The thing about romantic comedies like Maintenance Required is that unless a viewer is a fan of The Shop Around the Corner or You’ve Got Mail, then the formula might not work. No matter how realistic it actually is, it can be frustrating for those who don’t appreciate miscommunication as a plot device. Still, for those who are fans and want something similar, despite their careers, the formula in Maintenance Required is entirely the same, and that’s exactly why it works at the end of the day.
It also bears noting that I didn’t go into the movie expecting a timeless classic, and still had an absolute blast regardless. Madelaine Petsch and Jacob Scipio have the exact rom-com chemistry that always ensures the movie will be enjoyable, and watching the two of them go head-to-head, then soften around each other, are the exact narrative beats that make romance so endearing as a genre.
In addition, Madison Bailey, Katy O Brian, Matteo Lane, and the whole cast each bring something lovely to the Maintenance Required, making it just as much a story about friendship as it is about romance. The concept of women working in an autobody shop is also something we don’t get to see often on-screen, so any time a film wants to touch on rare careers, then it’s an immediate winner in that regard. The big corporations running out small businesses isn’t new and unfortunately still stings every time, given the state of the real world, but there’s a surprising twist in the end that makes this specific story feel even more comforting.
On another note, given the ’90s restrictions with various romantic comedies, You’ve Got Mail never got as steamy as Maintenance Required, and hi, yes, counter top action? Here for it. More, please. Again, a majority of the film’s charm lies in the performances, making it easy for us to believe that Charlie and Beau can last long after the credits roll. Their journey feels earned all throughout, and the fact that we spend ample time with them makes the nearly two-hour film fly by.
The movie isn’t trying to be some grand epic, nor is it really trying to become an instant classic. Instead, it’s a gorgeous letter penned and directed with organic dialogue and delightful little nods to the original stories. It’s enjoyable because from start to finish, it’s effortless to see how everyone involved cares about the tropes and the character journeys. It’s taking its job as a love letter seriously, and that’s exactly where it shines, even as we know exactly where it’s going in the end.
Maintenance Required isn’t perfect, but it’s an incredible romantic comedy all the way through, with great performances and an excellent soundtrack that’s guaranteed to make it memorable. The beautiful thing about romantic comedies, in book, show, or movie form, is that there can never be too many of them. In a sea of dark and heartbreaking media, it’s always comforting to turn to something and know that a happy ending is guaranteed. And here, it is.
Maintenance Required is now streaming on Prime Video.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Prime Video