One Day in hell (and seven decent romantic comedies)

Much of the criticism leveled towards One Day (Lone Scherfig) has been regarding the vocal talents of Anne Hathaway.  Whilst it is true that her accent is somewhat all over the place, her voice is not the only reason to dislike this movie.  

The central premise of the film is that we follow a relationship between Emma (Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) on the same date each year, from 1988 to the present day.  Ignoring the fact that the long form relationship is hardly a new idea in movies (When Harry met Sally, A lot like love, The Notebook), One Day tackles this idea in a fairly dull and pedestrian fashion, offering little that is exciting or innovative.   

The fundamental flaw of movie is that Dexter is such an unsympathetic and loathsome character.  His attitude towards his ill Mother puts him beyond redemption quite early in the film.  From then on, it is very hard to care what happens to him or to sympathise with him in any way.  In contrast, it is possible to have a little empathy with Emma, albeit because she seems to be in love with detestable Dexter.  

Some of the previous movies that have trod this path of long-form romance, have used nostalgia or real events to great effect.  Remember the blend of music and history in Forest Gump?  Watching One Day, you could be forgiven for thinking that the only thing of note to happen in the past two decades was the rise of trash television.  Given the period it spans, this is a real wasted opportunity. 

It was about the time the movie reached 1995 that I longed for another fictitious Dexter to appear and do us all a favor.

Here are seven romantic comedies that are just better...

Better concept.

Better nostalgia

Better romance.

Better music.

Better restaurant scene.

Better tennis.

Better climax.