I think it's certainly possible to deal with the gender issues in TotS, but it's rare that it's done successfully. In too many cases, productions "fix" the last scene but play the rest of the script straight, as if making Kate's final speech sarcastic makes up for the fact that Petruchio's just spent the last 2 hours being more or less psychotically abusive.

Both of the good productions of Shrew were because of the top notch performances of the actors playing the leads, and not due to any modification of the text, or a sarcastic last speech delivery. It's part of why they stood out as performances.

I agree that it's rare and difficult to pull off, but in my experience it's rare and difficult to pull off a really good production The Glass Menagerie. Good theater is difficult to do well.

But you'll never get me to agree that it's impossible to be both faithful to Shakespeare's text and deliver a good, sympathetic, enjoyable performance of the piece, because I've seen it happen twice.

Only You with Marisa Tomei, RDJ and all of Italy.

Speaking of Marisa Tomei, My Cousin Vinnie kind of counts as a rom com, doesn't it? I love that one.

I also tend to think of Fight Club as kind of a rom com, and my adoration of that film knows no bounds.

I think I used to like rom coms more. I also used to like sitcoms, and don't generally watch them any more. I don't know if it's because my tastes have changed, or the quality of rom coms and sitcoms has degraded. Or just failed to keep up with my sensibilities.

I don't think I've ever seen a really good production of TotS that wasn't wrapped inside a production of Kiss Me, Kate.

There's My Best Friend's Wedding. Which I loved the first time I saw it, but not so much the second time. It took two viewings to realize how unlikeable the three sides of the main triangle are. But the luncheon scene alone -- okay, the rendition of "I Say a Little Prayer" alone -- is worth the price of admission. (And Rupert Everett steals the movie, although you have to wonder about his character's motivation at times.)

I quite like My Best Friend's Wedding, mostly because it doesn't end with a neat little bow. The characters are super-flawed (actually, the Cameron Diaz character, despite being "other other woman", fares the best, I think) and the movie is aware of that.

Another recent rom-com without the requisite happy ending: (500) Days of Summer. It slipped my mind, but I loved that one.

OMG, I hate My Best Friend's Wedding. First off, don't fall in love with your best friend. Well, okay, do, if you want. But I want more male/female platonic friendships in fiction. Secondly, what was the man worth those women ruining themselves for? OH GOD, HATE.

eta: Oh! I loved (500) Days of Summer. Cutest little thing, and I don't even think I like Zooey Deschanel.

I loved that one too, Vonnie.

I think I enjoy romantic comedies in general, but I've seen many that I didn't like. Like Sweet Home Alabama. And How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Oh, I did like Definitely, Maybe.

That was the last time I really liked JR, although I agree her character is kind of a creep for much of the flick. One of my favorite movie endings, though. I can't decide if I want to be Zooey or have a girlfriend like her myself. I like 500 Days so much I read the script, too. It was just as much a joy to read. It's rare that way.

(actually, the Cameron Diaz character, despite being "other other woman", fares the best, I think)

Of the three, yes, by default. But it's hard to root for someone whose main character attribute is being a doormat. Not so much for the way she embraces Julia Roberts's character while the latter is trying to take her fiance, but for the way she gives in every. single. time. to her fiance and her father.

I want to see a rom-com where the woman decides to choose her exciting professional single life instead of going for the hunk who wants her to settle in the boonies and raise kids, because love and kids is more important than personal and intellectual fulfillment.