I Want to Marry Ryan Banks (2004 TV Movie) User Reviews (25)

better than i expected

[thrillcats · 7/10 · 24 January 2004]

Caught this movie on a cold, boring, Saturday night- and it hit the spot. Bradley Cooper, from Alias, caught my eye at first, and I actually got thru the whole movie- and was surprised at the end.

What was the most interesting is a behind the scenes look at a reality tv show, like the Bachelor. I think this movie could have been so much more, if it was alittle more realistic- like wouldn't the lead characters have cameras following them everywhere? regardless, I liked the love story and saw a true connection between Emma and Bradley. Perfect movie to watch, on cable, for free, when there isn't a baseball game on.

The reality is, this film was re-released in honor of Cooper's soaring career but romcom fans say thank you

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 19 October 2013]

Longtime friends Ryan Banks (Jason Priestly) and Todd Doherty (Bradley Cooper) are resorting to rather desperate measures. You see, Ryan was once a major film star and Todd has been his equally successful agent. Ryan was Todd's first client, a job that resulted from Ryan needing an agent, fast, when he was approached by a producer at a casual party. But, alas, show biz is always on to the next big thing and Ryan is in a slump. Therefore, in order to save BOTH their jobs, Todd tells his firm that he has a plan to boost Ryan's profile and have future jobs come pouring in. What is it? Well, there is going to be a new reality television show launched called I Want to Marry Ryan Banks. A dedicated bachelor, Ryan will finally find the woman of his dreams among ten beautiful finalists, like The Bachelor. It will end with Ryan on one knee, ring box in hand. The agency likes it. Meanwhile, a struggling book store owner/barmaid, Charlie (Emma Caufield) has had trouble in the romance department, too, despite being very pretty. To remedy this, her sister and brother in law sign her up for a tryout on the Ryan show, without her knowledge. After some reluctance, she agrees to do it. Wouldn't you know, Charlie ends up being one of the finalists! But, uh oh! This book seller actually spends more time with Todd and likes what she sees. Also, unknown to her, Todd, the smarter one, actually feeds conversation bits to Ryan, via earphones, so that she is unwittingly falling for lines Todd invents, not Ryan. What a merry mix-up might be brewing! Yes, ladies, here is your chance to see Cooper, before he was more famous, in a sweet, nice romcom. Priestly, natch, was the bigger star at the time, having been on 90210. He was and is handsome and talented, giving a charming turn here, too. As for Caufield, she is quite lovely and has the added bonus of coming off as bright and chipper. No, this reviewer won't reveal the ending, but with such great looking stars and fine costumes, sets, and lines, what's not to love romance fans? Reality says take the time to find it for a near future showing.

nice little digs at reality TV in nice little rom-com

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 8 September 2015]

Ryan Banks (Jason Priestley) starts out faking as an actor in Hollywood with his best friend Todd Doherty (Bradley Cooper). He becomes a big star and Todd is his agent. However, his latest film is a bomb. He's being downgraded to the B-list. Todd is given 3 months before his boss Ed lets go of both Ryan and Todd. Todd sees the outlandish reality TV being pitched and comes up with a reality show to find Ryan a bride. Charlie Norton (Emma Caulfield) is one of those girls who was entered by her sister.

Looking back, it's crazy that Bradley Cooper was the sidekick but that's the pecking order of the time. In the end, he's the romantic lead anyways. The digs at the reality TV system are tame for today's standard but they're sharp jabs back in the day. It has a bit of Cyrano de Bergerac. As a rom-com, there are no surprises. This is a nice cute rom-com with some touches of its times.

Much better than I thought

[freak_poet · 18 January 2004]

I started watching the movie, expecting it to be just another waste of two hours; but it was much better than I ever thought it would be. The ending was so sweet! and the actors/actresses were very good. I loved it.

Romantic comedy with a message!

[mm-39 · 7/10 · 17 February 2014]

I was surprised! I bought my wife I Want to Marry Ryan Banks and I thought another mindless comedy! Not painful to watch at all. In fact, I Want to Marry Ryan Banks is a romantic comedy with a message which empowers women. The movie is about two characters Ryan Banks (Jason Priestley) who has a low view of women which is a junior high objectification of women. Bradley Cooper is the movie's moral conscious who looks for a woman with depth. A woman with: Emotional/intellectual, intelligence, who cares, can have a conversation with, not self absorbed, and can do a crossword puzzle. Ryan Banks has ruined his p r reputation aka with women, and needs his agent(Cooper) to fix the problem. Cooper comes out with the idea of a reality show I Want to Marry Ryan Banks. The back drop of the show is comical with the stupidity of reality T V and the phony too cool Hollywood scene. What throws a wrench into the reality show concept is Charlie a contestant. Charlie is a woman with depth, and Banks phony persona is seen through. Aka Cooper needs to help Banks, and in the process the series creates a real relationship. There is a surprise ending where the viewer finds more depth to Banks than first thought. Great plot twists, with a strong story. A movie with a message 7 stars.

Cute Movie!

[binters · 7/10 · 27 February 2005]

I thought I Want to Marry Ryan Banks was a good movie. Some might say it was a bit sappy or too predictable, but I disagree. I thought there was an excellent cast and they all kept you entertained throughout the whole movie. Of course Charlie is the girl Ryan is going to propose to, it's in the movie description! Hello!? But you find yourself routing for Todd and Charlie, the only ones on the dating show who've found the "real thing". It's a cute movie and I recommend it to anyone who wants to see something fun and lighthearted with a happy ending. I don't know about you, but a movie like that puts a smile on my face at the end of the day.

hopeless romantic movie

[odlava · 7/10 · 13 January 2020]

Super corny but I liked it anyway. First time seeing it 2020 came out 2003 reminded me of the times of the cheesy bachelor shows;) Also I'm not sure about the actual name of the movie on prime it's advertised as the " Reality of love" but on IMDb it is " I want to marry Ryan banks"

If you enjoy Hallmark movies...

[RomComAddict · 2/10 · 6 December 2019]

You will likely enjoy this. I chose it because I always enjoy a good Bradley Cooper movie. This one fell short...way short, of my expectations. If not for him, I would have turned this off at the very beginning.

The Sweetest film!

[novella221 · 8/10 · 30 July 2005]

This film was the sweetest and most easy watching film i've ever seen. I don't think it's a guy film but all those girlie's out there should get watching. The film was a lot better than I anticipated. It started a bit naff, especially when I saw Jason Priestly with long hair and pretending to be no more than 18 years old, when he is clearly in his thirties. But trust me it did get better.

Here in the UK the film is called 'The Reality of Love' but 'I Want to Marry Ryan Banks'is an equally good title, as the film is based around the show of that name-let me explain........

Ryan Banks is famous actor who's career is ready to be written off. Something drastic needs to be done. So loyal friend Todd, and agent to Ryan, thinks of a new reality TV series (I Want to Marry Ryan Banks) where Ryan lives in a house with 15 women, whom he must interact with and share dinner with etc. Every week America votes out those women they don't feel Ryan is bonding with well. The finalist is the one American viewers choose for Ryan to marry. Being a 'ladies man' or should I say, 'womaniser', Ryan isn't really into settling down, but the thought of getting his career back on track and also staying in a house with 15 women, it can only make him the happiest guy.

A certain young lady, named Charlie, catches the eye of Ryan throughout the film but she bonds well with Todd, Ryans agent who works closely with the girls when filming the show.This is where the complications begin because Charlie happens to be Americas favourite to win and marry Ryan Banks much against her wishes with the alternative being to face a million dollar lawsuit. Like all cheesy TV films, there is a happy ending.

This film is predictable but enjoyable. There are a few funny moments which can only make it the sweetest film I have watched recently. It's a film only fit for TV but is still watchable and cute!

I Want to Marry Ryan B- You Can Have Him and the Film Too *1/2

[edwagreen · 4/10 · 9 May 2009]

Ridiculous film where two swinging college graduates move out to California and one becomes a movie star and the other his manager.

As 10 years pass, the star's popularity is decreasing so it is determined that there will be a television show where women will compete for his affection.

The film is obnoxious and ridiculous. The girls who vie for lover boy are made to look foolish. Only one girl seems to be the choice of the producer of the show. She is really an amateur up against some of the other women, but she is wholesome and brings good ratings to the show as well.

By the third scene you realize that the manager is falling for her.

We know that Ryan really was meant to be a bachelor. While the ending is somewhat cute, you really know where this was going.

Gotta Love I Want to Marry Ryan Banks

[lovinthishow · 9/10 · 25 February 2006]

Its incredibly predictable, the acting is that great, the plot is simple, but who can resist a fun romantic comedy-especially one where the underdog gets the girl! I loved Bradley Cooper in Alias and he does a great job in this movie. I also love how they make fun of the reality dating show on the film. In fact one of the contestants on I Want to Marry Ryan Bank is in fact one of the contestants that was snubbed on the Bachelor. Gotta love that Is this film going to be a romantic comedy classic? No. But every time i see it on Fox Family I can't resist watching it. Its a feel good movie that can't help make the viewer smile

Horrible and predictable

[seagullsista · 1/10 · 30 July 2006]

This movie was obscenely obvious and predictable. The scenes were poorly written and acted even worse. Following the horrible scenes was the terrible script filled with pointless and poorly thought out lines. I would never suggest this movie to anyone who would have any sense in watching decent movies. This movie was not only with the same ideas as the show the Bachelor and Bachelorette but also contained many parts in which you would know what the next move and line was going to be without ever having to watched the movie before. The casting was fine but the actors played there characters horribly with more drama then should have been used and said lines in was that wanted you to change the channel quickly. As a note please don't watch this movie.

Definitely watchable - and likable!

[dis-affected_youth · 26 November 2004]

I'm a sucker for romantic comedies so evidently, watching this movie (known under "The Reality of Love"), i couldn't help but like it. It is definitely typical in a sense, more or less predictable - the movie does manage to pull in a twist or two. The amusing thing about this is perhaps the somewhat "realistic" look at reality TV that the movie gives... Really gives you an inside on how "real" these shows are...

Emma Caulfield here is very sweet and natural, very different from her Buffy days. Her character, Charlie, is stereotypically the perfect girl that eventually attracts Bradley Cooper's character... Both actors I thought had some chemistry - perhaps not explosive in the sense but on-screen, these two looked like they had known each other for a long time.

Jason Priestly, I suppose didn't have to stretch too far to play Ryan Banks - its an almost autobiographical mirror self of his old days in BH90210, which I must say is a long long time ago. He has definitely shed the good looking image he once had - I had trouble liking him in the movie, not only because of his egotistical character but for him to supposedly be HOT, i just didn't buy the act.

Overall, I did love the movie - it's really just a sweet TV film, simple, predictable but devilishly charming.

Not awful but they did manage to make reality TV look-well-a little boring.

[triple8 · 5/10 · 25 March 2004]

I had seen the previews for this and decided to watch it just for some giggles. Unfortunately, I really didn't laugh much. This was a cute movie, there is absolutely nothing bad to say, it's predictable and maybe a little corny but certainly not unwatchable.

But it wasn't all that funny. There was also absolutely no romantic chemistry between anyone so that took away from it. This really isn't my type of thing but I tuned in thinking they were really gonna do a satire on reality TV or something. To an extent they did. And the twist at the end was sweet-though it would have been better if it had been believable in any way. I saw another romantic comedy(also with a terrible title) called "win a date with tad Hamilton' around this same time and that one was in the theater. That was much much much better and had more of the humer I really appreciate. This was passable-a decent way to pass the time-but left me with a slightly unsatisfied feeling-I really wish they'd gone more into depth on reality TV in a comedic sense then making this just another romantic comedy-it worked for another Hollywood satire "America's sweethearts'. But in that case, the characters all had a lot more chemistry and hammed it up more. This was OK, as mentioned, there was just something missing. I'd say about a 5.5 out of 10.

What a fun movie! So much better than I expected.

[rchristi · 10/10 · 24 January 2004]

I just finished watching it and was very entertained. It was so fun. We set TIVO to record it last week and were bored tonight to watch it tonight; I'm so glad I did! Only a few things could be changed (editing, cinematography, lighting) and it could be in the theaters.

I absolutely loved the fact that the host made snide remarks to the "Losers". That was great!

Playboyish, But Different

[stullmelissa · 5/10 · 13 October 2018]

I thought it was nice to see Bradley Cooper in this as well.

A great love story

[mmccrady · 10/10 · 29 December 2019]

I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. It has a very good storyline filled with surprises. The acting is great and the characters are likeable

Cooper playing second fiddle to Priestly?! Now THAT's worth watching!

[darthsteele-39338 · 4/10 · 1 July 2020]

Yep, Bradley Cooper playing second fiddle to Jason Priestley LMFAO! 'nuff said! Not that I don't enjoy Jason Priestley but c'mon. 4 stars because it was mildly entertaining and again, Bradley Cooper.

Really Cute!

[shimmermystic · 24 January 2004]

I watched this movie not expecting much but I actually really liked it. I thought it was interesting watching how reality shows were made and the fact that they used different aspects from different reality shows. The romance between the producer and Charlie was really nice and the ending was sweet. It was done very well and not how you would expect. This is a definite "girly" movie but very cute to watch if you're in the mood for a light-hearted romantic comedy!

Very Enjoyable

[docm-32304 · 9/10 · 5 November 2020]

We really liked this movie...great cast, acting and writing. Yes, you will quickly get ahead of the plot, but just relax and enjoy as they still keep it fresh and there are a few twists. I could have done without the totally gratuitous scene near the end, but I guess you have to do that now to qualify for the grant.

It is a TV movie

[readwin · 8/10 · 2 March 2020]

But it probably is the best TV movie I've seen, certainly for a while.

The script isn't terribly complex, but the jokes pretty much work, and it isn't going to start a couples argument if you are watching it together. The acting is a cut above normal TV fare, as you might expect, and it was obviously made just to entertain, which is refreshing these days.

Give it a spin when you want something to put you in a good mood before bedtime and you don't feel like making your brain work too hard.

wow

[lilkid4eva · 12 February 2004]

im watching it as a type, and it definately is surprising. i mean yeah, it is a romantic comedy, so what do you expect? but that whole thing with charlie and todd! im just waiting to find out what happened, so far hes just fires todd. alritght, well.. im out. and yeah, this is definatley good so far!

A Very Predictable ENDING!!

[whpratt1 · 10/10 · 13 March 2004]

After viewing a few scenes of this picture, I soon realized who was going to be the finalist. It was a cute, simple minded type of film, very down to earth about a humble waitress/bartender trying to rise above her position in life who had great qualities for being a great lover, wife and mother of your children. Emma Caulfield(Charlie),"Darkness Falls,"'03, gave a great performance to her role along with Bradley Cooper,(Todd Doherty),"Carnival Knowledge",'02. It was interesting to see how the actors were able to have their lines read to them with ear pieces, no cue cards were necessary at all and it made acting look real easy! Jason Priestly(Ryan Banks),"Die Mommie Die",'03 did not impress me in this film, but maybe that was the way he was suppose to play his role. Nice light minded film to sit back and enjoy if you CAN!!

Loved seeing some Jason

[bryantmadeline · 8/10 · 16 January 2023]

I personally am not a Bradly Cooper fan. I don't get it is it the nose ? Anyhow , so I was happy to see Jason in this. I liked seeing the girl from Buffy as well. While the movie is predictable it's also cute. It had some cute moments . There was really no chemistry between any of the leads but you can make believe it. The sister was on of my favort characters.

Over all worth a watch. The movie also goes by the I wanna marry Ryan Banks title if looking for it.

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predictable but funny movie

[frankenberry · 9/10 · 19 July 2005]

Jason's delivery in performance is great and funny. He has a great comedic performance. Emma turns in a funny performance as well. She is cast again with her 90210 alumni buddy. They were great then as a comedic team. They are great again in this movie. Although you may see what's coming with story line, it's still entertaining enough to stick it out to the end. Thanks to the teaming of Jason Priestly and Emma Caulfield this movie is great fun. The actor playing the agent is adorable in personality and looks. His chemistry with Emma is just as good with Emma. His chemistry with Jason is right on as well. Believable as old buddies and work partners.