This is one of those films where you think you’ll know exactly what is coming next; some parts you will, some parts you won’t. A great mixture of tongue-in-cheek comedy and real struggles of the modern family. A predictable yet unexpected twist on a traditional romantic comedy.
A divorced couple pretend to be married for the sake of their adopted mother’s strict Catholic views. It doesn't quite go to plan.
Visually, the film is everything you would expect from an American romcom; bright, light and easy on the eyes. It allows for a pleasurable watch.
The Big Wedding’s soundtrack was somewhat parallel to the narrative. It worked well with the narrative and the scenes onscreen.
When watching the trailer, I wasn’t too sure about the casting of Robert De Niro. After watching the film, I definitely think he suited the character. We see a different version of De Niro that I don’t think we’ve seen in a while. A foul-mouthed, borderline sex addict with a warm nature. He portrays the character wonderfully.
As per-usual, Diane Keaton plays a betrayed ex-wife that takes the role of the matriarch. You can probably predict the facial expressions she uses. Writer and Director Justin Zackham spices up this well-known character which makes it a little more bearable.
Susan Sarandon can play both sides of the female spectrum; the warm-hearted, kind mother and the cold, heartless femme fatale. In this film, she mixes them into a brilliant character that will have you hating to love her and loving to hate her. It reminded me in particular of her character in Stepmom.
Most of the cast worked well together. The older generation definitely came off better onscreen than the younger actors. De Niro, Sarandon and Keaton bounced off each other making their relationships more believable.
Some of my favourite bits included:
The awkward, racist conversation between Father Moinighan (Robin Williams), Alejandro (Ben Barnes) and Missy (Amanda Seyfried). I felt that it highlighted a clear line between dated, religious societies mixed with the modern, extended family.
The father-daughter heart-to-heart between Don (Robert De Niro) and Lyla (Katherine Heigl). This was particularly emotive because of their hard-faced, stubborn characters. I felt that it gave depth to the plot line and even their characters.
Right before the wedding, the older generation are involved in a huge argument resulting in everyone revealing everyone else's past secrets. This was definitely an eye opener in the narrative. It changes the audiences views on certain characters, which was unexpected in the romcom format.
What stood out to me was that the racism issue was a huge part of the storyline, whereas the actor who played Alejandro was British. This was quite odd.
The age rating is 15. I definitely agree with this. Romantic comedies are changing and attempting a more risqué style and so 15 is much more suited than a 12.
Definitely worth a watch. You'll probably be able to guess the beginning, middle and ending, but the bits in between are an unexpected treat.
It is a good modern romantic comedy that does what it says on the tin.
I would buy it on DVD because its a feel good comedy that will lighten any mood.
As I have previously said romcoms are becoming more and more risqué, although it was definitely more out there than I had expected from a Diane Keaton film.
I would rate this film a 3/5 overall but if I was to do a genre specific rating, for a romantic comedy it would be a 4/5.
You can book your cinema tickets here.
Courtesy of Odeon Cinemas.
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