Bride Wars (D or 1/4 stars)
2 BFF's become rivals when they're forced to schedule their respective weddings on the same day in 'Bride Wars', directed by Gary Winick. Emma & Liv (Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson) have been pals since childhood; and have planned every minute detail of their weddings for years. They even share the same dream of being married in New York City's Plaza Hotel in June. Now at age 26, their dream appears to be coming true. Or is it?
When their famous wedding planner (Candice Bergen) screws up the dates & schedules their ceremonies/receptions for the same time (with no possibility of re-scheduling) ... Liv & Emma obviously argue about which one will have to give up her dream venue. Now, the 2 BFF's who'd do anything for each other find themselves in an all-out battle. Both are adamant about keeping their dream wedding alive, and adamant about preventing the other one's from coming true: false pregnancy rumors, chocolate deliveries (so one won't fit into her gown), sabotage (by way of orange spray-on tan, and dying one's hair blue), storming the other's bachelorette party, etc.. Both girls are out for blood. But when all is said & done, the question has to be asked ... why? For what?
I mean, I know I shouldn't care (the script does nothing to make either of these girls appealing, sweet, or relatable). But within the confines of the story ... why do this to each other? Liv is set-up as a domineering, intimidating woman. Emma is set-up as the demure doormat. Both undergo subtle changes (for the better). But in the end, the film focuses not on their progression, but how shallow & bitchy they truly can be. It's a flimsy, mean-spirited plot for a movie. Speaking of plot: how idiotic is it to have a character with blue hair forget to look in the mirror in the morning, show up to work, & then freak out about her blue hair?
Anne Hathaway is adequate here; nothing like her revelatory performance in last yrs. Rachel Getting Married. And Kate Hudson can't play 'vulnerable' to save her life. You'd think that with the way she & Hathaway can command a screen that they'd make 'something' out of this trite movie ... but no. Even Kristen Johnson (normally a scene-stealer) couldn't be bothered. The only people I could possibly see getting anything out of this movie would be bride-to-be's who get a kick out of it all. The comedy is truly lacking (I think I chuckled 3 times). The melodrama is off the charts. And there's no commentary whatsoever on the absurdity of high-end weddings. I can barely remember anything about this movie apart from the forced happy ending, and moments we've seen in all the trailers. The premise for 'Bride Wars' had potential, but the filmmakers just really blew it on every single level.
When their famous wedding planner (Candice Bergen) screws up the dates & schedules their ceremonies/receptions for the same time (with no possibility of re-scheduling) ... Liv & Emma obviously argue about which one will have to give up her dream venue. Now, the 2 BFF's who'd do anything for each other find themselves in an all-out battle. Both are adamant about keeping their dream wedding alive, and adamant about preventing the other one's from coming true: false pregnancy rumors, chocolate deliveries (so one won't fit into her gown), sabotage (by way of orange spray-on tan, and dying one's hair blue), storming the other's bachelorette party, etc.. Both girls are out for blood. But when all is said & done, the question has to be asked ... why? For what?
I mean, I know I shouldn't care (the script does nothing to make either of these girls appealing, sweet, or relatable). But within the confines of the story ... why do this to each other? Liv is set-up as a domineering, intimidating woman. Emma is set-up as the demure doormat. Both undergo subtle changes (for the better). But in the end, the film focuses not on their progression, but how shallow & bitchy they truly can be. It's a flimsy, mean-spirited plot for a movie. Speaking of plot: how idiotic is it to have a character with blue hair forget to look in the mirror in the morning, show up to work, & then freak out about her blue hair?
Anne Hathaway is adequate here; nothing like her revelatory performance in last yrs. Rachel Getting Married. And Kate Hudson can't play 'vulnerable' to save her life. You'd think that with the way she & Hathaway can command a screen that they'd make 'something' out of this trite movie ... but no. Even Kristen Johnson (normally a scene-stealer) couldn't be bothered. The only people I could possibly see getting anything out of this movie would be bride-to-be's who get a kick out of it all. The comedy is truly lacking (I think I chuckled 3 times). The melodrama is off the charts. And there's no commentary whatsoever on the absurdity of high-end weddings. I can barely remember anything about this movie apart from the forced happy ending, and moments we've seen in all the trailers. The premise for 'Bride Wars' had potential, but the filmmakers just really blew it on every single level.