RomCom Killjoys

As part of our ongoing series on Bridgerton, Eliza and Jonelle take a deep dive into how Bridgerton portrays (and glosses over) racial and/or cultural difference. Your hosts tread lightly into the difference between American and British representation; color conscious and color blind casting; and why it's weird that anyone thinks people of color didn't exist in early modern England. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Spoilers abound, dear listeners ... Eliza and Jonelle (finally) tackle Regency juggernaut Bridgerton (2020-Present). Herein your heroines discuss race and speculative history for the British Empire; the perils of #GirlBoss feminism; and a truly shocking encounter with a bee ... don't tell the mamas ... Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Our Regency Romance series continues as Eliza is joined by special guest Kelsey Fast to discuss Emma (2020), including the relative hotness of Mr. Knightley; the particular perspective of our middle-aged authoress; and why Austen endures.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Aaaaaaand we're back -- and with a new format! Kicking off our mini-serious on Regency romance is a Pride and Prejudice (1995/2005) double-header. Within we discuss the cinematic language of mise-en-scene; romantic leads post-masculinity; and the proto-feminism of Jane Austen. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Why watch a romcom at Christmas when you could watch the destruction of wood in real time? Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from your favorite Killjoys. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza take on simulacra of a simulacra Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021), including forgoing generic norms; forgoing the spirit of Christmas; and the missed opportunity for weird saint relics. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza tackle Netflix's first queer Christmas romcom Single All the Way (2021), including homonormativity; the benefits of self-aware cliches; and why you should buckle-up along the New Hampshire border.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza kick off a Very Netflix Christmas with their banner film of the season -- A Castle for Christmas (2021) -- including plausible but fantastical love stories; the underutilization of Cary Elwes; and why we were surprised by Brooke Shields' comedic chops.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza are joined by special guest Alexandra Huber-Weiss to discuss obvious rom-com Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002), including the challenges of back writing for a prequel; hegemonic love and fascism in the Star Wars universe; and why you are better off falling in love with R2-D2. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza kick off a month of Rom Coms that are not Rom Coms but are absolutely Rom Coms with our first live, in-person recording! Up for discussion is Addams Family Values (1993) including alternative families; finding your Gomez; and why Anjelica Huston's eyes in the film are otherworldly perfect. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza tackle Patreon-pick Notting Hill (1999), including the star texts of Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant; how much our perception of fame has changed; and whether charming leads can make up for a milquetoast script. (Yeah, we said it.)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza discuss the ick factor of Never Been Kissed (1999) including irresponsible representation of student-teacher relationships; why 90s movies hate the popular kids; and the sexualization of teenagers in high school romcoms. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Happy National Coming Out Day! Jonelle is joined by special guest host Melissa Englander for a discussion of queer cinema classic But I'm A Cheerleader (1999), including the tension between bleak reality and camp satire; femme representation and compulsory heterosexuality; and the most important issue of all -- the movie's iconic soundtrack. For resources on the fight against conversion therapy,  please visit https://bornperfect.org/. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

We burn, we pine, we perish. Jonelle and Eliza throw it all the way back to the last millennium with 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), including 90s feminism and intersectionality; smart adaptations of problematic Shakespeare plays; and why you can't take your eyes off of Heath Ledger. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza close out Brendan Fraser month by discussing both the original and remake of Bedazzled (1967/2000), including the rise of self-objectification at the turn of the Millennium; uncomfy indentity-based humor; and why actors so often make deals with the devil to make it in Hollywood. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

The Mummy (1999) is a romcom. We will be taking no more questions at this time. Eliza and Jonelle are joined by Jodi McIntyre to discuss this film's undeniable orientalist lens; its chaotic bisexual energy; and jawlines so sharp you could light a match with them. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

This month we celebrate the one and only Himbo King of Hollywood -- Brendan Fraser. Eliza and Jonelle kick it off with personal favorite George of the Jungle (1997), including why the himbo and Brendan Fraser are both making a comeback; the importance of sensual intelligence; and how the second demographic transition is about to make a househusband out of you. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza discuss Netflix's borefest Love, Guaranteed (2020). Topics include sad spinster tropes, better courtroom dramas, and the existential anxiety spiral of online dating. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza discuss Gen Z confection The Perfect Date (2019), including finding an identity online; giving up your dreams; and why Michael Jordan has no place in this movie, Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza discuss Must Love Dogs (2005) -- this month's Patreon pick. The conversation covers the Game of love; our changing attitudes about online dating and divorce; and why you have to get Dermot Mulroney out of your backyard. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

*insert vintage dial-up noises here* This month Eliza and Jonelle dive in to the world of online dating, starting with the original -- You've Got Mail (1998). Discussion includes expectations versus reality; New York in Fall; and Tom Hanks making even the worst characters irresistibly charming. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Pour yourself a large glass of Chardonnay -- you've earned this. Eliza and Jonelle treat themselves to a discussion of The Holiday (2006) including embracing and undermining RomCom stock characters; relationships that end happy for now; and ontology of the f*ckboy. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

By God, it might be finally over. Jonelle and Eliza discuss the final (?) installment of the Christmas Prince series -- The Royal Baby (2019) -- including alternate histories; the representational politics of Penglia; and why this baby movie is somehow not about a baby. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

A Very Pandemic Christmas! Jonelle and Eliza are joined by Mary Ann Aabye to discuss One Royal Holiday (2020) -- filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown -- including unflattering costume design; wasting legendary Broadway talent; and if they are in Connecticut ... who is watching Galwick??Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Christmas in July keeps going ... and going ... Jonelle and Eliza discuss A Princess for Christmas (2011), including Sam Heughan looking good and being nice to children; why there is usually a pesky girlfriend in the way; and the shocking reason why Romania has been canceled! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza stare into the void and the void stares back. And by the void, we mean the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe's own Princess Switch series. Merry Christmas in July.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE! We break our hiatus to discuss In The Heights (2021) with friend of the show Ian, including representing Latinidad; whether musicals can be adapted for film successfully; and the immortal question: is Anthony Ramos too hot to play Usnavi?Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Fellas, is it gay to go Bunburying? Jonelle and Eliza engage Jeff Gan in some witty repartee on The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) including Victorian gay jokes; reasons to get married; and designated f**king areas. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza have the misfortune of discussing Bachelorette (2012) with guest Chelsea Lynn, including how to write woman anti-heroes; wild tone problems (tw: suicide, eating disorders, sexual assault); and why playwrights have to make nuanced plays simple for Hollywood. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza discuss Real Women Have Curves (2002), including  falling in love outside the beauty standard; racism in the theatre industry; and non-descript white boys named ... Zack? ... Tyler? ... Brad?Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

If it works on stage, will it work on screen? This month we're discussing plays adapted into romcom films. To kick it off, Jonelle and Eliza sit down with noted theatre person and mom Esther Cohen to discuss Steel Magnolias (1989) for Mother's Day, including how the screenplay successfully remodeled the play for film; how our conversations around disability have changed in the last 30 years; and how much they adore the late Olympia DukakisSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza close out travel month with an honest-to-god road show. This week they discuss Road to Morocco (1942), including 19th century Orientalism in the World War II era; physical comedy bits that work; and the history of passing and racial masquerade in Hollywood. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

As William Shakespeare once said, we were both young when I first saw you ... Jonelle and Eliza begrudgingly discuss Patreon-pick Letters to Juliet (2010), including painfully forced exposition in beautiful Italian settings; Romeo and Juliet in the popular imagination; and the real life romance on set that you didn't know about. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

It's our date with the President's daughter. Our date with the President's daughter, oh yeah. Jonelle and Eliza sit down with romance novelist Kate Kerns to discuss Chasing Liberty (2004), including the underdiscussed Presidential daughter subgenre; surprisingly nuanced vacation love stories; and why this movie doesn't deserve its 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

When the movie is so offensive, you need a mega episode ... Medha joins Jonelle and Eliza for an unholy smackdown of Eat Pray Love (2010), including the history of Hinduism and Western counterculture; (un)ethical tourism; and why the specificity of your operatic music cue matters. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Do you hear that? It's Jamaica calling. Eliza and Jonelle kick-off our vacation month with iconic How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), including fantasies of a younger man; how Hollywood limits the success of Black-led romantic comedies; and the immortal question ... *did* Stella get her groove back? Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Medha joins Jonelle and Eliza to discuss Always Be My Maybe (2019), including the importance of Asian-American representation from Asian-American creators; the right way to write successful career women; and why that Keanu Reeves sequence works so damn well. Some resources we want to highlight this week:Asian Mental Health Collective https://www.asianmhc.org/Red Canary Song https://www.redcanarysong.net/Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta https://www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org/Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza dive into Jon Favreau's vanity project Chef (2014) -- which we promise is a romcom -- including empowering female characters to do all the work; the cultural politics of street food; and toxic masculinity in the restaurant industry. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza snuggle up to the West Coast dream world of It's Complicated (2009). Discussion includes wealthy retirement fantasies; societal pressure in your 20s and romantic journeys through your 60s; and getting warm Nancy Meyers-Williams & Sonoma scented hugs (which we could all use right now). Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Bom apetite! This month Jonelle and Eliza are talking about food and the people who make it. First up is Mystic Pizza (1988) -- discussion includes inappropriate relationships for smart girls; the naive hopes of 80s empowerment feminism; and one of Jonelle's favorite topics -- Spicy Whites (TM). Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Jonelle and Eliza take on a Netflix battle of the Cyrano wits ... Sierra Burgess (2018) versus The Half of It (2020). Conversation topics include the importance of specificity; mean-spirited depiction of Gen Z; and why Sierra Burgess is, indeed, a loser. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

This month's Patron-selected episode! Eliza and Jonelle discuss The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996), including arbitrary beauty standards; making the screenplay 50% gayer; and why we should just let women woo. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Eliza and Jonelle go back to their roots in theatre for Cyrano de Bergerac month! First adaptation under observation is Steve Martin's Roxanne (1987), including cartoon sound effects; romance done right; and ... an intellectual screenplay!?Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

In the final installment of Manic Pixie Dream Month, Jonelle and Eliza unfortunately discuss Along Came Polly (2004), including unnecessary MPDGs; the racism of "ethnic stuff;" and a compelling example of the rare Manic Pixie Dream Boy.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

And now one for the nerdbois. Jonelle, Eliza, and guest Trey Chambers discuss cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010) including the trials and triumphs of adapting comics for the screen; distinct nerdboi fantasies; and why better is not necessarily good. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

When we feel unoriginal, we ask our Patrons what to do .... Jonelle, Eliza, and guest Henry Pines discuss hipster classic Garden State (2004) including French New Wave fails; the sadboi melancholia of suburban New Jersey; and the many films Natalie Portman carries on her back. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

This month isn't like the other months ... kicking off our discussion of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl (MPDG) is the trope-namer Elizabethtown (2005). Jonelle and Eliza discuss implausible suicide attempts (tw); the Great Millennial Crisis of Masculinity; and Claire's nuclear likeability. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Merry something to all and goodnight or whatever... It's our final show of the year and we're wrapping up with a holiday trash fire. Jonelle and Eliza are joined once again by Alice Lee to discuss A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (2018), including the tax haven shell corp that is Aldovia; the politics and metaphysics of a country run by Christmas; and of course, Amber's blog.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Huzzah! Thanks to our patrons, Jonelle and Eliza discuss the truly terrible Knight Before Christmas (2019) including medieval history; the problem(s) with chivalry; and exactly how many Vanessa Hudgens clones exist in the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe (NCCU). Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

All aboard the Hot Mess Express! In this disastrous episode, Jonelle and Eliza talk with Air Force Magazine senior editor Rachel S. Cohen about Operation Christmas Drop (2020) while battling the Grinchiest wifi of all time. There is a terrible CGI gecko, a studly Midwestern Airmen, and a lot of swearing. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)

Merry Netflix Christmas! Eliza and Jonelle kick off the rom-com-iest time of the year with Christmas on the Square (2020), including heartfelt tributes to community theatre, pleas for significantly less plot, and the singular politics of Dolly Parton. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/romcomkilljoys)