They Came Together

They Came Together is a 2014 American satirical romantic comedy film directed by David Wain and produced by Michael Showalter, starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler. The narrative feature film is a sardonic, charming, and unconventional take on standard romantic comedies, making it a unique addition to the genre.

At its core, the film is a hilarious spoof of romantic comedy stereotypes, mocking all the predictable tropes and clichés ubiquitous in the genre. The narrative deviates from the conventional building blocks of romantic comedies, amplifying the absurdity amidst the romantic courting and confessions of love.

Paul Rudd plays a character named Joel, featured as a corporate executive for a big candy corporation. He is slightly dopey and affable, the essence of a textbook romantic comedy protagonist. He's got the divorced, non-threatening, good guy persona down pat, rendering his character instantly familiar and relatable.

Amy Poehler plays a character called Molly, a scatterbrained, independent, and adorable owner of an adorable little candy shop in New York City. Her character sparkles with a wacky charm and is represented as the quintessential woman in a standard romantic comedy, complete with the obligatory idiosyncrasies.

When Joel and Molly meet, They Came Together unravels a love story filled with comedic banter, eccentric circumstances, and plenty of romantic tension. Their relationship embodies every trope from passionate dislike evolving into love to meeting the parents and even the consequential breakups and makeups.

Bill Hader, a Saturday Night Live alum like Poehler, plays the role of Joel's best friend, who serves as the insightful sounding board giving comedic and sage advice. Throughout the film, Hader's character is glued to his best friend's side and always available for a heart-to-heart chat about love interests and relationship dilemmas.

Supplementing the main cast are an array of noteworthy comedic actors. Each plays a role reminiscent of a character from some iconic rom-com film, tying together the narrative with strands of unmistakeable comedy.

Director David Wain, previously known for his work on "Wet Hot American Summer" and "Role Models", brings his avant-garde comedic style to They Came Together. Infused with slapstick humour, dry wit, and subversive storyline, Wain's execution of this pastiche-of-a-rom-com is a masterstroke that attracts audiences who appreciate an atypical cinematic experience.

Much of the film's humour comes from its acute awareness of itself as a satire, unashamedly leading its protagonists through a series of fittingly contrived and exaggerated scenes. Its spoofing of conventional rom-com elements is done so with a spunky affection that breathes life into a genre often said to be overdone and predictable.

Set against the ever-romantic backdrop of New York City, the film playfully employs the city as another character, as many rom-coms often tend to do. The Big Apple acts like an enchanting haven where love stories are inevitable, and chance encounters at a bookstore can spiral into a whirlwind romance.

In terms of its critical review, They Came Together has polarised audiences. However, those who revel in parody and appreciate satire have lauded the movie for its refreshing take on a beloved genre.

The witty script of the film, courtesy of Showalter and Wain - who also teamed up for the cult comedy Wet Hot American Summer - keeps the laughs coming at a brisk pace. The chemistry between Rudd and Poehler sparkles and their comedic timing is flawless. The film harks back to the classic screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s whilst simultaneously skewering modern rom-com conventions.

In conclusion, They Came Together is an absolute must-see for those who like their romance served with a generous side of tongue-in-cheek humour. The brilliantly-written script, the on-point acting, and Wain’s smooth direction blend seamlessly to deliver a romantic comedy that is anything but cliché. The movie is hilarious, bold, and entertaining – a testament to the lasting enjoyment of romantic comedies, even while making fun of them. Offering a skewering critique of the genre while never losing its heart, the movie achieves precisely what it sets out to do - to add a new, comedic twist on the tired tropes of the romantic comedy genre.