Romantic Comedy

The story involves Jason (Moore) and Phoebe (Steenburgen) as a couple of Broadway playwrights who collaborate on some hits and a few misses, while trying to overlook the fact that they have fallen in love at first sight. The following dialog i really liked and I really had my hopes up for this being an interesting film. He interviews her for potential partnership. Jason: "I have some questions Ms. Craddock do plan on getting married?

Phoebe: Eventually

Jason: That's not good enough.

Phoebe: I'm sorry I didn't know this was an exam.

Jason: The point is I don't wan't to invest in a partnership and then suddenly have you get the urge to become a nursing mother.

Phoebe: I see.

Jason: No you don't! You don't know a damn thing about the Theatre! The working conditions are intolerable the people you have to deal with are ego-centric maniacs and its filled with rejections on every level. When you're writing comedy the opposite of success isn't failure it's embarrassment and it's very public Ms.Craddock, they write HEADLINES".

Rooted firmly in the early-1980's comedy mindset of "divorce plus adultery plus Dudley Moore equals entertainment," The two leads spark little chemistry together, Romantic Comedy is neither romantic nor comedic, but I give it 5 out of 10 only because Dudly Moore and Mary Steenburgen ARE good actors and fun to watch despite the weak plot.

Famous New York playwright Jason (Dudley Moore) is getting married to Allison (Janet Eilber). His longtime writing partner left him for L. A. His agent Blanche Dailey (Frances Sternhagen) recruits school teacher Phoebe Craddock (Mary Steenburgen) to be his new writing partner. The first meeting starts off with an embarrassing naked misunderstanding.

This open with a fun sitcom awkward meet-cute premise. It's a good start. I love both Moore and Steenburgen. I am eager to see their chemistry together. Suddenly, the story skips months and goes right to opening night. It skips over the important initial months of the connection. It's missing the set up to their lifelong relationship. It's also indicative of a constant skipping over sections of their relationship. It yadayadas some life transitions. This kind of jumping leaves the relationship a bit disjointed. It needs to flow better. I still like the two of them and this has some good sections. This could have been better.

I've never quite understood why this movie has so bad a reputation. It's not Tracy and Hepburn, to be sure, but I found Dudley Moore a lot more likable in this than I usually do and Mary Steenburgen is great, I think. It should appeal to those who like Neil Simon and movies set in the Manhattan theatre world. There's some funny stuff here and there and I thought the characters were agreeable. 'Romantic Comedy' is certainly no classic for the ages but I think that people who enjoy the genre in the title should like it.

Proven playwright, Jason (Dudley Moore), meets his new writing partner, Phoebe (Mary Steenburgen), on the day of his marriage. He is bombastic, she is soft-spoken. He is confident in his abilities, she is anxious to prove herself. It is a work relationship that proves to be a blessing for each of them, over the years, but their personal relationship is never truly defined.

Adapted from a play, "Romantic Comedy" is a rom-com that feels like a Neil Simon story. Plus it takes place in New York City. It also features the music of Marvin Hamlisch, which gives it a familiar feeling.

Don't expect the conventional romantic wrap-up, where everyone's feelings are neatly tucked into a perfect ending. But it still feels Simonesque, which is not a bad thing.

I found this movie light and entertaining. I really don't understand why it was abused by the critics. The perfect Dudley Moore vehicle, consisting of comedy in an all too real and serious romantic life situation. NO... it's not an Oscar winner, but it certainly doesn't deserve the bad rating originally heap on it. If you are looking for a true Romantic Comedy... this is the movie you are looking for. It doesn't require that you think and worry about every twist and turn, but does bring true laughter and entertainment into your home.