Bride Wars 2009

My main issue with this movie was simply the premise. I didn’t think the reason behind the entire “war” warranted said “war”. Both of the girls had everything they ever dreamed of: the venue and the day. Both girls had those things the entire movie – what they didn’t have is each other. So this movie is about friendship, which I always expected, but I’m not sure the method they went about it was smart. What I would have rather seen is one open spot in this venue for the next three years – which one gets it? That motive would have warranted a war, not what we have here.

I watched this film primarily for the cast, and as far as I could tell, the cast all did a pretty good job. Even young Chris Pratt, who plays one of the grooms in the film. The cast worked well together and had a decent amount of chemistry – which is where the film draws most of its strength. It needed a strong set of characters for the audience to remember because the rest of it is just…typical. As an adult male, I felt like I was drowning in estrogen. It is a romantic comedy about a wedding, so I won’t complain too much about that, but I should also point out that I highly prefer Brides Maids.

Unfortunately, this film strongly suffers from rom-com movie tropes that are as predictable as they are typical. I had the misfortune of watching the trailer before watching the movie, which showed most, if not all, the pranks the girls play on each other…you know, the only element the film relies on for its comedy? It just feels more like an edgy Katherine Heigl movie than a solid comedy that anyone should own or allude to in the future.

“Typical” is the right term for this film. I would never call it a disappointment or crapfest because that’s just not what this movie is. It’s a typical romantic comedy that met my expectations before going in. At the same time, I’d never call it a movie that anyone really needs to see either. It is what it is, friends. Take that as you will.

If you've seen the trailer, you've seen the movie.

Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) are two life-long best friends who've dreamed of a June wedding at the Plaza since they were kids. Well, it looks like their dream is finally coming true as their boyfriends have popped the question and now all that's left to do is book the venue. But, unfortunately, due to a mistake the venue made, they've booked their weddings on the same day and the next opening isn't until June 15th... 3 years from now. When they both refuse to move their wedding, it turns to "war".

But, that's just it, the only "war" was in the trailer (the bronze tan, the blue hair, etc.) and the movie overall was rather average. I went in with an open mind and low expectations and still came out disappointed. The first hour is OK, but the last half takes a completely different turn. The jokes stop and it becomes more serious; focusing on the two girls' relationship more than anything else.

The movie appeals mostly to teen girls, so if you're anyone else, this isn't really worth the admission price. The trailer showed mostly everything anyway and it's pretty easy to guess how it ends.

This movie has a lot going for it. Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway both are very entertaining as Liv and Emma, best friends for 20 years whose relationship runs into troubles when they are both scheduled to have their dream weddings on the same date at the same place they've been planning since they were 6 years old. The story starts off with us getting to enjoy just how much they care for and support each other as evidenced by Liv's covering for Emma wearing an old gown to their gold digger friend's wedding and then supposedly giving her a "hand me down" that was brand new. That's what best friends do. But then the movie takes a kind of nasty turn to some Home Alone type antics when the girls get nasty with competition after their wedding dates are mistakenly scheduled on the same day. Some of this is funny but a lot of it was just too contrived. I really loved the way Liv's husband knew just how to handle her and what to say at the right time, especially with his beautiful Smurf comment. Watch for Kristen Johnston (who has dropped a lot of weight since her great role in Music and Lyrics). She was great in this. Candice Bergen plays her part as the wedding planner much the same way she played the mother in Sweet Home Alabama -- stiff and prudish. Would have liked to see more from her. There are several laughs and it is definitely worth seeing the meaning of true friendship and how they were lost without each other. Nicely done, especially Anne Hathaway. Who knew she could dance like that?