Movies

When Wedding Planning Turns Into a Chaotic Comedy of Errors

BBG News

As a film enthusiast in these turbulent times, I firmly believe that the current state of the world presents a golden opportunity for the genre of chaos comedy to truly shine – movies where alligators are tamed for bedtime, guests at fancy weddings receive an unexpected motorboat ride, and male strippers make unconventional appearances. Such humor could serve as a much-needed stress reliever during these trying times. However, I find that writer-director Nicholas Stoller’s You’re Cordially Invited falls short of delivering the laughter we crave. Unfortunately, this comedy is so densely packed with jokes, many of which are thrown together without much care, that it fails to leave a lasting impression. In an era where focus and clarity are essential, You’re Cordially Invited seems more intent on chasing after every possible distraction instead.

In a comedic turn, actor Will Ferrell portrays Jim, an Atlanta father who has single-handedly raised his daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan). Despite her independence and moving out, he goes all out in preparing for her visits, baking various cookies and ironing her clothes. This overly affectionate behavior, while endearing to some, can feel suffocating to Jenni. The plot thickens when she arrives with her fiancé Oliver (Stony Blyden), causing Jim’s emotions to crumble like a deflated soufflé. Despite his reluctance to let go, he wishes for her happiness and organizes their wedding at the island inn where he and Jenni’s mother were married years ago, hoping to secure it for their June 1st nuptials. However, there might be a mix-up in his reservation.

Due to a recent engagement announcement involving her sister Neve in Los Angeles, control-freak reality TV show producer Margot (Reese Witherspoon) finds herself in a predicament. Neve is apprehensive about her family’s disapproval of her fiancé, Dixon (Jimmy Tatro), a male dancer. As the peacemaker within the family, Neve is particularly concerned because she has distanced herself from her highly judgmental mother, Flora (Celia Weston), and uninspired siblings Colton (Rory Scovel) and Gwyneth (Leanne Morgan).

However, Margot is determined to help Neve. She swiftly takes the reins of the wedding planning, booking the event at a small island establishment that holds sentimental value for both sisters. Coincidentally, this venue was also recently reserved by Jim. The venue can only accommodate one wedding per weekend, leading to an intriguing situation when two brides and their respective guests – one group consisting mostly of exuberant Gen Z individuals, the other a more conventional set dressed in navy blazers and floral garden party dresses – both arrive at the island venue. The question is, how will this small wedding venue manage to accommodate both sets of guests?

When these two distinct groups arrive, Margot and Jim clash right away, which is likely why you’re here at You’re Cordially Invited, aren’t they? The concept of Ferrell and Weatherspoon in a romantic comedy—even a chaotic one—is intriguing. However, despite some occasional bickering, these two rarely engage in serious conflict. Ferrell’s laid-back, slightly confused demeanor is somewhat amusing. Yet, he mostly tells jokes about the generation gap, showcasing the struggle of older folks understanding today’s youth. Jenni and her friends casually call each other “bitches,” but they’re taken aback when Jim refers to a woman as a “lady.” This could work as a mild gag, if it’s resolved swiftly. Instead, the joke lingers, becoming repetitive and leading us all into eye-rolling territory. The humor doesn’t feel lively or dynamic; instead, it seems to stumble against itself, feeling its way through in the dark.

In the film, Margot Witherspoon, a successful businesswoman, often bristles at her family’s criticism, particularly from Flora. Weston delivers an outstanding performance as Flora, serving up biting comebacks like pieces of red-velvet cake. These exchanges seem to be enjoyed by Witherspoon, who excels at portraying high-strung, take-charge characters. However, she ensures that these characters do not become tired stereotypes. In one swift move, Flora manages to criticize Margot for her ambitious nature and childlessness, which Margot responds to with a witty remark, “You managed to pack so many insults into so few words, it was like an insult haiku.” This exchange is both humorous and realistic, capturing the prickly dynamic between parents and their children, even those who love each other deeply.

However, one issue with “You’re Cordially Invited” is its tendency to rely on familiar truths (like parents should eventually let go of their grown children, or even seemingly awful mothers might have underlying reasons for their behavior) which can make it come off as subtly self-helpish. Stoller has delivered some entertaining comedies before, such as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Neighbors,” and it appears he aims to continue in the same vein: offering humor with a bit of an edge.

I’d rather express it like this:

“You’re Cordially Invited” isn’t exactly brimming with wit or whimsy, and the chemistry between Jim and Margot seems to unfold at a snail’s pace. Their eventual kiss feels more like an obligation than a passionate moment, leaving one yearning for something more genuine. The picturesque setting of an antiquated Southern inn, frequented by the well-heeled, is visually pleasing. There’s even a dancing zebra, or rather, a man in disguise. If you’re seeking a subtle joke about the monotony of suburbanites driving identical white Chevy Suburbans, this film delivers. It’s the kind of movie that can play subtly in the background without requiring much attention. With an increasing number of such films emerging today, they offer little intellectual challenge—more like a sedative than a stimulant. In these chaotic times, we need more movies that engage our minds, rather than dull our senses.

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2025-01-31 01:06

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