There was a clever structure to "Isn't It Romantic," as the lead character Natalie finds herself in what she describes as a romantic "Matrix." Natalie begins by expressing her contempt for the romantic comedies. But after a mugging in the New York subway, Natalie's induced coma allows her to inhabit a parallel universe inside a Rom-Com film.
The film opens with the young version of Natalie enthralled by Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman," and, as the film proceeds, there are self-conscious references to other famous romantic comedies. The plot is often silly with Natalie facing a lack of self-confidence both in the workplace and on the romantic front. But the "Matrix"-like experience opens her to new possibilities that begin with self-love.
This familiar message was made palatable by a dynamic set of characters, including a co-worker, Josh, with whom Natalie is secretly in love. Of course, Josh will figure prominently in the dream sequence, as well as a handsome tycoon who takes a passing interest in Natalie. But the character who constantly steals scenes is the neighbor Donny in Natalie's apartment complex. He assumes the role of the stereotypical gay male friend of the Rom-Com leading lady.
There was a nice touch from the director in the musical numbers, as well as occasional slapstick with the pratfalls. But the show mainly rests on Rebel Wilson's performance as Natalie. She has a lovely presence and beautiful smile, but did not always handle the comic dialogue skillfully. The end result, though it had some charm, was that "Isn't It Romantic" was rather bland as a romantic comedy.
The film opens with the young version of Natalie enthralled by Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman," and, as the film proceeds, there are self-conscious references to other famous romantic comedies. The plot is often silly with Natalie facing a lack of self-confidence both in the workplace and on the romantic front. But the "Matrix"-like experience opens her to new possibilities that begin with self-love.
This familiar message was made palatable by a dynamic set of characters, including a co-worker, Josh, with whom Natalie is secretly in love. Of course, Josh will figure prominently in the dream sequence, as well as a handsome tycoon who takes a passing interest in Natalie. But the character who constantly steals scenes is the neighbor Donny in Natalie's apartment complex. He assumes the role of the stereotypical gay male friend of the Rom-Com leading lady.
There was a nice touch from the director in the musical numbers, as well as occasional slapstick with the pratfalls. But the show mainly rests on Rebel Wilson's performance as Natalie. She has a lovely presence and beautiful smile, but did not always handle the comic dialogue skillfully. The end result, though it had some charm, was that "Isn't It Romantic" was rather bland as a romantic comedy.