The romance genre is one of those types of film that seems to go through periods of boom and bust. At times, it’s a staple of every Hollywood studio, and at others it seems to be in eclipse. While it seems to be a bit of a rarity in the 2010s, it was definitely a very popular genre in the 2000s, with numerous romantic films being released every year of that decade.
While that decade saw quite a few truly great examples of the genre, there are also several that are either overrated or underrated, both at the time and, in particular, in the years since their release.
Overrated: Sex And The City (2008)
Obviously, the show Sex and the City was truly a game changer, and it’s easy to see why it attained such tremendous popularity. What’s less obvious, however, is why they thought that they needed a film version with the same characters. It just seems to lack some of the irreverent and crackling energy that it was a key part of the show’s appeal, and while fans no doubt appreciated it, it really doesn’t stand up very well to the test of time.
Underrated: Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
This is one of those films that just seems to radiate sweetness and warmth, and a lot of that has to do with Reese Witherspoon’s performance. It’s also just a really strong love story, and there’s genuine chemistry among the various members of the cast.
Unfortunately, it seems to have fallen into a bit of obscurity of late, despite the fact that Witherspoon herself is in something of a career renaissance. Still, this is one of those underrated romantic gems that is definitely worth a re-watch.
Overrated: Twilight (2008)
Obviously, Twilight the film was as much of a juggernaut as the original novels were, and its financial success was such that it spawned numerous sequels. However, it has to be said that the film itself simply isn’t very good.
It’s not that it’s bad, necessarily, but there’s not a great deal of charisma nor obvious chemistry between the two leads, and the whole thing ends up feeling very self-indulgent in a way that was almost guaranteed not to age very well.
Underrated: Stardust (2007)
The 2000s was known for, among other things, numerous fantasy films— due in part to the enormous success of both Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. While obviously there were the huge tent-poles, there were also quite a few that managed to fly under the radar and didn’t get quite as much press as their blockbuster counterparts.
This is one such film, and from the first moment to the last it radiates charm. It probably helped that it was based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name, and also features charmingly out-of-character performances from veteran actors Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro.
Overrated: P.S. I Love You (2007)
At first glance, the central conceit of this film probably makes it sound charming, since it’s basically a love letter from a dead man to his widow. Unfortunately, that conceit starts to grow thin very, very quickly, and it doesn’t really help that there’s no a lot of chemistry between the leads (Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank).
Things get even worse as the film starts to feel very saccharine as it goes on, and it’s unfortunate that even the great Kathy Bates can’t really save it from mediocrity.
Underrated: The Majestic (2001)
Jim Carrey is, of course, most well-known for his comedic performances, in most of which he is somewhat on the manic side of things. Every so often, though, he turns in a dramatic performance that shows that he is an actor of truly great range (if he’s given the right material).
This is one such film, in which he plays a screenwriter who suffers amnesia but is mistaken by someone else by a friendly small town. It’s a bit old-fashioned, to be sure, but it's intentionally so and that’s precisely what makes it so charming.
Overrated: Hitch (2005)
This is one of those films that should, by rights, be a success. After all, it stars none other than the great Will Smith as a cad who helps teach other men how to engage with women. Of course, he ends up hoisted on his own petard and is unable to woo the woman that he ends up falling for.
It’s a fine enough premise, but unfortunately it gets very predictable (particularly during the latter half), and even Smith’s undeniable charm isn’t quite enough to save it from mediocrity.
Underrated: Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day (2008)
Frances McDormand is, without a doubt, one of the most talented actresses of her generation, as she has shown time and time again. This film, though undeniably charming, is one of hers that doesn’t get nearly enough love or affection, either at the time of its release or since.
It’s one of those films that seems designed to let the viewer just relax and enjoy a pleasant viewing experience about love, friendship, and joy.
Overrated: Phantom of the Opera (2004)
It’s genuinely surprising that this film isn’t better than it is. After all, it’s based on Andrew Lloyd Weber’s immensely popular musical of the same name, and it stars several actors at the top of their power in the early 2000s.
However, that might be part of the problem. Let’s face it: Gerard Butler might be great as King Leonidas of Sparta, but as the titular phantom he leaves a lot to be desired. The film’s suffocatingly ornate visuals certainly don’t help.
Underrated: Just Married (2003)
The early 2000s were truly something of a golden age for the romantic comedy, and that includes this film, which starred Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy at a time when both were very much A-listers.
They play a couple who go on a honeymoon to Europe in which hijinks of various sorts threaten to derail their fledgling marriage. Though it is, as the genre tends to be, very predictable, there’s no doubt that there is a lot of chemistry between the two leads, and it ends up being a surprisingly entertaining film and yet another reminder that Murphy was a talent that we lost way too soon.