. Our apologies. This time round, we congratulate the filmmakers of Fail...
2021-04-1641 min
The Rom Com RewriteTo All The Boys I've Loved BeforeLisa and Charles Adrian get into the Netflix-produced modern classic To All The Boys I've Loved Before. Year: 2018 Writer: Sofia Alvarez Based on the novel by: Jenny Han Director: Susan Johnson Stars: Lara Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Andrew Bachelor, Trezzo Mahoro, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranac, Israel Broussard, John Corbett Show notes: In this episode we get lost in the weeds of our synopsis, sail through the meet-cute, obstacles and happy ending, and land on the one thi...
2021-03-1245 min
Page One2021 UpdateWhile Page One continues its ever-extending mid-season break, Charles Adrian has popped back onto the mic to let listeners know about a podcast he is making with Lisa Findley called The Rom Com Rewrite. Rom com fans everywhere can find it on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/4D3CW2TnT1tIRorlbqp2kF) and Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-rom-com-rewrite/id1551541870). Incidentally, you can find a description of the seven major beats of rom com writing here: https://www.well-storied.com/blog/anatomy-of-a-romantic-comedy-seven-essential-story-beats Also, while he’s here, Char...
2021-03-1204 min
The Rom Com Rewrite10 Things I Hate About YouLisa and Charles Adrian kick off The Rom Com Rewrite in time for Valentines Day by talking about the (now) classic rom com 10 Things I Hate About You. Year: 1999 Writers: Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith Director: Gil Junger Stars: Heath Ledger, Julia Styles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Larisa Oleynik (also mentioned in this episode: David Krumholtz, Susan May Pratt and Gabrielle Union) Show notes: In this episode, we give a synopsis of the film 10 Things I Hate About You (and a synopsis of that s...
2021-02-1255 min
The Rom Com RewriteFeed testSearching for Mx Right! Lisa and Charles Adrian LOVE rom coms but they have some suggestions. In each episode, they choose a film, take it lovingly apart and put it back together better. Warning: this podcast is all spoilers all the time! The Rom Com Rewrite is a new podcast from Lisa Findley and Charles Adrian.
2021-01-3100 min
Page One139 - Lisa FindleyJoining Charles Adrian for the 113th Second-Hand Book Factory is writer, reader, traveller and compulsive singer Lisa Findley. They talk about the throw and catch of friendship, telling by not telling, and a runaway best-seller. There is also mention of a shower of related writers, including Ann Patchett, Alice Munro, Claire Messud and Hilary Mantell. Stand-Up Tragedy, which is mentioned towards the beginning of the episode, is a storytelling and performance night hosted by Dave Pickering. More information about the night is at http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk/ Episode image is a detail from the...
2017-08-2219 min