The Wedding Year Image

The Wedding Year

By Alex Saveliev | September 20, 2019

Luketic is well aware that in a film like this, it’s not the ending – it’s the journey that matters. What he doesn’t seem to know is how to make the journey absorbing or original. He hasn’t figured out his audience either, the tweeny-dreamy vibe clashing with the R-rated stabs at more mature themes. Per usual, the filmmaker doesn’t shy away from obvious/lowbrow humor, involving, say, nipple squeezing and vomit. Here’s an example of a dialogue exchange: “Did you do your makeup high again?” Ellie (Anna Camp) asks, rubbing down the corner of Mara’s eyes. “Ellie, I’m not a degenerate,” Mara replies. “I did my makeup, and then I got high.” Cue laughter.

“Luketic is well aware that in a film like this, it’s not the ending – it’s the journey that matters.”

And that’s what the film is ultimately missing – a laugh track. It never transcends its sitcom roots, coasting by thanks to the (moderate) charm of its cast. Hyland gestures a lot, attempting to convey a sassy, independent queen who’s also insecure and looking for love and…whatever. She tries hard, and sometimes – like in the disastrous maid-of-honor speech – it works. She has an effortless chemistry with Williams – who, in contrast, doesn’t look like he’s trying too hard, exuding natural charisma, and a welcome counterbalance to Hyland’s shtick.

You’ll chuckle at a few moments. (“I heard Jacob was dating someone younger, but he really robbed the cradle didn’t he?” Jake’s ex-girlfriend comments to Mara dryly.) You’re more than likely to wince at many more, as each remotely-genuine moment is rapidly punctuated with a forced musical cue or cheesy sentiment. Breaking news? This film is not.

The Wedding Year (2019)

Directed: Robert Luketic

Written: Donald Diego

Starring: Sarah Hyland, Tyler James Williams, Jenna Dewan, Matt Shively, Anna Camp, Keith David, Wanda Sykes, etc.

Movie score: 5/10

The Wedding Year Image

"…It never transcends its sitcom roots, coasting by thanks to the...charm of its cast."

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  1. Sam says:

    Wow, this trashy written article is…wait for it…breaking news: not true and probably written by someone that has never been in love. If you want to state your opinion then that’s fine; just preface it with the fact that you are bitter and lack basic human decency.

    • Rebecca says:

      I just watched the movie and I have to say I agree with every word in this review. I watched it with my 18yo daughter and she groaned at every line. If this sitcoms version of love is what you think “love” is, then your head is in the clouds.

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