Call Me When They Kiss

Sandokan is giving us everything we didn’t know we needed: a pirate prince with a heart of gold, a slow-burning grand romance, dramatic standoffs, and yes… an epic theme song ("Sandokan!" 🎶).If our thoughts can't convince you to watch the show, then just look at Can Yaman...are you convinced yet?*This episode contains spoilers* -- We dive into what makes the series work so well, such as the perfect balance of romance, action, strong emotional messaging, and just the right amount of cheesiness. But it wouldn't be CMWTK without also over-analyzing the main characters and sharing what we love (and hate) about them. We break down their motivations, chemistry, and the emotional weight each of them carries. While there were many things we enjoyed, we also discuss where the show could grow, especially when it comes to deepening the female characters (and hopefully introducing more women into the story overall).It was so fun to shift gears from what we've been watching lately and... honestly, we need more romantic pirate books and movies ASAP.With Season 2 officially confirmed, we’re absolutely tuning in.If you love romance, high-stakes drama, adventures, and pirates with emotional depth, this one’s for you.Keywords: Sandokan, pirates, romance, romantasy, TV shows, romance tv shows, movie review, tv show review, netflix, Ed Westwick, Can Yaman, character analysis, pirate show, pirate movie, new tv shows

It’s time for another bonus book episode! This month, we’re doing a deep dive into the Regency romance genre, and Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare.We kick it off by catching up on the latest in book and adaptation news, starting with Abby Jimenez’s upcoming book, The Night We Met, and the BIG casting announcement for Emily Henry’s next film adaptation, Beach Read.And thennnn we dive into Say Yes to the Marquess (don’t worry, we give a full summary, so even if you haven’t read the book, you can still enjoy it with us!). We share the good, the bad, and the silly—and why, despite its flaws, we still enjoyed this book. Say Yes to the Marquess is a Regency romance that feels very modern. The humor and personal struggles of the characters can feel very relatable. But do you prefer your Regency romances more historically accurate? We discuss the pros and cons of more accurate depictions of the time period vs. taking more creative liberties.As always, we wrap up with our ratings and a few fun facts about the genre, as well as romance literature as a whole, that might surprise you. Like, did you know Fabio has been on the cover of over 400 romance novels?If you love reading and romance, then this episode is for you <3You’re all invited to read with us each month and join the convo! And you can also join us every Friday for a romance movie review.Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a review!Love,CMWTK 💕

Last week we watched Emerald Fennell’s "Wuthering Heights"...and yes, we have a LOT of thoughts. 

We talk through the casting choices of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the artistic direction, and why adapting this story always feels like such a bold, yet risky move. What makes a good adaptation? And why do we keep coming back to this one in particular? 
We unpack Emerald Fennell’s creative choices, the film’s overall aesthetic, and how this version handles some of the story’s biggest themes: love, obsession, cruelty, sex, abuse, and death. 
We spend a lot of time on Heathcliff and Cathy’s relationship and why it’s so complex, and whether this adaptation actually portrays the reality of it. Did Fennell truly turn it into "the greatest love story of all time"? Because we certainly don't believe the original story matches that description.Since this isn’t the first time Wuthering Heights has been adapted, we also compare this version to the original novel by Emily Brontë and past adaptations (Isa watched ELEVEN leading up to the premiere of this movie).We discuss how the story is impacted when it's filtered through a modern lens, when Heathcliff's race is removed from the conversation, and when key themes such as generational trauma, nature vs nurture, and breaking the cycle of abuse are missing from an adaptation.By the end, we’re asking big questions like why do so many people frame Wuthering Heights as a "tragic love story"? Is Nellie an unreliable narrator? Was creating a steamier version the right creative choice? And can Wuthering Heights ever be adapted without losing something essential?Ultimately, this episode isn’t just about whether this adaptation “worked”, it’s about why Wuthering Heights still provokes such strong reactions, and what that says about romance, the viewers interpretation, and storytelling in modern time.Share your thoughts on the adaptation in the comments and don't forget to like, share, follow or subscribe!Keywords:Wuthering Heights, film adaptation, casting, cinematography, cultural impact, classic literature, Emerald Fennell, Jacob Elordi, Margot Robbie, film adaptation, Emily Bronte, Heathcliff, Cathy, movie analysis, film review, movie review

It’s our Valentine’s Day episode, and what better way to celebrate love, no matter how crazy or stupid it can be, than with Crazy, Stupid, Love? In this episode, we dive into this messy, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful rom-com and unpack why it is considered one of the most iconic of the 2010s. We get into the chaotic character dynamics, THE plot twist, what this film says about love at different stages of life...and everything in between. We truly discuss every aspect. From the incredible cast to what the film gets wrong, why media literacy is so important, and the humor that still has us laughing out loud.Romantic comedies have evolved, and critics reception to the genre has shifted...Was this one of the last “good” rom-coms we got in theater? Let us know in the comments! Do you like this movie? Why or why not?Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day single, coupled up, or somewhere in between, this episode is all about embracing love in all its messy, imperfect forms, and all are welcome to listen and celebrate with us!And don’t forget to follow us and leave a review besties <3KeywordsCrazy Stupid Love, rom-com, relationships, love, character dynamics, plot summary, valentine day movie, movie podcast, romantic comedies, romance movies, romance movie podcast, nostalgia, Steve Carell, Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, film analysis, rom-com dynamics, movie chemistry, Hollywood, pop culture

In this episode of Call Me When They Kiss, we unpack all our thoughts and feelings on Bridgerton Season 4, Episodes 3 and 4. Some scenes had us swooning and glued to the screen, while others left us feeling frustrated and confused. Benedict and Sophie’s relationship shifts and grows a LOT over these two episodes, and we chat about the complexities of their societal roles and what exactly is keeping them apart. What did you think of Benedict’s “proposal”? Because… we definitely have some thoughts.We also dive into Eloise’s character growth (or lack thereof), Francesca and John’s relationship, and of course, Violet’s *blooming* desires.We don’t shy away from the messier stuff though. We talk about the pacing of the season and how it affects our engagement, the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with creative liberties, and the way Bridgerton handles sexuality—which often feels full of double standards and contradictions.Throughout it all, we keep coming back to how we, as the audience, bring our own expectations into the viewing experience, and how that shapes what lands and what doesn’t. Are we expecting too much, or is production and the new show-runner negatively impacting the direction of the show?Come debrief with us. We don’t hold back, and you shouldn’t either. Let us know in the comments what you thought of the first part of Season 4! Keywords:Bridgerton, romance, romance movies, romance series, tv shows, pop culture, movie review, bridgerton review, Netflix, bridgerton season 4, Violet, Benedict, Sophie, netflix series

Is Benedict still a notorious rake? Or is he ready to settle down? In this episode of Call Me When They Kiss, we discuss the first two episodes of Bridgerton Season 4, and we are already LOVING Sophie and this season's fresh twist on the classic Cinderella story. We share some of our most unhinged show theories and predictions, and look back at past seasons -- what worked, what didn’t, which character's development we'd like to see more of, and what’s starting to feel a little too repetitive. In true CMWTK fashion, we have… a lot of opinions.We also get into the double standards between male and female characters, especially when it comes to sexual empowerment, talking about what the show is doing well to push back against harmful purity culture, and where it still has room to do better.What are we most excited for this season? Deeper character development, higher emotional stakes, and a slow-burn romance that actually earns the payoff.We can't wait to keep watching with you and see how the story unfolds!______________________________KeywordsBridgerton, bridgerton season 4, character development, romance, themes, love, purity culture, historical romance, regency romance, netflix, Benedict Bridgerton, film podcast, romance podcast, tv show

Welcome to our second bonus book episode! Last month we explored the contemporary romance genre, but this month we’re tackling the romantasy genre with a review of The Knight in the Moth. We talk through what we liked, what we wished there had been more of, and why the book ultimately landed as “it was good, but fine” rather than “we loved it!!!". But it wouldn’t be a Call Me When They Kiss episode without a classic rant. Can we rant about the romantasy genre as a whole with you for a sec? We’re begging for flawed, interesting characters, better villains, higher stakes, and a true slow burn. We talk about what makes a romantic storyline feel earned instead of rushed, and why we’ll always choose character-driven stories with real emotional depth over flashy world-building.We wrap things up with our personal ratings, honest recommendations, and a fun round of romantasy trivia (some of the facts really shocked us!!). So whether you read the book or not, join our convo, have some fun with us, and tell us what you love and hate about the beloved romantasy genre.Don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe 💋

Dirty Dancing was our first 5-star movie, so we were very excited to follow it up with the iconic ’90s rom-com Notting Hill…Imagine our surprise when it turned out to be our first 1-star movie! In this episode of Call Me When They Kiss, we give our fully unfiltered review of the film and share some wild behind-the-scenes tea. BUT not before showing some love to HBO Max’s new hit, Heated Rivalry.While Notting Hill was a major miss, Heated Rivalry gave us something to believe in again. The show made us laugh, cry, and feel things we did *not* expect, especially after just the first two episodes. But then there was episode three… and everything changed.Tune in to hear allllllll the details. From what we loved most about Shane and Ilya to where Notting Hill missed the mark, and even the one thing Hugh Grant did that drove us completely insane...Whether you’re here for the romance, the chaos, or the hot takes, this episode has it all. So press play and if you disagree...PLEASE tell us what we're missing. Keywordsromance movies, Heated Rivalry, Notting Hill, romance critique, hockey, shane and ilya, hbo max, romance books, Notting Hill, romantic comedy, Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, film critique, celebrity culture, dialogue analysis, audience reception

In this episode of Call Me When They Kiss, we’re giving our full film review on Dirty Dancing -- Our first 5-star movie on the podcast! And it may be our most unhinged episode yet. There will be laughing. There will be tears. This one is for our emotionally vulnerable girlies. From iconic lines and dance scenes, to the film's *perfect* soundtrack, we share what worked and what surprised us, as well as how we’d rate the chemistry, meet cute, and kisses between Baby and Johnny. Plus, Isa shares some fun behind-the-scenes facts and surprising context that might change how you see a few scenes next time you watch. We were also struck by just how much was going on beneath the surface, and dive deep into the social commentary woven into the story, and why this movie feels just as relevant now as it did when it first came out. We discuss why this film matters, especially for women. From themes of vulnerability, compassion, and empowerment, to how it navigates innocence, sexuality, and personal growth. Dirty Dancing tells a story that centers women in a way we don’t always get in romance, and we talk about why we’re still craving more female-led stories like this in movies today.If you haven't watched this movie yet, you need to ASAP. It is CMWTK Certified, and we really don't know what you've been waiting for.KeywordsDirty Dancing, romance movies, movie discussion, film analysis, romantic comedies, social commentary, iconic films, chemistry in film, Dirty Dancing, female empowerment, cultural significance, representation in cinema, women's stories, vulnerability, societal expectations, film analysis, coming of age, movie review, patrick swayze, romance movie review,

The time has finally come ✨🎬 One of our most anticipated watches of the year...People We Meet on Vacation! In this episode, we’re sharing our first reactions, our takes on the characters and their relationships, and how the film compares to other iconic rom-coms. We celebrate the moments that had us laughing out loud, and the phenomenal cast, while also being open about where we wished the emotional depth and character development went a little further, especially compared to what made the book so special to us. It’s an excited, honest, and love-filled conversation about book-to-screen adaptations, expectations, and why we’re hopeful and hyped for future Emily Henry movies.

This week on Call Me When They Kiss, we’re talking about an iconic romantic comedy that shaped the genre for decades: When Harry Met Sally. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t worry, we break down the full plot so you can still follow along and join the conversation. We dive deep into the film’s themes, cultural impact, what made us laugh out loud, why it continues to resonate ... and whether Billy Crystal is a cutie??? We also chat about People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, (whose film adaptation comes out in just one week!) and discuss how the book was inspired by When Harry Met Sally, highlighting their similarities and differences. From character development to relationship timelines, we reflect on what makes romantic chemistry feel real on screen and how rom-com tropes have evolved over time. We wrap up by sharing where we think the romance genre has been, where we hope it’s headed, and, of course, a round of Kiss, Marry, Kill featuring the leading men of ’80s romance 💋 We can't wait to hear what you thought of this movie! Let us know how you felt and which movies we should review next!

It’s here! Our first-ever bonus book episode! This month, we chose Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, and we just had to with the movie releasing in 11 days.We kick things off with some official and unofficial book world news, including rumored casting for Book Lovers, fan casting for Happy Place, and Abby Jimenez’s narrator hints that had us SO ready for the official announcement.Then we break down Alex and Poppy's story. From the friends-to-lovers trope, to what makes a good slow burn, to *the balcony scene*, to third-act break-ups...we cover it ALL. We both adore Emily Henry's books. They’re not without flaws, but they’re uniquely relatable, and she absolutely nails yearning. People We Meet on Vacation is no exception.Whether you just finished the book for the first time, you’re on your fifth re-read, or you’re getting ready for the movie release, this episode is for you.Keywords: Emily Henry, People We Meet on Vacation, book adaptations, romance novels, podcast, fan casting, Abby Jimenez, book discussion, personal reflections, character analysis, Emily Henry, romance novels, friendship, slow burn, character development, book review, relationship dynamics, third act breakup, balcony scene, romance, romantic comedy

Are rom-coms "so back"? This week, we watched Eternity to find out. Eternity follows Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) and Larry (Miles Teller), who have been married for 65 years before passing away just a week apart. When Joan arrives in the afterlife, she’s faced with an impossible choice: spend eternity with Larry, or reunite with her first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), a love she lost too soon after he died during the Korean War.We kick things off by talking about what romance movies and books we've been consuming lately and...debating which of the MMC we’d personally choose if we were faced with Joan's decision.Then we dive deep into the movie's themes, breaking down the film's portrayal of the afterlife, the chemistry between the characters, which moments made us tear up, and the overarching message that love isn’t just about the good times, but about enduring life’s challenges together.And because it's us, we close with our own hypothetical eternity situations...like "Would you rather spend eternity with Thanos or Voldemort?" 😂If you've watched the movies, join the convo and let us know if you think Eternity is the rom-com genre's comeback. And if you haven’t seen it yet, listen along anyway! We’ll help you decide if it’s one to add to your watchlist.Keywordsromance, movie review, Eternity, podcast, romance movies, movie ratings, love stories, relationship dynamics, romantic comedies

In this episode, we’re getting cozy in our Christmas pjs and reviewing two recently released holiday romances🎄🎬 We kick things off with Merry Little Xmas, breaking down its characters, themes, and the goofiness of it all. And then we dive into A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. What was it like to watch the Jonas Brothers play fictionalized versions of themselves in a *musical* movie with a million celebrity cameos? You'll have to watch the episode to find out. We discuss the musical elements, the romantic subplots, who this movie is really for, and which bizarre plot points had us the most bamboozled. And of course we'll leave our ratings for each movie, from chemistry to kisses, and how they compare to critic and audience scores. Intermixed with this all, we chat about our all time favorite Christmas movies, how Hallmark romances may be cheesy, but have heart, and what's missing from most recently released holiday movies. If you love Christmas movies OR just hearing us lovingly roast holiday content, this episode is for you🎅✨ Keywords:Christmas special, romance movies, movie reviews, character analysis, holiday films, movie ratings, pop culture, Jonas Brothers, musical movies, romantic subplots, Christmas movies, visual aesthetics, cultural commentary, movie ratings

This week on Call Me When They Kiss, we review Before Sunrise. Neither of us had seen the 1995 classic, but the 100% on Rotten Tomatoes convinced us to give it a shot. We had to see for ourselves if it deserved the hype.Spoiler: it absolutely does. This is a Certified Timeless Romance from CMWTK.We begin with a recap of what we've been watching and reading recently, with a mini Wicked: For Good review. And then we dive deep into Before Sunrise.We walk through our first impressions, the scenes that impacted us the most, and why the film’s simple setup works better than some modern formulas, even if it's a mostly plotless story of two strangers talking all night. Realistic dialogue and genuine connection still make for the best on-screen romance.And of course we rate some kisses 💋Chapters00:00 Introduction05:10 Reading & Watching Updates and Recommendations11:04 Wicked Part Two Discussion20:29 Initial Impressions of Before Sunrise31:30 Before Sunrise Synopsis35:45 Overall feelings on the Film53:04 Rating the Kisses and Chemistry01:01:00 Realistic Storytelling01:05:00 Does it pass the timeless romance test?01:11:19 Conclusion

Welcome for the very first time ever to Call Me When They Kiss 💋 In this introductory episode, we’ll introduce ourselves, explain the format of our podcast, and share some of our favorite things across the romance genre. From our most loved books and movies, to a game of “Kiss Marry Kill”, this episode will give you a feel for who we are and the stories that defined our love for the genre.