On a cool September afternoon in Santa Monica, California, it seemed like the perfect time to go see The Romantics with Katie Holmes (Laura), Josh Duhamel (Tom) and Anna Paquin (Lila) that just hit theaters. This love triangle film brings seven old friends to a cloudy Long Island wedding for a Big Chill weekend. Without giving away any of the twists and turns, this Great Love Review shares the love lessons from this romantic comedy that you won’t want to miss.

When a group of college friends, aka The Romantics, reunite for a fall wedding, the dynamics are so relatable that you’ll be laughing and having flashbacks about your first true love that was so real. What we learned about love in this movie is that young love is probably the hardest to let go because it runs so deep. Laura dated Tom for five years in college, and their romance was so intense that they could finish each other’s sentences. When they broke up senior year, Tom does the unthinkable by dating Laura’s best friend, Lila, who he is about to marry. Ouch!

The entertaining cast and script turns this film into a 21st century Big Chill. Malin Akerman (Tripler), Adam Brody (Jake), Rebecca Lawrence (Weesie) and Jeremy Strong (Pete) are among the bridal party crowd who get into all kinds of trouble the night before the wedding. Candice Bergen (mother-of-the-bride) will make you laugh at her pre-wedding stress, and Elijah Wood (brother-of-the-bride) gives a memorable rehearsal dinner toast that is so awkward and relatable that you will laugh out loud.

For anyone who’s ever lost their first true love, this movie is a must see. For anyone who had a group of high school or college friends who all dated each other, you’ll want to see this movie too. And for anyone who’s looking for great love, this Sundance hit will remind you what it looks like. For more Great Love Reviews and dating tips, visit, Great Life Great Love, http://greatlifegreatlove.com

(c) Liz H Kelly, Great Love Reporter, 2010