“…crass and honest, shrugging off the typical conventions of romantic comedy roles for a modern vibe that is as refreshing as it is funny.”

Romantic comedies are by far the most hit-or-miss genre. For the fellas, it isn’t uncommon for the idea of being seen at one in theaters to be met with a cringe and some ground rules. Obviously, they are only going because their significant other really wants to go, and as the good boyfriend husband or whatever, they are earning brownie points by letting the girl pick the date night activity. Like Trainwreck did (directed by Judd Apatow, 2015), you can go ahead and cast aside the gender roles for a night out everyone can enjoy. While Judd Apatow has worked on projects in the past such as Pineapple Express in 2008 and even some television show episodes of Freaks and Geeks 1999-2000 and Undeclared 2001-2002, most of the comedic credit for this film will go to its star, Amy Schumer. Both written by and starring this young, thirtysomething comic, Trainwreck is crass and honest, shrugging off the typical conventions of romantic comedy roles for a modern vibe that is as refreshing as it is funny.

When you grow up with a dad who preaches monogamy isn’t realistic, you might find yourself with some serious commitment issues. For Amy (played by Amy Schumer), that was all too true. Heeding her father Gordon’s advice (played by Colin Quinn), Amy prides herself on her ability to avoid the relationship trap, sleep with (but not sleep over with) any guy she wants, and just do her own thing. Her sister, Kim (played by Brie Larson), however, settled down despite their father’s jaded philosophy. Amy’s belief that monogamy isn’t meant for someone like herself is put to the test when she is assigned a story at the magazine she works for on a talented sports doctor named Aaron (played by Bill Hader). Amy surprises herself when she falls for him, and despite her belief that every relationship is doomed before it even begins, she will go outside of her comfort zone to see if she can finally make a relationship work.

Going into the film Trainwreck, I had heard some good things about Amy Schumer and her stand-up, but I hadn’t actually witnessed her work hands-on. What I learned from watching this film was that the modern, female stand-up comic can absolutely dominate as well as her male counterparts. The humor, here, reminded me a great deal of the Jerry Seinfeld style of comedy that very much plays on the everyday problems and realities of the average Joe, but Amy Schumer does so from a female’s perspective. Why does this work? It works because this perspective is honest and raw, not candy coated with flowers or perfume. She’s raunchy, shameless, and absolutely hilarious. The fact that she, herself, is a female working at a magazine aimed at men, but the actual men she meets seem to be just the opposite of their stereotypes is absolutely refreshing. From LeBron James (who plays himself in his first cinematic role) to a lax relationship with a man named Steven (played by John Cena), the male characters in the film focus on their emotions and relationship needs while Amy avoids it like the plague.

The chemistry between Amy Schumer and Bill Hader is absolutely perfect. Hader’s ability to step into the shoes of any character has been proven by his nearly decade-long work as a cast member on the popular sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. While he typically plays supporting roles in feature-length films such as Superbad in 2007 and Forgetting Sarah Marshall in 2008, it was fantastic getting to see him take on a leading role, and a romantic comedy at that! At first glance, he may not seem like the rom-com type, but that’s what makes this film feel so realistic. He looks like your average, everyday guy and not the type of guy in romance novels. Then, there is Amy Schumer, whose blatant disregard for the acceptable dating conventions embodies every modern-day woman of the 21st century. As more and more women work to reach the top of their respective fields in a previously male-dominated world, it is natural for the classic roles of men and women to adjust accordingly to the idea that anything boys can do girls can do better. This film not only embraces that philosophy, but it also sits down and has a beer with it.

Of all the romantic comedies I’ve seen, I feel that this one is easily on the short list that I could recommend to my male counterparts. It’s almost like the modern and grown-up version of How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days from 2003, however, instead of Kate Hudson’s sweet and silly charm, we have Amy Schumer’s crude and feisty attitude that absolutely makes it one to check out. I love a movie that challenges gender stereotypes, and the fact that this one does so while not missing a beat in the comedy department, Trainwreck is easily an 8/10 for me. If anything, you Lebron James fans out there will not be disappointed by this athlete’s first performance off the court and on the big screen.