The changes in the rom-com industry since the early 2000s.
Growing up, I loved watching all teen romance comedy movies. From “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003) to “Bride Wars” (2009), the nostalgia never ends. The essence that teen romance movies used to capture has been lacking in recent films. Nowadays, movie productions try to capture the same energy as the iconic movies of the early 2000s. However, for viewers, it’s just not the same. I believe that the recent changes in how movies depict love have everything to do with it, from the flow of the film to the expression of love and the contrast between them. Teen romance movies made fortunes around the early 2000s. Blockbuster hits became a sort of phenomenon of the rom-com era, with almost every new production breaking sales charts more than ever before.
The films of the early 2000s blended humor, charm, and relatability to viewers. Some say that the 2000s even shaped the genre as a whole. “13 Going on 30” (2004) is another prime example of a hit 2000s rom-com movie. The film utilized quirky moments of the main actors, emphasizing a sense of humanity.
These films not only tug the heartstrings of viewers, but they also establish the ideologies we continue to seek in love. I believe the most pivotal reason for the 2000s’ undeniable appeal to viewers is its sense of authenticity and reliability. These films shared what some would say is a “false reality of love” while also incorporating elements that made the love expressed seem attainable in real life, making a connection for viewers that current films are not achieving.
While changes have been made through the progression of the rom-com industry, the early 2000s productions remain timeless in their cultural significance and appeal. Today’s films feel different…that once whimsical feel has turned into reality shocks.
Can any new romcoms test the astonishment of the early 2000s films?