Priyanka Chopra and Rebel Wilson starrer Isn't it Romantic has hit the theatres today (February 13) and theaters Thursday, and is receiving a modest reaction from critics. The film, which also stars Liam Hemsworth and Adam Devine in the key roles, will stream exclusively on Netflix India on February 28 this year for the rest of the world to watch. Helmed by Todd Strauss-Schulson and written by Erin Cardillo, Dana Fox, and Katie Silberman, the film revolves around the life of Natalie (Rebel Wilson), an architect who is disenchanted with love and thinks romantic comedies "are lies set to terrible pop songs." But however, things change after she is hit by a pole and wakes up to discover that her life has become a romantic comedy, with her as a leading lady. Priyanka Chopra Posts THIS Cute Message For ‘Isn’t It Romantic’ Co-star Liam Hemsworth Praising Miley Cyrus
The film is bankrolled by Todd Garner, Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo. While the first reviews have surfaced for Isn't it Romantic, let's see what the critics have to say about the film. Take a Look!
IndieWire: Every trope, twist, and trick of the genre is up for skewering in the comedy, but the film keeps things light and smart, never dipping into darkness or crass jokes. It’s funny because it’s clever, but it’s also never cruel. The film’s final message is, in keeping with the very genre it’s sending up, a bit of a cheesy one, delivered in classic rom-com fashion. But it’s also a worthy lesson about love and respect, the kind that both the movies and real life itself could stand to embrace more often, even with a knowing wink.
The Guardian: It’s an invested, detailed world-building, the kind one would expect from a sci-fi offering. What’s surprisingly impressive about the film is just how much effort is put into the intricate new world. Earlier scenes, in real New York, are drab, muted and easily recognisable for anyone actually living in New York while her romcom universe is carefully, extravagantly designed with bright, vibrant colours. Also, the film faces a stumble, the thin jumble of a narrative not always meeting the high standard set by the film’s sleek new world and while some cliches are acutely observed, others feel less well-picked, an inconsistent script that feels a few drafts away from something far sharper.
Variety: Isn’t It Romantic would have been the reverse of Enchanted, wherein a Disney princess tried to adapt to the harsh reality of New York City — only here, a hardened cynic tries to wrap her head around a flash-sanitized version of the Big Apple, where someone has magically erased Manhattan’s distinctive rotting-garbage stench, and replaced the liquor stores and check-cashing joints in her neighborhood with cupcake cafés and bridal shops. Though the premise differs from last year’s “I Feel Pretty,” the tone will feel familiar to those who caught Amy Schumer’s body-image comedy — and again, we’re left with the depressing realization that it somehow constitutes a radical act in Hollywood to feature shapely women as romantic comedy leads.
Chicago Tribune: Isn’t It Romantic gets by, barely, on its apparently inexhaustible comic premise, and on Rebel Wilson’s stand-back-world-get-offa-my-runway comic chops. It’s one of those “adorable concussion” movies. But there’s not much kick to “Isn’t It Romantic,” even after it goes over the rainbow. It gets by, and commercially it may well be a modest hit — but has more to do with Valentine’s Day timing than the film itself.
SCREENRANT: Isn't It Romantic is perfect for romantic comedy lovers, particularly those who watched the classics growing up. It's perhaps a bold move to release an atypical rom-com just before Valentine's Day, but Isn't It Romantic will likely be just as fun of a watch for couples as for singles and groups of friends. Ultimately, Isn't It Romantic is a fun and modern romantic comedy that continues the genre's revival with an altogether delightful sendup to its tropes and conventions while staying true to what's most important - the film's message of love. Stay tuned to this space for further updates.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 13, 2019 09:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).