SHOTGUN WEDDING
US, 2023, 100 minutes, Colour.
Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Cheech Marin, Jennifer Coolidge, Sonia Braga, Lennie Kravitz, Darcy Carden, Kelly Hernandez, Steve Coulter.
Directed by Jason Moore.
What one might call an undemanding comedy, a variation on romantic comedy themes. Will entertain audiences who want something light and easy, will have its good points and low points for those who like romantic comedies, will not satisfy audiences who are demanding.
On paper, there are number of interesting and potentially entertaining ideas. What about a couple who lived together for a long time and decide to tie the knot, she not wanting any elaborate or traditional wedding, rather wanting to elope, he, on the other hand, wanting the perfect wedding, and spending a long time in meticulous planning? And, a different setting? A luxury island in the Philippines and resort – and then adding a popular ingredient for disturbing the wedding, local pirates? Whole lot of comedy situations between bride and groom, some clashes between family members, some comedy in their portrayal, and a whole lot of action, machine guns, shot guns, the party held as hostage (and keeping them for the major part of the film standing in the swimming pool), the bride and groom going on an adventure escapade, actually cause a body count, and a betrayal twist with the guests?
And, on paper, what about the cast? Jennifer Lopez has been reliable for over 20 years for this kind of romantic comedy, she can be relied on. What about the leading man? The decision was made for Josh Duhamel. He is better known for action dramas. And, as it turns out, the way his character is written is a mixture of the perfectionist and the dill. She is good but he is hard to accept. The final credits note that one of the producers is Ryan Reynolds – and, what a pity that he did not take the role, able to combine the serious and the silly in a convincing way. And singer, Lennie Kravitz, turns up as an ex-boyfriend and unwanted guest.
But, there is an interesting supporting cast, Jennifer Coolidge has been popular for comic roles even before the American Pie films but has consolidated her reputation with her presence in and awards in The White Lotus. And she doesn’t disappoint here. Sonia Braga, on the other hand, was a Brazilian bombshell in the past – here, more than looking her age, she proves quite a contrast. And there is Cheech Marin, memories of his comic roles, Cheech and Chong.
So, quite a lot of screwball comedy routines, some amusing dialogue, especially for Jennifer Coolidge, quite a whole lot of action, Jennifer Lopez getting an opportunity to perform like an action hero, some spectacle at the resort (and hoping that all the extras were paid a bit extra for having to stand in the swimming pool for so long), some unbelievably horrible villains and their disguises, and a betrayal which many would have picked long before it was revealed.
As said, undemanding.
