DIRECTOR'S CUT: Ranking '90s Romcoms

OMG JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE! I saw it as a kid and loved how super weird and random it was. As an adult, I definitely have identified with Joe in the beginning of the movie. Brain fog, anyone? I am so happy you guys mentioned it. Can you please do an episode about it?

I *LOVE* Joe Versus the Volcano! I must have watched it fifty times as a kid! Pleeeeeease do a video about it 💙 You could find a luggage company to sponsor the video 😆

Whatever y’all pay your editor pay them DOUBLE 😂😂😂

Alan's rant on Drew Barrymore managed to put into words things I have always felt about her but never found how to say! Every time I see her in a scene, I want to eye roll!

Super ultra late to the comment game but HEY THEY SAID MY PATRON NAME!!! I'm glad y'all found it entertaining ☺️

Really late to the comment game, but nobody mentioned this. In Never Been Kissed, when she talks about having been kissed but just not feeling that thing, she was lying. When she initially said she had never been kissed, the women looked at her as if something was wrong with her. To try and save face, she lied and gave an alternative to what she meant. So sorry Alan, but she really had never been kissed.

Hold up Alan... during the episode on Cinderella movies, you said you liked Drew Barrymore. Did something change or were you still working up the courage to say it then?

While you were sleeping is the better relationship, Clueless is one of the best movies out there. It is just totally amazing.

I love Clueless and I can see where AS is coming from. However, I don't think Josh falls In love with Cher simply because she's attractive. She demonstrates throughout the film that she cares for him even if she finds him irritating - at first. For example, when she tells him to stay over at theirs so he can escape mom's new overbearing hubby. He thinks she's funny and clever - Cher makes Josh laugh whilst discussing Shakespeare with his pompous female friend. The film goes to great lengths to say Cher is more than just a shallow ditz: she is clever, quick witted, tenacious and cares deeply for her friends and family. Family means a great deal to Cher and that includes Josh. Josh needs a home and finds it in Cher and her father. It's not hard to see why he would fall for Cher. Josh sees what the audience sees: A beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent and a strong young woman (actually a teenager but whatever). I'll get off my soap box.

i got to 'disagree' with Alan there a bit… I watched Charlies Angle growing up so many times, and i always loved Barrymore in it – granted, I have no real experience with TV acting, only theater, so I am sure that Alan has a valid point – but to me (considering that I grew up with her in one of my all-time fav movies) I just instantly like her in movies when i see her again; i dont care for her opinions or political statements or character, or whatever, but the way that her acting is making me happy is something that I seek out in movies and actors; not their talent, but the way that they manage to make me feel/relate to things but()!: AMEN! to Alans rant on the movie!! That made me laugh so hard!!

I was DYING during Alan's rant... just dying. Best valentines day video ever. It's interesting about Drew Barrymore being more of a personality than an actress. Bill Murray is exactly the same way. That dude doesn't act - he's just the same exact person in EVERY SINGLE ROLE and I'm pretty sure it's actually just him showing up and saying lines as himself.

One of my favorite Dr. Who quotes: "Because love, it's not an emotion. It's a promise." I also LOVE Alan Watts take on love as well: "Well now really when we go back into falling in love. And say, it's crazy. Falling. You see? We don't say "rising into love". There is in it, the idea of the fall. And it goes back, as a matter of fact, to extremely fundamental things. That there is always a curious tie at some point between the fall and the creation. Taking this ghastly risk is the condition of there being life. You see, for all life is an act of faith and an act of gamble. The moment you take a step, you do so on an act of faith...The moment that you enter into any kind of human undertaking in relationship, what an act of faith. See, you've given yourself up. But this is the most powerful thing that can be done: surrender. See. And love is an act of surrender to another person. Total abandonment. I give myself to you. Take me. Do anything you like with me. See. So, that's quite mad because you see, it's letting things get out of control... So, actually, therefore, the course of wisdom, what is really sensible, is to let go, is to commit oneself, to give oneself up and that's quite mad. So we come to the strange conclusion that in madness lies sanity."

So fun fact! When you said that clueless reminds you of Emma a lot, that's intentional! There was a huge list of 90's rom coms that are all either based off of or adaptations of classical work. Clueless is Emma, 10 Things I Hate About You is based off of The Taming of the Shrew, She's the Man is Twelfth night, and I'm sure a bunch more I haven't figured out yet. It's a cool way to interact with these pieces for sure :)

I want a ranking of movie parents now. You did Disney/Pixar parents, now I wanna see other ones! (I just watched Ladybird and I'm up in my feelings about it.)

Wow, I took a very wrong message from Alan's rant, which is a fervent wish that if you haven't yet done a piece on V for Vendetta, now I really want to see one!

Alan, You got me thinking of all the movies with Drew Barrymore that I actually like (this isn't on if them) and I just realized after 30years that, apart from ET, they are all the same character and she makes the same choices in every movie.

I personally would have put While You Were Sleeping number 1 , Clueless if I’m honest I felt I dropped 5 IQ points sorry 😢 not fussed Paul Rudd would be the only reason I’d watch it again 😅 Never Been Kissed is just “ Bleh “ felt I needed a shower after seeing that one 😖 Drew Barrymore I do have a few choice words and there not good but colourful 🤣🤣

Jonathan- from a therapist perspective could share your thoughts on Alans elevated response? This could be a great learning deep dive on identifying the source an emotional trigger. We all have them!

Loved this episode! I came across this Ted talk that immediately reminded me of Cinema Therapy. It talks about how the way we speak of love metaphorically in words, movies, songs, etc. quite literally shapes our experience of the emotion. Worth a read/listen! https://www.ted.com/talks/mandy_len_catron_a_better_way_to_talk_about_love?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Rewatching the top three movies on this list along with Emma movies this week! 🎥 🍿 🎦 Clueless deserves a rewatch from you guys, and belongs on top because Paul Rudd’s character Josh notices Cher in more subtle ways; that she’s more than just a shallow social climber. He is more fun and able to relax around her, and becomes a better and well rounded person. Josh actually sees Cher, and gets to see her because they live in the same house. With divorce more commonplace in society, I don’t see the ex-step brother thing as an ick; they’re not related by blood at all. This just provided an opportunity to see each other in environments people aren’t normally put in.

The rant editing was hilarious. But while you were reviewing Pretty Woman, I had my own single viewer at the screen rant about the Disneyfied depiction of prositutes. Sure they keep their own money. Sure they're not forced to sell themselves and probably have been since childhood by someone much more traumatizing than Richard Gere's character. Let's gloss over and paint a "Pretty" picture of a business where a person's body is not their own and is sold because there are persons out there who create the demand. There's my rant on the list. Back to happy thoughts...Sleepless in Seattle could fly based alone on Rita Wilson's delivery of her retelling of An Affair to Remember.

Oh, and I don't know who the marketers or the writers were, but I remember during Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show episodes during Covid from his home, they mentioned Jimmy's wife Nancy and Drew Barrymore produced Never Been Kissed.

Alan just became the Lewis Black of movie critics.

I applaud whoever's choice it was in editing for all the "CANCELLED" gongs on Alan during his Drew Barrymore rant. The timing, the sound, GENIUS! Could not stop laughing.

I need more Allen rants in my life.

I was so happy when you said "you've got mail" is better. My mother and I watch both of these movies reilgiously. I've always loved how the relationship for you got mail is such a slow burn and really takes time to develop each of the characters. There is no right side of the relationship, they both have their hurdles to overcome and meet in such a beautiful place. They make mistakes but that's ok, its human. All of this to say, "you've got mail" video when?

The editing for Alan’s tirade on #4 was wonderful. Thank you editors!

I'm guessing Alan means "Mystic Pizza" not "Fried Green Tomatoes"? I mean, they're both food related, lol.

Alan, you are not alone! I have never understood how Drew was considered a good actor. Just terrible.

I have always wished that Laura San Giacomo had played Julia Roberts part, instead of the friend, in Pretty Woman as she is a much better actress than Julia Roberts.

So, Alan, what you’re saying is you didn’t like “Never Been Kissed”? You were a bit vague so just wanted to clarify.

Julia Roberts wasn’t in “Fried Green Tomatoes”.

Joe vs the Volcano is incredible! One of my all time favorites - thanks for the reminder 💕

But why did Alan go so hard on Drew lmao

While You Were Sleeping belongs at the top of this particular list of movies, 100%. Did you know that originally, it was scripted with a woman in a coma and a man as the fake fiancé? They thought that’d be too predatory so reversed the roles and then it got picked up. (IMDB for the win) Anywho, I love this movie so much and watch it several times a year. Also, RIP Glynis Johns - Elsie (Grandma who likes Mass better in Latin😂) in this movie, Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins. 💚

Loved this!! I hope you guys do the movie Game Plan sometime! I think you guys would have so much to speak about on it!

I have never seen anybody go off at a movie like Alan just did, but I love it.

I got to teach a college course that included the film Clueless, and it gave me an entirely different perspective on how deep the film is. It’s a lot more timeless than I thought and I agree that watching the newer Emma really highlights the commonalities. I’m also jealous that Alan got to rant so freely. It seemed cathartic 😂

I love when content creators have a non-positive opinion on something and are not afraid to say it. Thank you for this <3 And I was reminded why I didn't like pretty woman. although I hat this scene where she is watching tv and he looks at her and she notices and she is like 'oh, time to work now'. I've neve seen clueless, but maybe I will. I will definitely watch Joe vs. the volcano though, thanks for the recommendation :)

Ranking relationships is my favorite topic on this channel! And Sandra Bullock is so charming that elevates every movie. Happy Valentines, folks! ❤️

I love While you were Sleeping! As someone from a very quiet not super close family I have definetly 'fallen in love' with multiple families and wish I could be a part of them! And not by marrying someone in the family. I just want to be in their family! Love the episode!

While you were sleeping is one of my favorite romcoms too! It's one that I put in when I need a comfort movie. 😊 Although, I think you guys miss the ways that Alicia Silverstone makes Paul Rudd's character better in Clueless. Part of it is helping him to relax, but also another part of it is making him realize how pretentious he is and helping him connect to the real world better. There's also a moment when he has to pick her up after she gets mugged and he has another girl in the car and Alicia Silverstone corrects the other girl as they're talking about Shakespeare and you can tell that turned his head her way. He likes her brains just as much as her body.

I hated sleepless in seatle. Its not a full romance story. Its not even half a story. Sleepless in seatlle ends where the story should've began or atleast where the first act should have ended. Where the man meets the woman.

Wasn't Julia Roberts' Oscar nomination for Steel Magnolias, not Fried Green Tomatoes?

Wow, the relationships in these films are horrifying actually. Abuse, attempted paedophilia, stalking, and chronic lying?? Yikesss. The only healthy relationship here was actually written by Austen in the 19th century.

I knew I always liked Alan, but Spicy Alan confirmed I would follow him into battle

I love this! I’ve only seen two movies from this list unfortunately. But While You Were Sleeping is one of my top favorite rom coms! 🥰 I was so happy to see you covering it and it’s near the top, even it does have some flaws 😊 Also, Alan going off for a couple minutes on Never Been Kissed and Drew Barrymore made me laugh so much 🤣

I hated Sleepless in Seattle! I'd heard so many good things about it and then spent the whole movie counting red flags in horror. 🤣

I didn't know how very HERE I was for Alan's rant but Yes. Yes, is the answer.

Truly hilarious! I was laughing aloud through Alan's whole rant and the way it was presented (never saw that film and now I never will)! Marvelous! I've always loved the film "Sleepless in Seattle," but totally agree with your comments about it being a squirmy couple dynamic. "When Harry Met Sally" was a film that I thought represented a more realistic couple dynamic, and is one of my favorite rom coms. I always wish that someone could write a scintillating script about elders who have stayed in love with their spouses through the decades, showing how the relationship deepens through the ups and downs of life. I did appreciate the way "Don Juan de Marco" represented this in the relationship between the characters played by Marlon Brando and Faye Dunaway, although their story was not the main thrust of the film. I'm 67 and my relationship with my beloved husband is soooo fun and wonderful! I like and love him more and more every year, and never even think it is possible that I could! Hmmmm, maybe I'll have to write a script about us, just for my own amusement. Rom coms always are about the beginning of the romantic journey, yet there are plenty of meaningful avenues to explore through a lifetime of devotion and connection. Perhaps, though, not enough chills and thrills and drama, which rom coms must have.

I didn't see Drew Barrymore in many movies but I love her in EverAfter.

I will say, I do like that you guys have lately been making clear that while you may have a problem with certain tropes, the use or enjoyment of said tropes doesn't mean the movie is bad or that enjoying it is bad. Too many film "critics" fall into the trap of "I don't like this trope, so that makes the movie bad" even if they don't mean to (related note: my girlfriend will NEVER forgive you for your Little Mermaid episode because of this, that is her FAVORITE movie lmao) and I like that you are separating "I don't like this trope, and here's why" from the actual quality of the film itself.

Bitter ranting! NOW it feels like Valentine’s Day ❤️

Alan Seawright is my new spirit animal.

Alan woke up today and chose violence.😂

Hot take: While You Were Sleeping is NOT Best Bill Pullman. INDEPENDENCE DAY is best 90's Bill Pullman.

JOE V THE VOLCANO IS THE GOAT??? omg I love you crazy men. I've never seen it as an adult; I think I'd appreciate it more now (esp the opening sequence at his workplace). Always wanted that luggage though... Totes with you on Runaway Bride v Pretty Woman--that is the best proposal ever. I love your top two and would put Whilst (now headcanon) You Were Sleeping ahead of Clueless for the reasons Alan mentioned, but they are both excellent watchable movies. Jono, you wouldn't have liked it as a teen because her assessment of 90s high school boys was *on point*. ;) (also, Peter Boyle not Peter Berg--Young Frankenstein meme here) Suddenly curious where y'all would rank 10 Things I Hate About You if you'd included it... Given it's based on the worst Shakespeare comedy ever, it's obv not a healthy relationship--any of them--so I'm guessing third? Better than the bottom two easily, beats the stalking, but still all based on lies and takes some time to get to a good place? Pretty great Grand Romantic Gesture though. RIP Ledger...

I'm so happy about this video 💖

Also yes Joe vs Volcano> You've Got Mail > Sleepless in Seattle

Period! I love Angry Alan!!

Alan tell us how you really feel about "Never Been This Kissed" or Drew Barrymore. And btw, the women don't fall in infatuation/love in "Sleepless in Seattle". They fall for his story and how he expresses his love for his late wife. Finally, I wish you had included "Best Friends Wedding" to me is one of the most "realistic" of Romantic Comedies.

I'll watch Sleepless in Salt Lake City, do it!

Alan Seawright, you are my hero. I would charge into battle for you.

Ok, I am now watching for Alan rants! Please rank Drew Barrymore movies now just so I can watch Alan go off. Lol

POP OFF ALAN! GET HER! PICK THAT SCAB! HOORAH!

Tomorrow's comment section is gonna be fun and I'll love it 🍿

Now I need to watch the YouTube release so I can figure out how much of Alan's "Never Been Kissed" rant got cut in editing 😂

Fried Green Tomatoes? Do you mean Steel Magnolias? I don't remember Julia Roberts in Fried Green Tomatoes at all.

Never Been Kissed has always been cringe to me 🤢 thank you for validating my ick!

That lighting tho…👀

Oh damn this one is gonna be goooood!

Yessssss!!