Which came first, the romantic comedy or our messed up ways of thinking about love and relationships? Sam Frontera and Shelby Schwieterman pick a topic, watch some movies, and chat about the common romcom topics that have affected their lives--for better
The Rom Complex podcast is an absolute gem for anyone who loves rom-coms or simply enjoys a good laugh and some life lessons. Whether you're a seasoned rom-com watcher or completely new to the genre, this podcast is worth your time. Even if you're a baby who is just beginning to learn English, there's something here for you too. The hosts, Shelby and Sam, bring their hilarious point of view to my favorite garbage rom-coms, delivering laughs and insights that will leave you entertained and possibly even a little smarter.
One of the best aspects of The Rom Complex podcast is the chemistry between Shelby and Sam. Their banter and dynamic make for an engaging listening experience. They have a knack for finding humor even in the most ridiculous rom-com plots and characters. A standout moment has been when they decided to recap their movie choices by writing songs, which they then adorably (albeit badly) sang to some Copa Cabana-esque music. It's these spontaneous moments that make the podcast truly special and keep listeners coming back for more.
However, like any podcast, The Rom Complex does have its flaws. There are times when the discussion may veer off course or become tangential, leaving listeners wanting more focused analysis. Additionally, while Shelby and Sam's comedic style may resonate with many listeners, it might not be everyone's cup of tea. Some people may prefer more serious discussions about rom-coms rather than light-hearted commentary.
In conclusion, The Rom Complex podcast is a must-listen for any rom-com enthusiast or comedy lover seeking entertainment with a side of insightful commentary. Shelby and Sam's unique perspective on these movies will have you laughing out loud while also realizing how these films can warp our perceptions of love and relationships. So pick up your headphones, open your mind to laughter and learning, and let this podcast guide you towards becoming a better-informed viewer...and maybe even person!
It's the month of lovers, so we're talking about love. Just like we do every month! This time, we're discussing 1997's Addicted to Love. Secondary topics include time loop manipulation, small-town astronomy, and seeing someone at their worst then still liking them.
For our 200th episode (can you even believe it??) we're discussing All About Eve (1950). Fasten your seat belts because we're talking about Bette Davis's eyes, ways to manipulate men, and why Sam is the funniest person of all time.
This week we revisit Shelby's original romcom pick, Serendipity (2001). We also discuss AI-generated headshots, missing signs from the universe, and John Cusack's character's horrendous actions throughout this movie.
As we approach our 200th episode, we're revisiting the movies we discussed in the very first episode of the The Rom Complex. First up is A Walk to Remember (2002). We chat about what makes us cry, the difference between a reverend and a preacher, and how nice it would be for someone to remember the things we say in passing. Things we say on a podcast, perhaps?
We're closing out the year with The Bishop's Wife (1947). We discuss angelic rizz, throwing things at kids, and why you gotta keep your wife happy. We're taking a short break, but will be back in the new year!
We've got another new one for you with Exmas (2023) starring (one of) the guy(s) Sam's obsessed with. We talk romcom jobs, the Olsen twins, and the shape of a goat's eye.
What do we know about the movie this week? Well, it was made in 1944, set in 1903, and called Meet Me in St. Louis. We're pretty sure it's set in St. Louis. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess!
Do you remember the year 2005? We sure do. Sort of. We remember the movie The Family Stone, at least! We talk bodily functions, family rules, and whether we'd be an art couple or a bar couple. Happy December!
I already typed this once, then deleted it, and I don't remember what I said! Something about closing out No No November with The Switch (2010). The big No No here is having kids, ew! The one in this movie is actually pretty cute though.
James couldn't help but bring us another weird one with 2021's Christmas Is Canceled. Be sure to check out Darling Homebody at https://www.darlinghomebody.com/
Wow, it's the year 2023 and we are talking about No Hard Feelings, a movie that came out this same year. What are the odds? We talk about fully nude fights, staying...
We're kickin' off No-No November with a slew of bad decisions including hacking the courts, getting drunk with strange men, and having a baby EW. Oh, I should mention, we're talking about...
Things are getting spooky and, dare I say, tasty? as we discuss 2022's Fresh, starring our boy Sebastian Stab. Sam trash talks men, as per usual, and Shelby describes the best way...
Guess what, we're sick in the head! And that's why we're happy to bring you this week's episode concerning The Witches of Eastwick (1987). We discuss magic spells, tea parties, and why...
This week we're dipping into magic–movie magic, that is–with 2005's Bewitched. Listen, there is a certain magic in bad movies, just as there's a certain magic in, like, a rotting piece of...
Awwooooooo! We're howlin' because it's October and we are getting Moonstruck (1987). We're also howlin' at sweaty, unsettled Nic Cage. Is this the sexiest movie of all time?
We're back in 2002 (oh no!) with The Sweetest Thing, and Shelby's feeling gay about it. We talk raunch, road trips, and realizing you're finishing with a phase of your life.
It's a shorter one this week as we follow the escapades of a cowardly man in What If (2013), also known as The F Word. We talk about friends turning to lovers,...
Say it with me: SHE. FALLS. FIRST. HE. FALLS. HARDER. We watched Flipped (2010), so of course we talk about waiting around for someone who's not into you, salmonella, and what it's...
Bros (2022) is a movie, and we watched it! How much did we like it? We'll let you know in the episode. Please don't blab to Billy!
Barefoot (2014) is a great movie if you'd like to see Evan Rachel Wood's feet. We discuss those tootsies, what kind of house pet we'd each be, and what JK Simmons does...
We're back in high school AGAIN, this time with our close personal friend Drew Barrymore in Never Been Kissed (1999). We discuss the horrors of high school, how horrible high school is,...
It's a blast from the recent past as we discuss 2018's Crazy Rich Asians. Sam and I figure out we probably aren't the first choice of dates for rich people, but that's...
This week we were joined by the talented Kerry Frances to discuss one of her favorite movies, While You Were Sleeping (1995). We talk love at first sight, living many love stories,...
This week we discuss the disappointingly devoid of magic film Mystic Pizza (1988). We praise our editor, question a man's motivations for talking negatively about his mother, and condemn a love interest...
Despite Sam's aversion to Turner Classic Movies, we're talking about 1953's Roman Holiday. Wouldn't you know it, this award-winning and beloved film is extremely enjoyable! We discuss sleepy girls, subtle sexuality, and...
The old people and young people come together in 2018’s Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Why do we need to see all the stuff we heard about in the first movie?...
Are you in the mood for three dads? Great, because we’re talking about 2008’s Mamma Mia! That’s right, the exclamation point is right there in the title, and a bunch of ABBA...
How could we not follow up last week’s episode with 2004’s Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights? This sweet story about freedom from your parents and from a literal dictator (it’s totally about that)...
We watched Dirty Dancing (1987) and had the time of our lives talking about it. Sure, we strayed from the topic a few times (anime muscles, last name meanings, the flying spaghetti...
The year is 2004, and Chris Pine makes his theatrical debut in Sam’s favorite movie, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. We talk rivals-to-lovers, the expertise of Shonda Rhimes, and dancing footmen....
At Sam’s DEMAND, we are covering The Princess Diaries (2001)! We discuss Anne Hathaway’s performance, the weight of princessdom, and why a pizza is a perfect apology. For bonus content, please subscribe...
To celebrate Shelby’s birthday, we’re talking about one of her favorites: Chungking Express (1994). We discuss hot cop characters, Sam’s new findom hobby, and why it’s totally not that freaky to have...
It’s finally time for us to discuss The Notebook (2004). We talk about lying down in the road, the little guy from Entourage, and loving someone with every thing you have. Also,...
We’re looking back at 2016’s La La Land! Is it as good or as completely obnoxious as we remember? We also talk about the DREAMERS, the TRAFFIC, and the BITTERSWEET PAIN of...
This week’s topic of interest is 2004’s Saved!, a movie that is extremely of its time. We discuss our experiences with Christianity, insta-love, and praying away the gay.
It’s time for a classic not-quite-rom com, 1986’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off! I could use a day off, am I right? No? Fine, we’ll keep working just for you, listeners. We talk...
How well do you remember the mess that is 2006’s The Lake House? Better than we did? We talk about deeply un-curious main characters, time science, and cats. The cats have nothing...
I just saw something on buzzfeed about Easy A (2010) and it not holding up, but I didn’t bother reading that, and you don’t have to read it either! Instead, listen to...
In this special episode, we are joined by writer/director Em Johnson and actor/producer Katherine Waddell to discuss their movie Balloon Animal (2022). We talk about the circus, ancient Shelby lore, and re-meet-cutes....
Please check out this sneak peek at the first Bridgerton mini-episode from our Patreon! You can find more exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/theromcomplex In this first episode of our Bridgerton bonus series, we...
After Shelby reveals their deepest shame, we get into discussing Down With Love (2003). The twists! The turns! The secrets revealed! Oh, and don’t forget the iconic telephone call scene.
If you love impulsive liars like we apparently do, you might love 1994’s Only You starring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. We talk about going over the top for love, self-tanning...
We discuss Singin’ in the Rain (1952) in this unusually trivia-heavy episode. Shelby defends the villain and Sam creeps ever closer toward listing the desired qualities in her perfect man. Hint: dancers...
Today Sam and Shelby talk about the flirty and floral Something New (2006). We go over NOT telling women what to do with their hair, surprisingly sexy scenes, and how the size...
Hey folks, how are we feeling about vacation romance? Ponder that as we discuss How Stella Got her Groove Back (1998). We talk about the age difference, letting your guard down, and...
Oldruary (unofficial name because I hate it) continues with a movie set in oldentimes: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008). We also talk about Lee Pace’s height, Lee Pace’s age, and...
Another week of Nancy Meyers? You better believe it, baby! This week we’re talking about Something’s Gotta Give (2003), but we’re also talking about HUMOR, Pedro Pascal, and being fully vulnerable in...
Enough with those youthful ingenues from last month! This month it’s all about those characters with a bit more life experience, starting with 2009’s It’s Complicated. We discuss the delightful Meryl Streep,...
We love enjoying a movie even more upon re-watch, and that’s exactly what happened with Fire Island (2022). It’s a Pride & Prejudice homage that makes exactly as much reference as it...
Shelby is back on her time travel bs because we’re talking about Meet Cute (2022)! I didn’t feel like listening back through the episode to help me remember what we talked about,...
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