Romantic comedies done right

From this day forward, no romantic comedy should be made without Mark Ruffalo. Now, I'm not saying that Ruffalo should only do romantic comedies. What I'm saying to filmmakers is: romantic comedies should be few and far between but when you make one, please, please, please do it with Mark Ruffalo. Here's my supporting evidence:

Just Like Heaven
Not only did I just watch this movie, but it's also the Internet Movie Database's movie of the day. Here's what they say: "Part ghost story, part love story and absolutely frickin' adorable..." I couldn't agree more. (The director was also responsible for two other Elise favorites: Mean Girls and Freaky Friday.)

13 going on 30
I'm a huge Jennifer Garner fan so I had to watch this one.* Before I pressed play, I made sure to keep my expectations low, as I do with all romantic comedies and other potentially trashy flicks. The movie was hilarious, touching, and made me happy. (The director was also responsible for another Elise favorite: Tadpole.)

All I really ask of romantic comedies is that they be hilarious, touching, and make me happy so you would think I'd like more of them. Not so. It's amazing what crappy movies exist in this world. Once I had a conversation with a friend** that went something like this:

Elise: Do you think that people know that they're making a bad movie while they're doing it?
Friend: Probably not. Otherwise, why would they make it?
Elise: True. They read the script and it looks pretty good. While they're making the movie, they're filming all out of order so I guess there's no way to tell. I think most bad movies are the director's fault.
Friend: Really? I think all of the power lies with the editor. Bad editing can kill a good movie.

I'm starting to think that friend was right. The editing in Just Like Heaven was awesome. Of course, the directing and the acting were pretty great too. I suppose, in the end, it's all about teamwork. I think they tried to teach me that in college.

Elise's more cynical take on romantic comedies (I'm not kidding. I quote Bill Maher.)

* Well, I don't have to watch every movie Garner's in. I decided to skip Elektra and I don't regret my decision one bit.
** I'm sure this was a very smart and interesting person but I can't remember who it was.