Uma Comédia Romântica

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.

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.

Romantic Comedy held all the earmarks of being a moving, heart-wrenching romantic drama. There was one scene in particular that was so well done, I felt certain that I'd be reaching for the Kleenex box. However, the way it ended (no spoilers here, don't worry) and the increasingly unlikable character of Dudley Moore made for a pretty unpleasant viewing experience. The acting of Dudley and Mary Steenburgen was very good, especially in the dramatic scenes. She wore some very sweet and tender expressions, and he radiated self-loathing and sabotage. If you felt When Harry Met Sally was too cutesy and needed more dramatic realism, this precursor will be a good fit for you.

In my favorite scene, Dudley's wife, Janet Eilber, tells him she needs to have a discussion about their future. He naturally thinks they're going to split up, and he all but confesses his feelings for Mary (who has all but confessed hers). Instead, Janet announces she's pregnant. Dudley's facial expressions are perfect. He knows he has about five seconds in which to decide whether to leave Janet or stay. He knows his life is completely over, for if he leaves her, he'll be tied to her forever and carry the guilt of abandoning his child. Instead, he's stuck in a loveless marriage with massive incompatibility. Whatever budding feelings he had for Mary need to be squelched, and he needs to make this moment a happy one for his wife. All that is communicated to the camera in five seconds, and it truly breaks your heart when he embraces her.

This movie really was a precursor to When Harry Met Sally. Two people have a great relationship but are destined to just be friends, even though there's obvious love beneath the surface. Years and years pass, and they remain in each other's lives through thick and thin. The difference is the comedic tone of Nora Ephron's script. This version has no pair of friends who are funnier and more likable, and there isn't the overall lightness of the leads' exchanges. This one is heavy, and Mary carries a lot of pain throughout the years she spends with Dudley. If you like her, you won't want to miss this one - even if you don't end up liking it.

I watched this today b/c of two reasons... mary steenburgen and dudley moore. I have liked both of them for years and as this is the first time i was aware of this movie i had to see how they were together. Well they had good believable chemistry but the problems i did have with the movie was it felt rushed and also the way some scenes would go from one to another with the flip screen effect... guessing that is what it is called seemed like a trick a sitcom would use. I felt like the strongest scenes was when dudley or mary would show their dramatic side... as for the comedy some jokes were better than others. I feel like they did the best with the weak script that was handed to them. Also such a weak title for a movie.

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.