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    1. Culture
    2. TV and Film

    The Hip New Chick Flicks Rewriting The Rom-Com Rulebook

    Boy meets girl... and it's usually all so predictable. Well, not anymore. Romantic comedies are having a moment with cool stars and clever scripts making cringing a thing of the past.

    By Marie Claire
    Published 29 August 2014 In Features

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    Boy meets girl... and it's usually all so predictable. Well, not anymore. Romantic comedies are having a moment with cool stars and clever scripts making cringing a thing of the past.

    What: What If?

    Who: Daniel Radcliffe (the boy), Zoe Kazan (the girl) Adam Driver (for added cool).

    Why: Er, do the names above not mean anything? 1) You have got to see Harry Potter in his first (and certainly not last) romantic lead role. It sounds wrong, but it’s so right; honestly, he's definitely hotter than you can imagine. 2) Zoe Kazan is the coolest girl in Hollywood right now... and has amazing hair. And 3) The result is When Harry Met Sally meets 500 Days of Summer. Kooky. Cringe. Class. 

    When: In cinemas from 22 August.

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    What: Obvious Child

    Who: Jenny Slate (the girl), Jake Lacy (the boy), Gaby Hoffman (for added cool).

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    Why: Loved Gaby Hoffman in Girls? Well, she’s back – in this brilliant, bonkers and like, so, Brooklyn comedy about a 20-something comedian (played to perfection by Parks and Recreation star Jenny Slate) who gets dumped, fired, and preggers by a random, all at once. Jovial, but with a purpose (not that you’ll get any spoilers from us), it’s easy to see why it was such a hit at Sundance, and a memorable one at that.

    When: In cinemas from 29 August

    What: Love, Rosie

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    Who: Lily Collins (the girl), Sam Claflin (the boy), Suki Waterhouse (for added cool).

    Why: It’s safe to say we never thought we’d be so excited about an adaptation of a Cecelia Ahern novel (Where Rainbows End FYI). But with Lily and Sam cast as the will-they-won’t-they best friends, this is a million miles from PS: I Love You. Plus all eyes will be on Suki’s first stint on the big screen. Another model turned actress *sigh*? Don’t write her off just yet…

    When: In cinemas from 22 October

    What: God Help The Girl 

    Who: Emily Browning (the girl) Olly Alexander (the guy), Hannah Murray (for added cool).

    Why: Ever wondered what Belle and Sebastian the film would be like? Well, probably a lot like the directorial debut of Scottish frontman Stuart Murdoch. A ménage à trois of beautiful, bright young indie things and the soundtrack to match. Nope, not your average rom-com. This one's far too cool for school.

    When: In cinemas 22 Augus.

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