So many of the greatest romcoms take place in NYC, where the gorgeous lead works in some cute office writing an article or editing a magazine cover. Her apartment is probably too big for just one person and it makes you wonder how she can afford it, but rent in NYC is never addressed (and it probably has a fire escape that she'll use to call out to her lover after some sort of fight). Well its time for our city, Toronto, to get some love! Here is a list of romantic comedies that were filmed in Toronto...
The F Word
Prime Video
The F Word (2013), also known as What If? is a romantic comedy that follows Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), an unsocial medical school dropout who lives in the city with his sister and nephew. Persuaded by his best friend Allan (Adam Driver) to go to a party, he meets Allan’s cousin Chantry (Zoe Kazan). They have an obvious connection, but because Chantry is already in a relationship, they decide to stay as friends. So obviously things get complicated between the two as Wallace can’t deny his growing feelings. Overall, the film is pretty cute, nothing too romantically crazy that the main couples will forever remain in my mind. Personally, I found Chantry to be kind of a boring character. Wallace is way more entertaining to watch. He is the only thing that makes their relationship cute. The film was kinda funny, mainly due to the interactions between the BFFs Wallace and Allan. Since they aren't constantly together throughout the movie, the movie isn't constantly funny. I preferred seeing their bond on screen rather than the couples, they are just way more interesting and entertaining. Megan Park's character, Dalia, also brings in a couple chuckles. If you’re a fan of any of the actors/actresses in the film, I definitely recommend it because it is a pretty odd and fun movie. If you’re into slow burn romances and the awkwardness of an introverted couple, then go ahead and add this to your watch list!
- Thalia
Hairspray
Netflix
Hairspray (2007) is a fun romp that I always love to return to whenever I need a pick-me-up. It is sweet and heartfelt and the songs are all jams. This film takes place in 1960’s Baltimore. A plus sized young girl named Tracy (Nikki Blonsky) dreams of being a dancer on the The Corny Collins Show. At first she is rejected for her size, but after befriending an African American boy named Seaweed (Elijah Kelley) she gets a chance to try again. Seaweed helps Tracy get Corny's attention at the school dance and she becomes an immediate hit. This film deals with another issue that was very prominent in the sixties, segregation with Seaweed, his mother Motormouth Maybelle (Queen Latifah) and sister Little Inez (Taylor Parks) at the centre of the discrimination the film decided to focus on. I’m in no place to comment on how well or poorly this musical covers these sensitive topics, but believe it's worth mentioning for anyone who hasn’t seen the musical. Otherwise, I am aware musicals are not everyone’s cup of tea. However if you don’t mind some suspension of disbelief I think this film works even for those who aren’t as big of fans of bursting randomly into songs. By this I mean, that at least some songs are at least somewhat supported narratively in terms of being realistic. I think the characters are lovely and the 3 romance subplots are all sweet in their own distinct ways. If you’re trying to spot Toronto in this film, it’s all Toronto! Most of it is filmed on set but the street scenes are filmed on the intersection of Dundas Street West and Roncesvalles Avenue. You can even spot a TTC streetcar in the opening number.
- Stacy
Chicago
Prime Video
Blended together crime, romance, and musical by director Rob Marshall, Chicago (2002) is about two murderesses competing for fame in order to get off of death penalty. What I like about this film is that it uses music to fit into the film’s context, which is extremely difficult to do since musical normally symbolizes glee and amusement as oppose to the film’s heavy plot about court trials and death penalty; Marshall is able to pull that off by combining these two contrasting matters, a lot of times we can hear dialogues being sung by characters as if those dialogues do not need to be taken seriously. Although Chicago (2002) is labelled as a romantic film, I do not see a lot of romantic elements besides the use of twisted love stories that set up the premise (Roxie and Velma killing their partners). The unconventional approach Marshall took into this film won this film a lot of awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, and it also brought in a trend of musical films with its success. Overall, Chicago (2002) is a great two-hour entertainment if you are into fun films and want to just chill at home.
- Jake
Take This Waltz
Prime Video with STARZ
Take This Waltz (2011) is about a woman named Margot who is falling out of love with her husband Lou, and is falling in love with her neighbour Daniel. In telling this story, the film is frustratingly unfocused. It doesn’t know how it wants its characters to be and so the world the film presents feels uneasy and unsure. For example, character personalities often conflict with themselves. Lou is lovely and sweet with Margot one minute, and yet feels cold and impatient moments later. Another example of this unfocused-ness is the surprising and unlikely ways that characters relate e.g., as in Daniel’s stalkerish and creepy behaviour being oddly met with warm welcome from Margot. These sorts of intra-contradictions contribute to the hazy feeling of the movie. This haziness is reminiscent of the familiar yet alien feeling of dreams. Despite this dreamlike haze (or in addition to it, if it sounds like something that you would dig), the film is extraordinarily pretty and is a joy to look at. But, for me, the uncomfortable feeling of being in an aimless fog makes the film feel too confused to enjoy. Michelle Williams is Margot; Seth Rogen is Lou; Luke Kirby is Daniel. Directed by Sarah Polley.
- Gabe
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Criterion on Demand
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) is one wild ride. Originally written as a series of comics, this adaptation combines the whole series into one fantastic film. The film is Canadian through and through. Set in Toronto, written by a Canadian (Bryan Lee O'Malley) and filmed in Toronto. The film follows a young man named Scott (Michael Cera) who’s a bit of a loser. After some fantastical hijinks, Scott dumps his young girlfriend Knives (Ellen Wong) to pursue another woman, Romona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). However, attaining Romona isn’t so easy as there is a legion of ex-boyfriends who wish to see Scott dead (in a comic book sort of way). This film is great. I love the editing, the comic like effects and quick cuts make this film endlessly entertaining and fast paced. Scott isn’t my favourite protagonist, but that is kind of the point. Throughout the film Scott slowly but surely grows as a person and becomes not as bad as he was at the start. I would recommend this film to rom com lovers and haters alike. There is romance, miscommunications and yearning. However, it doesn’t take centre stage and there is plenty of action and comedy. This film requires quite a bit of suspension of disbelief. However from the get go the film lets the audience know what to expect from this silly film.
- Stacy
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Netflix
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) is about Andie Anderson and Benjamin Barry, who start dating each other for personal gain. Benjamin, an advertising executive, wants to take control of an ad campaign for diamonds and needs to make Andie fall in love with him to do so. Andie, a writer for the fictional magazine Composure, is writing an article on how to lose a guy in 10 days, and so dates and tries to drive away Benjamin for research. We know the entirety of the film in its first 15 minutes, which can be both a good and bad thing. It is comfortable to watch a cliché story play out, we don’t have to work to enjoy the film, and can be lazy in our viewing. But, in exchange the film doesn’t thrill us with anything new. Unfortunately, in this movie, being predictable is entirely bad. We don’t get the instant pleasure of a trite story because, instead of choosing endearing clichés, the film chooses the most irritating ones (romance predicated on a bet, a dramatic breakup before getting back together etc.). Andie’s behaviour is also irritating; she is not only trying to Benjamin, but she is trying to the audience as well. And Benjamin is no more compelling than this. He is such a nothing character that I had no interest in him whatsoever. And so, unless you hate Matthew McConaughey (Benjamin), and want to see him suffer at the hands of Kate Hudson (Andie), SKIP THIS MOVIE! The plot is predictable, the humour is unfunny, and the characters are either irritating or bland. Directed by Donald Petrie.
- Gabe
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