If you have seen my top ten chick flicks post, then you will probably already have guessed that I absolutely LOVE a good (or bad) rom-com, in fact, the cheesier the better. Unfortunately, in today’s societal climate, admitting to enjoying romantic comedies almost feels like confessing to skinning cats or kicking homeless children. But that is probably a conversation for a different day…

On less of a serial-killer vibe, Netflix’s latest offering Isn’t It Romantic, offers a satirical look at the whole romantic-comedy genre and delivers a message that is a bit more in line with today’s standards and expectations.

P.S. Let me be crystal clear, I do not skin cats or kick children.

Simply put, Isn’t It Romantic tells the story of Natalie (Rebel Wilson), a young architect who is completely disenchanted with the idea of love, however, after accidentally knocking herself unconscious, she wakes up to find herself, slap-bang, in the middle of a romantic comedy.

Although the plot is by no means original, it manages to feel new and refreshing, mainly due to its cynicism and willingness to call ‘bullshit’ on all typical romantic comedy clichés. Not only is the film absolutely littered with them but Natalie very kindly points most of them out to us. Yes, you pretty much always know exactly what is going to happen next but you don’t care because you’re not quite sure how they’re going to do it, and that is what makes this film so enjoyable.

Anyone familiar with Wilson’s work will already know that she shines on a comedic role but this film was the perfect choice for her progression into a leading lady. She embraces the responsibility of the romantic lead without compromising her own acting style and personality. Couple that with the on-screen chemistry with her ‘work husband’ Adam Devine and she delivers a hilarious yet charming performance.

Supporting Wilson and Devine in the obligatory roles of; rich handsome douchebag, stunningly beautiful love rival and overly camp gay best friend, are Liam Hemsworth, Priyanka Chopra and Brandon Scott Jones respectively, with great light-hearted performances all round. While Hemsworth and Chopra are both delightful in their own ways, it’s Jones who takes the crown for scene stealing.

There are so many cheesy love songs scattered throughout, that it feels as though you’ve been transported back to the 1990’s, which is by no means a bad thing. The musical numbers (yes, there are musical numbers) are catchy and well-performed but, with Wilson and Devine’s Pitch Perfect background and Chopra’s beginnings in Bollywood, I wouldn’t expect any less.

Although Isn’t It Romantic is mocking the whole rom-com genre, it is hard to deny that it is, in itself, a somewhat traditional romantic comedy at heart. However, to its credit, the underlying message is less ‘they lived happily ever after’ and more about loving and believing in yourself.

Overall, this is a fun, laidback and uplifting film that is perfect for filling an afternoon on your own, a night with the girls or snuggling up on the sofa with your significant other. So as always, check it out for yourself, let me know what you think.