‘Bros,’ ‘Good House’ usher in the fall with romance

Above : Sigourney Weaver plays a woman who loves her wine in “The Good House.” (Photo/Lionsgate)

Along with the horror film “Smile,” which I wrote about yesterday , “ a couple of romances are scheduled to open on Friday.

And they couldn’t be any more different.

“The Good House” : Sigourney Weaver plays Hildy Good, a New England realtor whose problem drinking can’t mask her wry sense of humor nor the rekindling of an old relationship (to a character played by Kevin Kline) Based on the 2013 novel by Ann Leary.

Sheri Linden of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “There are big questions churning beneath the story, yet even Hildy’s personal turmoil feels somehow too neat. In the film’s sharp comic observations, though, and especially its two fine leads, something real and messy sparks to life.”

“Bros” : Actor-screenwriter Billy Eichner plays a podcaster who falls for a hunky estate attorney (played by Luke Macfarlane) and the two navigate the at times problematic ups and downs of new-found romance. Directed by Nicholas Stoller, “Bros” bills itself as the “first studio, theatrically released romcom about a gay relationship, with the major characters played by LQBTQ+ actors.”

Caryn James wrote for BBC.com, “ ‘Bros’ races along almost until the end when it embraces romcom elements, including a montage, that land as more clichéd than subversive. But that doesn’t make the rest of this charming film any less entertaining and effective.”

As the summer wanes, and the cold approaches, something to warm the heart is always appreciated. Romance can do that to you.