Rom Com Weekly

“My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I *am* the President!” To wrap up our season 3, Frank returns to talk about the Aaron Sorkin penned film starring Michael Douglas and Annette Bening, The American President (1995).

As a self-professed fan of Sorkin, this film has special importance to me. Prepare yourself for a lot of The West Wing references and callbacks. We talk about liberal fantasy, the chemistry between the two leads, and Frank talks about needing to be in a certain mood to appreciate this film’s idealism.

What would you rate this movie on a scale from 1 to 10?

TW: this episode was recorded before the mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. There are mentions of gun control throughout the episode.

“He is the cheese to my macaroni.” This week, my friend Jess is back to dive into Elliot Page’s coming of age film, Juno (2007).

We talk about how our relationship with this delightful film has changed as we’ve gotten older. We revel in the uniqueness of the story and its characters, Jess shares her hot take on Jason Bateman, and we agree on who the MVP is of the movie. 

This week, my friend Valerie returns to talk about the ensemble rom-com, He’s Just Not That Into You (2009).

With such a star-studded cast, we break down each couple’s journey one by one. Val helps me see a different perspective for one of the film’s couples and we talk about getting relationship advice from the opposite sex.

This week, my friend Justin is back on the podcast to talk about the Queen Latifah and Common rom-com, Just Wright (2010).

We talk about how Queen Latifah owns this movie and I wonder if Common plays a believable NBA player. We talk about when to show your true self during a relationship and we ponder about marshmallow treats and fan clubs.

This week, my friend Jon S returns to talk about the star-studded film, Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011).

We talk about soulmates, masculinity, male friendships, and the special chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. We talk about different types of love among the characters and how the surprise “twist” is what makes this movie stand apart from other rom-coms. 

This week, my friend Whitney returns to dive into the Tom Hanks directed film, That Thing You Do! (1996).

Catchy, wholesome, and plain fun, Whitney and I talk about this highly rewatchable movie from our pre-teen years. We talk about our love for The Wonders, share which member of the band we think we are, dive deep in the movie’s trivia, and realize that we both have a soft spot in our hearts for movies that we think have flown under the radar. 

“Am I a bet?!” This week, my friend Nirupa returns to chat about the teen rom-com classic starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Freddie Prinze Jr., She’s All That (1999).

We walk down memory lane and reminisce about this fun and formative movie from our own high school years. We talk about the amazingly stacked supporting cast, The Real World, and briefly chat about the gender-swapped remake, He’s All That (2021).

We're back with season 3! To kick us off, Frank and I dive into Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson’s new film, Marry Me.

This movie pleasantly surprised us both on many levels. I’m so happy JLo is back making rom-coms. Frank found many layers to this seemingly breezy rom-com and isn't afraid to claim that this is the best movie of 2022. 

To wrap up our season 2, my friend Jon S joins me to do our first redux of a film that’s been previously discussed on the pod, Crazy Rich Asians (2018).

Jon thinks we (Frank and I) did a disservice in our initial conversation, so he’s here to set the record straight. We do a very deep dive and talk about the many layers this film has, from family dynamics, to the cultural impact this movie has, and to my continued desire to see more Asian American men sexualized on screen. 

“I’m not Josie Grossie anymore!” This week, my friend Vivian returns to the podcast to discuss the Drew Barrymore classic, Never Been Kissed (1999).

Despite the obvious and problematic dynamic between Josie and Sam Coulson, we talk about the awkwardness of the high school experience and how relatable and likable Josie Geller is. We reminisce about how Michael Vartan was so dreamy and we share what our hopes and dreams were when we were 17.

This week, my brother Michael returns to the podcast to dive into Vanessa Hudgens’ Netflix holiday rom-com, The Princess Switch (2018).

We talk about how nonsensical but fun this film is, Michael shares his deep love for Vanessa Hudgens, I have a bone to pick with mistletoe in films, and we talk about what defines a holiday classic.

This week, my friend Valerie returns to the podcast to rewatch and dive into the holiday classic, The Family Stone (2005).

We talk about how much we love the warm and chaotic family vibes of the movie, I confess that I’m unsure about the rollercoaster of emotions this film takes me on, and we agree the partner swap is utterly bizarre and that Brad is one of the best parts of the movie.

This week, Frank returns to the podcast to talk about one of the latest Netflix holiday rom-coms, Love Hard (2021).

We talk about unrealistic expectations and the emotional challenges that come with just trying to be yourself. Frank relates to some of the struggles of being an Asian American man dating online, and I ask the important question, "is Die Hard a holiday movie?"

This week, my friend Whitney joins me to talk about the Bonnie Hunt directed film, starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver, Return to Me (2000).

We bond over how much we love this feel-good and wholesome movie, Whitney throws down for her love for David Duchovny, and we wonder why this film has flown under the radar for so long.

This week, my friend Ming is back on the podcast to talk about the second highest grossing rom-com of all time, What Women Want (2000).

We wonder if we would want to have the super power of hearing what other people think, we agree that Mel Gibson surprised us in this role, and we genuinely wonder why this movie did so well at the box office 20 plus years ago.

We’re back with season two of Rom Com Weekly!

To kick us off, my dear friends Jess and Viv join me to talk about the film, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005).

While the film is not a rom-com in the traditional sense, I wanted to discuss a specific type of love, the deep bonds of friendship. We talk about our memories of being 16 and we wonder if friends who are so different can remain friends for life. And tune in to find out who among us is rooting for Lena and Kostas.  

(PS, please beware of spoilers about the general storyline of the complete series.)

Hi friends! Hopping on here to share a brief update with you all. 

I'd love to hear from you - whether it be suggestions on how I can improve the podcast, movie suggestions, or if you just wanna drop a line. DM me on Instagram at @romcomweekly, or email me at romcomweekly@gmail.com. 

Thanks so much for tuning in for 52 episodes! I'll talk to you all soon. 

This week, my friend Val returns to the podcast to talk about the final installment of the Netflix film series, To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021).

We say a bittersweet farewell to the always endearing Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky. We talk about how growing up is a hard journey and that making difficult decisions is a part of adulthood. We dive into the portrayal of NYC in this film, what LJ and PK's future holds, and I double down on my love for the character of Lara Jean.

This week, my friend Justin returns to the podcast to talk about the Korean rom-com classic, My Sassy Girl (2001).

Despite the toxic relationship between the main characters, we can't deny how much fun this movie is. We talk about chivalry vs sexism and cultural differences in romantic relationships. We wonder why this movie resonated with audiences so much and crossed over, to the point where there are multiple remakes of this original film.

This week, my friend Monica returns to the podcast to talk about the Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor film, Down with Love (2003).

We attempt to unpack the meaning behind the phrase 'down with love,' while longing for the glamorous era of NYC in the '60s. We talk about this being a fun rom-com with a surprising twist, and wonder if it's hard to root for characters who don't have many redeeming qualities.

This week, my husband Frank returns to the podcast to chat about the Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany film, Wimbledon (2004).

As Wimbledon in real life has begun, and with Frank being an avid tennis fan, we thought it'd be appropriate to revisit the only rom-com about tennis. Frank geeks out over tennis, we talk about superstitions and the internal dialogue athletes have in moments of pressure, and we wonder if a tennis rom-com is too niche for the general public to appreciate.

This week, my friend Peter joins me to talk about the third and last Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler collaboration, Blended (2014).

While Peter throws down for his love of this movie, I admit that this isn't a highly rewatched film for me. We talk about dad jokes, the heavy theme of family, and again, the brilliance that is Adam Sandler and how much his real life likability translates to his onscreen likability.

PS, spoiler alert - our conversation mentions Minari here and there, so beware for spoilers (0:32). 

This week, my friend Howard joins me to talk about the second Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore collaboration, 50 First Dates (2004).

It has a wildly unrealistic plot, but it's also incredibly charming, heartwarming, and sweet. Howard shares the big role Adam Sandler had in his youth, we talk about how Adam Sandler is really living the dream by playing basketball and working with his friends, and I share why Drew Barrymore wins this movie for me, with Sean Astin coming in as a very close second. 

We're kicking off three weeks of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler!

This week, my brother Michael returns to the podcast to talk about the first Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore collaboration, The Wedding Singer (1998).

We dive into our love for the '80s and all their fabulous glory, the concept of growing old with your person, and we break down Adam Sandler's approach to Hollywood and his career so far. 

This week, my friend Jon S returns to dive into the Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher film, No Strings Attached (2011).

Since Jon and I previously talked about Friends With Benefits (2011), we felt it was necessary to revisit this movie as well. We each stand by the film that we respectively like, we take note that Natalie Portman essentially carries this movie and how stellar the supporting cast is, and we reminisce about mix CDs and the old days of printing out MapQuest directions.

This week, my friend Nirupa joins me to talk about the Katherine Heigl film, 27 Dresses (2008).

We reminisce about the few times we've been bridesmaids, we talk about how James Marsden really needs to be in more rom-coms, my journey of being a people pleaser, and we show some love to Judy Greer, the MVP of most rom-coms.

"As if!" This week, my friend Cat returns to the podcast to talk about the iconic '90s teen film, Clueless (1995). 

This movie is easily one of the most quotable and quintessential movies from our youth. Cat and I reminisce about how important this film was to our adolescence and how it helps us remember "the good old days." We bond over wanting to be Cher when we were pre-teens, and agree that this movie was ahead of its time in many ways. Now, almost 26 years later, we're back on the hunt for fluffy pens and black spaghetti strap tank tops to wear over our white t-shirts.

This week, my husband Frank returns to talk about the Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon film, Fever Pitch (2005).

While neither of us are Boston Red Sox fans, this movie holds a unique and special place in my heart. We talk about sacrifice and sports fanaticism, which eventually turns into Frank sharing the lengths he's gone through to support his favorite athlete.

This week, my friend Vivian is back to talk about the Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey classic, The Wedding Planner (2001).

We agree that this movie belongs to the powerhouse that is J.Lo. We reminisce about how this movie has a special place in our hearts, how much we miss attending weddings, and Viv shares her visions for her dream wedding.

"Break my heart into a thousand pieces, Covey." This week, my friend Valerie returns to the podcast to dive into the Netflix sequel, To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020).

I admit it's hard to not be Team John Ambrose. We talk about time capsules and how the reconciliation between Lara Jean and Gen is a storyline I didn't realize I needed. Val and I fully lean into the tender and innocent characters in this trilogy and acknowledge that we miss seeing more of Peter Kavinsky on screen.

"What, like it's hard?" This week, my friend Jessie returns to chat about the iconic Reese Witherspoon film, Legally Blonde (2001).

We talk about how seminal of a character Elle Woods is, and how amazing Witherspoon is in bringing the character to life. We dive into stereotypes and beauty vs. smarts. We break down the idea of the 'bend and snap,' and I ask Jessie what can turn a bad day into a better day.

This week, my husband Frank is back on the pod to talk about the Netflix original rom-com starring Joey King and Jacob Elordi, The Kissing Booth (2018).

As ridiculous as this movie is, we can't help but wonder, who is this movie made for? We realize that Noah Flynn is a difficult character to root for, we break down the WTF scenarios of a kissing booth, and I ask Frank if he would have been a willing participant at a kissing booth when he was 16.

In light of the Atlanta shootings last week, I wanted to share a few personal thoughts and feelings as I attempt to process everything as an Asian American woman. 

If you need someone to talk to, feel free to DM me at @romcomweekly. You're not alone. 

This week, my friend Lucy is back to talk about the Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen film, Long Shot (2019).

While this film delivers on the laughs, we agree it's an outrageous one that is perfect for an escape. Charlize Theron can basically do no wrong and any kind of inclusion of Boyz II Men is a major plus in our book. I'm confronted with the fact that I should expand my television show watch list, and Lucy shares her affections for Alexander Skarsgard.

This week, my friend Justin is back to talk about our first foreign language rom-com, Amelie (2001).

Despite being a fantastical film, this movie reminds us of what it means to be human and to slow down to observe the small things in life. We both agree that this beautifully stylized and dream-like film is so heartwarming and uplifting, and we each share the simple things we find small pleasures in our daily lives.

This week, my friend Jon S returns to the podcast as we chat about the Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake rom-com, Friends with Benefits (2011).

We agree that Mila and JT have believable chemistry that makes this movie entertaining and fun, but it's really the cameos that make this film a bit more special. We give a nod to the perennial debate between NYC vs LA, Jon throws down for his love and respect for Third Eye Blind, and I admit that I don't love it when rom-coms are too self-aware. 

"Our love fern! You let it die!" This week, my friend Rosanna is back as we do a deep dive into the Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey classic, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003).

We talk about love and deception and the important roles our friends play in romantic relationships. While this film has a laundry list of WTFs and problematic concepts, it's undeniable that Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey's chemistry make this film a charming and entertaining rewatch.

This week, my friend Ming returns to the podcast as we rewatch the third highest grossing rom-com of all time, the Will Smith blockbuster, Hitch (2005).

We dive into the concept of a "date doctor" vs "pick-up artist," and how being oneself is ultimately the way to win someone's heart. Ming shares how this film was informative for his early dating years, and we both agree that the winning relationship in this film is between the charming Will Smith and endearing Kevin James.

Rom Com Weekly is back, just in time for Valentine's Day!

This week, my friend Valerie returns to the podcast to chat about the Netflix favorite, To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018).

Val and I talk about the power in seeing Asian-American representation on screen and the courage it takes in writing down and confronting your feelings. We gush about how sweet and endearing these emotionally aware teenagers are, and I wonder, is Peter Kavinsky perfect?

Disclaimer, this episode was recorded before the release date announcement of the latest and final installment, To All the Boys: Always and Forever.

Happy New Year, everyone! My friend Tim joins me this week as we rewatch and dive into the holiday classic, Love Actually (2003).

With such a broad ensemble cast and multiple storylines, we’re changing up the format a bit. It’s a countdown from the LEAST valuable storyline, to the MOST valuable storyline.

We also talk about realism in rom-coms and needing to put disbelief aside. I share how this movie doesn't quite have the same impact as it did for me years ago, and Tim doubles down on his love for a certain storyline.

Warning: Game of Thrones spoilers alert at 56:00, so tune in at your own risk!

This Christmas week, my friend Vivian returns to the podcast to chat about the Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman holiday rom-com, While You Were Sleeping (1995).

While this wholesome movie is a highly rewatchable and beloved one for me, this movie fell a bit flat for Vivian. We wonder what makes a rom-com a good rom-com, how the theme of family is equally as important as the romance is in this film, Viv helps me realize how much I need to curate a specific Rom Com Weekly Spotify playlist, and we each reveal the one place we want to travel to - our "Florence." 

"Forgiveness, is more than saying sorry." This week, my brother Michael joins me as we rewatch and chat about the Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart film, Just Friends (2005).

While we both admit this isn’t necessarily a Christmas themed movie, we agree that the movie delivers on the laughs. We talk about the theme of the friend zone and how it's extremely relatable, how heartbreak can be a great motivator, and we essentially laugh our way through as we recall our favorite nuggets and one-liners from the film (disclaimer: there is spontaneous singing that occurs in this episode.) 

This week, my friend Evelyn returns to the podcast as we rewatch and dive into Nancy Meyers' cozy holiday rom-com, The Holiday (2006).

Evelyn humors me as I gush about my love for Jude Law as Graham - similar to Graham, "I'm a major weepah!!," we talk about solo traveling and discovering one's self-worth, whether Jack Black really belongs in this film, and I once again reiterate my plea to Nancy Meyers.

"I'd have to say April 25th - because it's not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket!" This week, my friend Valerie returns to the podcast as we rewatch and discuss the Sandra Bullock film, Miss Congeniality (2000).

This episode is basically a Sandy B love fest - she's perfect as the goofy and lovable Gracie Lou Freebush. We share our ideas of a "perfect date," we note that this movie is pretty light on the romance, and Val shares her adoration for the Miss USA pageant.

"I want you to want to do the dishes!" This week, my husband Frank returns to the podcast to discuss the Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn film, The Break-Up (2006).

We dive a bit deeper into what we think makes a relationship succeed and what it means to be emotionally available. We talk about communication and the importance of finding oneself. Frank reveals his kinship with socially awkward characters and I confess that I don't think this movie delivers that many laughs.

This week, my friend Rosanna joins me as we discuss the 2001 film, Heartbreakers.

Despite the fact that the main characters are low-key sociopaths, we talk about moms and daughters and heartbreak. I take note of how people handle heartbreak differently, Rosanna shares her love for espionage, and we discuss how much nostalgia adds weight in our love for films and music.

This week, my friend Lucy returns to the podcast as we rewatch and discuss the Gwyneth Paltrow film, Shakespeare in Love.

We talk about this film being a moment in time (Gwyneth, the '90s, that pink dress), we gush over Dame Judi Dench (who won the Oscar for this role, with only six minutes of on screen time!), I once again am confronted by my lack of Shakespeare knowledge, and despite the fact that this film won 7 Academy Awards, we question this film's popularity and rewatchability factor.

This week, my friend Vivian returns to the podcast to discuss the Julia Roberts classic, My Best Friend's Wedding.

We go down memory lane as we reminisce about this formative rom-com from our youth. Despite the realization that Julianne is a troublesome character, we talk about how amazing the cast is, we share our go-to karaoke songs, Viv doubles down on her love for the soundtrack, and I wonder if anyone actually makes marriage pacts.

"This is not a love story. This is a story about love." This week, my friend Justin returns to the podcast to talk about the Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel film, (500) Days of Summer.

We get up close and personal as we contemplate this introspective film. We discuss expectations vs. reality in love and heartbreak, I attempt to break down the concept of the 'manic pixie dream girl,' and Justin wonders how rom-coms have shaped us in how we approach and look at love. 

This week, my friend Ming joins me as we rewatch Ali Wong and Randall Park's film, Always Be My Maybe.

A rom-com with two Asian American leads! We get into how much we appreciate and relate to seeing a depiction of average, everyday Asian Americans on screen, Ming shares that he and Marcus are practically the same person, and we dive into our complicated feelings surrounding the term, "elevated Asian cuisine."