Rolling in the Aisles
By Sarah Carlson
July 5, 2007
Weddings are a time to rejoice ... except in movies, where onscreen ceremonies often inspire more laughter than tears. If the July 3 release of ‘License to Wed’ put you in the mood for more marital hijinks, here are our picks for the best wedding comedies ... -- ES & SC
“LICENSE TO WED”
Starring: Mandy Moore, Robin Williams and John Krasinski
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
Why we recommend it: There was a time when Robin Williams would have been the film’s primary comedic draw.
That time has passed.
Now if you want to bet on a movie being good, just scan the cast list to see if there is an “Office” actor in the credits (“Evan Almighty” aside.)
Krasinski makes his big-screen debut in this comedy about a couple who must pass a marriage preparation course to have their wedding in the wily Reverend Frank’s (Williams) church.
Williams has been described in some reviews as a “black hole of comedy,” but Krasinski has received kudos for trying to save a movie that really isn’t very good (see it's rating on Rotten Tomatoes for verification.)
On second thought, we don’t recommend the movie at all — but we do recommend an “Office” marathon on DVD. After all, Dunder- Mifflin has its own slew of romantic entanglements.
“MEET THE PARENTS”
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro
Directed by: Jay Roach
Why we recommend it: If it weren’t for “Meet the Parents,” we never would have heard the phrase “Keep the snake in its cage” or thought about how unfortunate our married name might be Martha Focker, anyone?) It’s no wonder that “Parents” has become a comedic classic.
“WEDDING CRASHERS”
Starring: Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn
Directed by: David Dobkin
Why we recommend it: A movie that treats marriage as anything but sacred (at least until the two main characters find love in the final act), “Crashers” was the kind of down-and-dirty “R” comedy that had become a Hollywood scarcity. Thank Wilson and Vaughn for making us laugh at our often overly sentimental wedding-day ways.
“RUNAWAY BRIDE”
Starring: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere
Directed by: Garry Marshall
Why we recommend it: Roberts savvily played off her runaway ways (remember the Keifer incident?) in this 1999 comedy, which some consider the sequel to “Pretty Woman.” Those who were hankering for a Roberts--Gere wedding in “Woman” were treated to the spectacle in “Bride,” along with three other near-nuptials.
“THE WEDDING SINGER”
Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore
Directed by: Frank Coraci
Why we recommend it: Bad hair, leg warmers and a Flock of Seagulls — ah, the 80s. Relive the synthesizer-laced magic in one of Sandler’s best roles as a down-and-out wedding singer reeling from being left at the altar. Fortunately for him, things begin to change as he befriends a different bride-to-be (Barrymore).
“MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING”Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett
Directed by: Joel Zwick
Why we recommend it: This 2002 runaway hit helped enlighten Americans on Greek culture (in an exaggerated, comedic way, of course) and gave hope to couples everywhere who struggle to merge their different families and traditions. It also gave women everywhere hope: You know that cute guy who caught you staring at him? He could turn out to be your future husband. True, he’ll also inherit your eccentric family, but there’s nothing that time, understanding and a little Windex can’t fix.
“MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING”
Starring: Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Rupert Everett, Cameron Diaz
Directed by: P.J. Hogan
Why we recommend it: One of Roberts’ least likable characters, Julianne, tries to steal her best friend/true love away from his bride-to-be right before the wedding. Does she succeed? Nope. Does it have a happy ending? Eh. That’s for you to decide.
“IN & OUT”Starring: Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack
Directed by: Frank Oz
Why we recommend it: When drama teacher Howard Brackett’s most famous student, Cameron, wins an Oscar, he happens to mention in his acceptance speech that Brackett is gay. That’s news to Brackett and his fiancée (Cusack). Kline shines in this ahead-of-its-time sap-fest.
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