In defence of Anyone But You.

Despite the reviews, this is a bloody good rom-com.

You only need a few ingredients to make a bloody good rom-com. Firstly, our two protagonists must cross paths in a unique way and leave a lasting impression on each other. This is called the ‘meet cute,’ as famously explained by Arthur in The Holiday.

Our two protagonists then form some kind of relationship. You know the drill. They fall immediately head over heels for each other but then something — like her career as a huge Hollywood actress — gets in the way of their blooming relationship. Or he tries to make her fall in love with him to win a bet, while she’s trying to drive him away to prove the thesis of her magazine article. Or they spend the night together and then she moves across the country for a new job.

Slowly over the next two hours, through a series of obstacles, setbacks, and misunderstandings, our two lovers find their way back to each other.

Add in a sprinkling of funny/wise/outrageous side characters, a good soundtrack, and a grand gesture or two, and you’ve usually…