License to Wed (D+ or 1.5/4 stars)
'License to Wed', a so-called comedy directed by Ken Kwapis, follows newly engaged Ben Murphy & Sadie Jones (John Krasinksi, Mandy Moore). But they face a problem. Sadie's church is run by creepy Reverend Frank (Robin Williams). He won't bless their union until they pass his marriage-preparation course! Frank will employ dangerous exercises, time-consuming homework, & even bug their apartment to discover if this is a relationship doomed to failure or destined for lasting love. Can Ben & Sadie even make it to the altar? Ugh, this is a fairly miserable faux-romantic-comedy. I didn't hate it, but it's quite inconsequential.
Sadie always wanted to marry the man of her dreams ... in her church. After finding that man (a mere 10 min. into the movie), and learning of Rev. Franks' stipulations, the couple is mildly upset, but decide that the prenuptial course will be worth it (what do they have to lose, they're meant for each other, right?). The 1st task includes learning how to argue with each other (very funny scene). But things start going terribly wrong (both in the story & its execution). 1) Ben is desperate to break Frank's no pre-marital sex rule. 2) Ben & Sadie are given 2 twin robot babies to take care of; they literally cry, spit-up, pee & poo (with ensuing smells). Ben can't handle this situation, either. This particular segment is one of only two that actually brought something that resembled a smile to my face.
3) The couple struggles with completing their vows, 4) Ben insults Sadie's family, 5) lies start flying, 6) insinuations arise, 7) secrets are revealed, 8) parties are made to look like fools, and before we know it ... Sadie is calling off the wedding; perhaps she really 'didn't' know the man she was marrying (success for Rev. Frank). Ohh, come on people, you really think the movie will end like this? You really think they won't wind up together in some unforgivably sentimental way? The conclusion of the film is set on what 'was' supposed to be their honeymoon, the Caribbean. Ah, what a conveniently beautiful setting; gag me. And just who do you think will repent for his sins & marry the couple off anyway? Ughh, the level of sappy contempt with which this film ends is truly unbelievable.
But I've seen worse. I can't fault the film for trying to be lighthearted. But it's as lighthearted as a feather, ready to blow away into nothingness any moment. The film is boring; the humor is cheesy & cliche. Also, Mandy Moore is cute; Krasinski is your basic every-guy; Robin Williams makes some funny faces (oh, how the mighty have fallen) ... but all these characters lack charisma, the chemistry btwn. Ben & Sadie is flat-lined, the storyline is ludicrous, & the filmmaking is flat. As mentioned, 2 particular scenes are worthy, here. And the post-film outtakes are fairly funny. But there isn't much else going for 'License to Wed', I'm afraid.
Sadie always wanted to marry the man of her dreams ... in her church. After finding that man (a mere 10 min. into the movie), and learning of Rev. Franks' stipulations, the couple is mildly upset, but decide that the prenuptial course will be worth it (what do they have to lose, they're meant for each other, right?). The 1st task includes learning how to argue with each other (very funny scene). But things start going terribly wrong (both in the story & its execution). 1) Ben is desperate to break Frank's no pre-marital sex rule. 2) Ben & Sadie are given 2 twin robot babies to take care of; they literally cry, spit-up, pee & poo (with ensuing smells). Ben can't handle this situation, either. This particular segment is one of only two that actually brought something that resembled a smile to my face.
3) The couple struggles with completing their vows, 4) Ben insults Sadie's family, 5) lies start flying, 6) insinuations arise, 7) secrets are revealed, 8) parties are made to look like fools, and before we know it ... Sadie is calling off the wedding; perhaps she really 'didn't' know the man she was marrying (success for Rev. Frank). Ohh, come on people, you really think the movie will end like this? You really think they won't wind up together in some unforgivably sentimental way? The conclusion of the film is set on what 'was' supposed to be their honeymoon, the Caribbean. Ah, what a conveniently beautiful setting; gag me. And just who do you think will repent for his sins & marry the couple off anyway? Ughh, the level of sappy contempt with which this film ends is truly unbelievable.
But I've seen worse. I can't fault the film for trying to be lighthearted. But it's as lighthearted as a feather, ready to blow away into nothingness any moment. The film is boring; the humor is cheesy & cliche. Also, Mandy Moore is cute; Krasinski is your basic every-guy; Robin Williams makes some funny faces (oh, how the mighty have fallen) ... but all these characters lack charisma, the chemistry btwn. Ben & Sadie is flat-lined, the storyline is ludicrous, & the filmmaking is flat. As mentioned, 2 particular scenes are worthy, here. And the post-film outtakes are fairly funny. But there isn't much else going for 'License to Wed', I'm afraid.