Isn’t It Romantic (2019) Review
“Isn’t It Romantic” playfully satirizes the romantic comedy genre, humorously highlighting common tropes. The movie stars Rebel Wilson, Adam DeVine, Liam Hemsworth, and Priyanka Chopra, with a notable cameo by Jennifer Saunders.
The story follows Natalie, played by Wilson, an Australian architect in New York whose childhood love for romantic comedies has turned into cynicism. Convinced that happy endings are not for women like her, she excels at her job but is often pushed around, harboring low self-esteem masked by sarcastic remarks. Her best friend Josh, portrayed by DeVine, clearly has romantic feelings for her, but her cynicism blinds her to this.
After a mugging incident leads to her hitting her head on a metal pillar, Natalie wakes up in an idealized world where everything is perfect. Men notice her, her apartment is lavish, and her once dismissive client Blake (Hemsworth) is now courting her aggressively. Initially confused and amazed by the transformation, Natalie navigates this new reality, slowly coming to significant realizations about herself, love, and the unnoticed romantic gestures in everyday life.
The film is filled with humor as Natalie tries to adapt, becoming the star architect at her firm and building a new connection with Josh. Like many romantic comedies, she faces the classic trope of stopping a wedding and understanding true love.
“Isn’t It Romantic” is both fun and humorous, embracing and mocking rom-com conventions while valuing the genre itself. The movie references several Julia Roberts classics like “Pretty Woman,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and “Runaway Bride.” Rebel Wilson shines as the relatable lead, delivering moments of genuine hilarity, though the writing sometimes feels uneven.
Despite this, it stands out as a delightful addition to romantic comedies, especially for fans of meta-narratives and satires. If you enjoy films like “Clueless,” “Lost in Austen,” or “Ella Enchanted,” then “Isn’t It Romantic” is a must-watch.
Content Note: The film is rated PG-13 for language, some sexual material, and innuendos, with a brief reference to drugs.
“Isn’t It Romantic” is currently in theaters in North America and available on Netflix internationally.
