Bride Wars (20th Century Fox)
Light Hearted Fun
Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson make charming frenemies in the new comedy Bride Wars. Hathaway has a shy demeanor that grows into assertiveness while Hudson is snappy and sparkling from start to finish. This isnt comedy on a grand scale but it is pure enjoyment for those who get into the spirit of the film.
Liv (Hudson) and Emma (Hathaway) have been friends since childhood. They played dolls and dress up together and always wanted to be part of each others wedding. Plus the wedding had to take place at the Plaza Hotel in New York in June.
Liv grew up to be a successful attorney while Emma opted for the life of a grade school teacher. Though different in lifestyles and surroundings, their friendship has remained strong. So of course they are thrilled when they get engaged within days of each other. Their fiances, Fletcher (Chris Pratt) and Daniel (Steve Howey), handle the female bonding without comment.
The serpent enters this garden of glee when the young women find that through a mistake the weddings have been booked at the Plaza for the same day. This means in order to be part of each others weddings someone will have to change their date. At first things go friendly and cooperatively but then things escalate and bride wars break out.
Both Hudson and Hathaway are good enough actresses to keep the fun flying and the sentiment in check until the end. Then it is sweet time for the women and for the audience. This ends the movie on a bright note and satisfies all who attend.
Hudson shows some Goldie Hawn talent in this film. She looks great and does the physical and verbal comedy with ease. Hathaway is a more reserved actress but she throws herself into this part and makes Emmas transition believable.
Candice Bergen, who has suddenly become the grande damme of Hollywood, plays the wedding planner. This would seem to be a fertile field for comedy but Candice plays it straight, to the detriment of the film. Bergen can be hilarious in the right role but this obviously isnt the right role.
The film is rated PG for mild profanity and adult situations.
Bride Wars is just a fluffy, puffy bit of fun that will take your mind of your problems and focus them on someone elses. Hudson and Hathaway provide you with laughs while not over complicating a semi-silly situation. Go see it, relax and enjoy it.
I scored Bride Wars a wedding bouquet 7 out of 10.
