Women have surfaces, men have depths.

Hitch Year: 2005 Written by: Kevin Bisch Directed by: Andy Tennant Stars: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta

Show notes:

We are not aware of many rom coms that centre a straight man’s experience. Maybe this is the only one. Straight men rejoice!

Content note: In this episode there is some discussion of incel culture, assault, violence and death.

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about 5 and a half minutes or so into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films: He’s Just Not That Into You (2009) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1001508/) Jerry Maguire (1996) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116695/) 

And the TV series: Sex And The City (1998-2004) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0159206/)

Next month we are going to be talking about Notting Hill (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125439/)

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

Always the bridesmaid never the bride.

27 Dresses Year: 2008 Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna Directed by: Anne Fletcher Stars: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Edward Burns, Judy Greer

Show notes:

This is a film about a woman who says yes and her hate-able sister and the guy they both fancy and another guy called Kevin and a closet full of dresses.

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about 8 and a half minutes or so into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films: The Princess Diaries (2001) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247638/) The Devil Wears Prada (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458352/) In Her Shoes (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388125/) My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119738/) Last Christmas (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8623904/) A Nice Indian Boy* (2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16431330/)

And the TV series: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4094300/)

*This film has previously been featured on the podcast.

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

Pride season continues!

A Nice Indian Boy Year: 2024 Written by: Eric Randall Based on the play by: Madhuri Shekar Directed by: Roshan Sethi Stars: Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff

Show notes:

Another one for the pile of films that we liked, this is a film about love and culture and family and who does the bride’s family’s dance at the wedding.

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about 10 minutes or so into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films:

The Wedding Banquet* (2025) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32214413/) DDLJ (1995) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112870/) Milk (2008) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013753/) Bros* (2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9731598/)

*These films have previously been featured on the podcast.

If you would like to know more about OUTtv, you can read about it on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OUTtv_(Canadian_TV_channel). 

Next month we are going to be talking about 27 Dresses (2008) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988595/). 

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

Happy Pride Month!

The Wedding Banquet Year: 2025 Screenplay by: Andrew Ahn and James Shamus Based on the screenplay by: Ang Lee, Neil Peng and James Shamus Directed by: Andrew Ahn Stars: Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-Chan, Joan Chen, Youn Yuh-jung, Bobo Le

Show notes:

A remake of the 1993 Ang Lee film, this 2025 update is queer struggle and queer joy and green cards and IVF and family and chosen family. It's not a rom com but it's a beautiful film and we loved it.

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about 12 minutes into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films:

The Wedding Banquet (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107156/) Minari (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10633456/) Watermelon Woman (1996) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118125/) Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5537002/) A Nice Indian Boy (2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16431330/)

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

For our half century, a film that is approaching its whole century.

It Happened One Night Year: 1934 Screenplay by: Robert Riskin Based on the short story by: Samuel Hopkins Adams Directed by: Frank Capra Stars: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert

Show notes:

With the exception of a couple of non-consensual slaps, the words “shut up” and the title (which we think is silly), there is really nothing we would change about this 92-year-old film. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film, it begins about 7 minutes into the episode and finishes about 18 minutes in.

In this episode we mention the films:

The Philadelphia Story (1940) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032904/) Father of the Bride (1950) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042451/) When Harry Met Sally* (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/) Overboard (1987) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093693/) Runaway Bride (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163187/) Far and Away (1992) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104231/) Gone with the Wind (1939) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/) Fire Island* (2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15218000/)

*These films have previously been featured on the podcast.

You can read more about the Hays Code on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hays_Code

And you can find the trapeze song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bWU1ezHLI0 

Next month we are going to be talking about The Wedding Banquet (2025) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32214413/) 

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

A warm bath of a film or kind of dull, depending on your point of view.

Brown Sugar Year: 2002 Screenplay by: Michael Eliot and Rick Famuyiwa Story by: Michael Eliot Directed by: Rick Famuyiwa Stars: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Queen Latifa

Show notes:

We consider this a romance rather than a rom com so we are a bit stumped when it comes to fixes but we are resourceful and we do what we can!

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about nine and a half minutes into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films:

When Harry Met Sally* (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/) Players* (2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14833464/) Nappily Ever After (2018) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365545/) A Nice Indian Boy (2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16431330/) The Wedding Banquet (2025) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32214413/) The Wedding Banquet (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107156/) Fire Island* (2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15218000/)

*These films have previously been featured on the podcast.

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

This film holds up!

Going The Distance Year: 2010 Written by: Geoff LaTulippe Directed by: Nanette Burstein Stars: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Christina Applegate

Show notes:

Finally. A rom com that takes long distance relationships seriously.

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about 11 minutes and 15 seconds into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films:

Going The Distance (2004) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388285/) Failure To Launch* (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427229/) To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before* (2018) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3846674/) Holidate* (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9866072/) Horrible Bosses (2011) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1499658/) When Harry Met Sally* (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/)

And the TV series:

Giri/Haji (2019) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8001106/) It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005 - ) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472954/) SNL (aka Saturday Night Live) (1975 - ) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072562/)

*These films have previously been featured on the podcast.

If you want to read more about the ‘cool girl’ trope we reference, Cosmopolitan has an article on it here: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a32077/chill-girl-falls-in-love/.

Next month we are going to watch Brown Sugar (2002) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297037/).

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

This is a film you can safely drag your straight boyfriend to.

Holidate Year: 2020 Written by: Tiffany Paulson Directed by: John Whitesell Stars: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey

Show notes:

“I think that’s, like, the straightest movie I’ve seen in a while” - Lisa Findley

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about 8 and a half minutes into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films: Our Little Secret* (2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31022050/) Failure To Launch* (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427229/) Single All The Way* (2021) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14315756/) Titanic (1997) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120338/)

And the TV series: Home For Christmas (Hjem til jul) (2019-2025) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10069398/)

*These films have previously been featured on the podcast.

We also reference the book Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus (1992) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_Are_from_Mars,_Women_Are_from_Venus).

If you want to read more about the ‘cool girl’ and ‘pick me’ tropes, Cosmopolitan has articles on them here: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a32077/chill-girl-falls-in-love/ and here: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a42134933/what-is-a-pick-me-girl-definition/.

You can watch Paul Rudd pranking Conan O’Brien with fake movie clips on YouTube starting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rcqGBrHDtw&list=PLSYFbhIZUHHQEbPrCyoPawoiXVIooGZgN

Next month we are going to watch Going The Distance (2010) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1322312/).

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

La Lohan is back with another Christmas rom com.

Our Little Secret Year: 2024 Written by: Hailey DeDominicis Directed by: Stephen Herek Stars: Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Kristin Chenoweth

Show notes:

The second of Lindsay Lohan’s forays into festive romance is more interesting than the first but it still needs a little work (no pun intended). Luckily, we have ideas.

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about 14 minutes into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films: Falling For Christmas* (2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14715170/) The Family Stone (2005) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356680/) While You Were Sleeping* (1995) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114924/)

And the TV series: Derry Girls (2018-2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7120662/) Greenleaf (2016-2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4971144/)

*These films have previously been featured on the podcast.

Next month we plan to watch Holidate (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9866072/).

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening! 

Good bread and bad boyfriends!

Something from Tiffany’s Year: 2022 Screenplay by: Tamara Chestna Based on the book by: Melissa Hill Directed by: Daryl Wein Stars: Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Sampson, Ray Nicholson, Shay Mitchell, Leah Jeffries, Jojo T. Gibbs

Show notes:

We have some fixes to turn this perfectly charming seasonal film into an absolute banger.

If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month’s film you can spool forward about fourteen and a half minutes into the episode.

In this episode we mention the films: Rye Lane* (2023) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15893750/) Bridesmaids (2011) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478338/) Bringing Up Baby (1938) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029947/) Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054698/)

And the TV series: Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1578873/) You (2018-2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7335184/)

*This film has previously been featured on the podcast.

Next month we are going to watch Our Little Secret (2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31022050/).

If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway.

We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that. 

Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley.

Thank you for listening!