Cast: Anne Hathway, Kate Hudson, Candice Bergen; Director: Gary Winick; Producers: Kate Hundson, Alan Riche, Peter Riche, Julie Yorn; Screenwriters: Greg DePaul, Casey Wison; Music: Ed Shearmur; Editor: Susan Littenberg; Genre: Romantic Comedy; Cinematography: Frederick Elmes; Distributor: 20th Century Fox; Location: Romantic Comedy; Running Time: 89 min.;Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 2.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above
Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Liv (Kate Hudson) are best friends who grew up with one dream: to get married at the Plaza Hotel with each other as bridesmaids. When they both get proposed to, they excitedly plan the details of their big day and book two separate dates in June at the Plaza. Their friendship is enhanced as they try to support each other’s dreams and give way to make the other happy. Unfortunately, a clerical error books their wedding on the same day at the same time and the next available date is three years from now. The perfect seemingly unbreakable bond is broken as each refuses to change her wedding date or venue and resort to sabotaging each other’s ceremony.
On the one hand, the story is shallow and cute. Although it does not try to develop deeper characterization, it successfully gives the personality of the two protagonists and develops the plot in broad strokes. There is not much to expect from the movie with a mediocre acting, save for Bergen, a predictable storyline and a not so funny comedy. On the other hand, there are some charming classic moments as well as dull forgettable scenes. It might be a run-of the mill romantic comedy but it does manage to brighten a few minutes of the day afterwards.
Real and time-tested friendship is a better love story than romance and fairy-tale weddings. No matter how much strain life and time puts on friends, that one person you cared about and shared your life with will always be loyal, true and supportive. Unfortunately, this little message may get drowned by the ridiculous obsession the protagonist displays over having the perfect dream wedding as if that single event will spell out how the marriage will turn out. Of course, every bride (and maybe groom) wishes and needs to have that unforgettably romantic moment when they say “I do” and celebrate their union with the world. But at the end of the day, no matter how grand or beautiful one’s wedding is, what will count is one’s maturity, love and desire to make the relationship work.
The movie is mild and decent but there are some offensive scenes and situations that will not suit the young audience. For instance, alcohol is constantly used to relieve stress, mild nudity during the bachelorette party, and the fact that the two would be brides are already living in with their respective boyfriends.
