The 1990s: a decade of iconic fashion, groundbreaking music, and, perhaps most notably, a renaissance for the romantic comedy. Among the myriad of meet-cutes and happily-ever-afters, one particular formula emerged as a box office juggernaut: pairing established stars in charming, if somewhat predictable, storylines. This trend reached its peak in 1999 with the release of "Runaway Bride," a film that not only capitalized on the decade's rom-com craze but also exemplified the power of star power.
The late 90s saw Julia Roberts rise to the top as a rom-com queen. She starred in a string of successful films, including "Pretty Woman" (1990), "My Best Friend's Wedding" (1997), and "Notting Hill" (1999). These movies solidified her status as a box office draw and a defining face of the genre. "Runaway Bride" arrived on the scene riding this wave of Roberts-mania, capitalizing on her established appeal and reuniting her with Richard Gere and director Garry Marshall, the team behind the iconic "Pretty Woman".
The film tells the story of Maggie Carpenter (Roberts), a woman with a peculiar habit of leaving her fiancés at the altar. Ike Graham (Gere), a cynical journalist, catches wind of Maggie's story and writes a column about her, only to be fired when inaccuracies are revealed. Determined to redeem himself, Ike seeks out Maggie to write an in-depth, accurate account of her runaway tendencies. As they spend time together, a predictable yet charming romance blossoms.
While the plot of "Runaway Bride" may have seemed formulaic, it was a calculated move that resonated with audiences. The film's premise, combined with the undeniable chemistry between Roberts and Gere, proved to be a winning combination. "Runaway Bride" premiered on July 30, 1999, and raked in $12 million on its opening day. During its opening weekend, the film hit number one with $35.1 million. Ultimately, the movie grossed $309.5 million worldwide against a $70 million budget.
Despite its box office success, "Runaway Bride" received mixed reviews from critics. Many found the story cliché and the chemistry between Gere and Roberts lacking compared to their previous collaboration. However, audiences largely ignored the critics, flocking to theaters to witness the on-screen reunion of two beloved stars.
The success of "Runaway Bride" also underscored a significant trend in 90s rom-coms: the importance of the female lead. Actresses like Roberts, Meg Ryan ("Sleepless in Seattle", "You've Got Mail"), and Sandra Bullock ("While You Were Sleeping") became synonymous with the genre. Their presence in a film was often enough to guarantee a certain level of box office success, regardless of the plot's originality or critical acclaim.
Moreover, "Runaway Bride" thrived alongside another Julia Roberts rom-com, "Notting Hill," released just two months prior. This unusual circumstance demonstrated Roberts's star power, with audiences eager to see her in similar roles within a short period. "Notting Hill" further cemented Roberts's status as a rom-com icon, showcasing her ability to blend "steely, intimidating resolve with down-to-earth levity and emotional vulnerability".
In conclusion, "Runaway Bride" was more than just another 90s rom-com; it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the essence of the decade's romantic sensibilities. By reuniting the stars of "Pretty Woman" and capitalizing on Julia Roberts's reign as the queen of romantic comedies, the film achieved significant box office success, solidifying the formula for a generation of moviegoers. While it may not have been a critical darling, "Runaway Bride" remains a beloved example of the power of star power and the enduring appeal of a classic rom-com storyline.
