Not the best, but certainly not the worst. Surprisingly fun and funny!
If we’ve seen one goofy comedy, we’ve seen them all, especially those that pertain to marriage. The difference with THE WEDDING RINGER, like (but nowhere near) WEDDING CRASHERS, THE HANGOVER, or even BRIDESMAIDS it has style, comedic attitude, and its own swag!
THE WEDDING RINGER exposes us to Doug Harris (Josh Gad) a charming, chubby, loveable individual who’s a socially awkward groom-to-be with a major issue: he has no best man. Well, to be frank, he pretty much has no friends! With less than two weeks to go until he marries the girl of his dreams (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting), Doug needs to wrangle up some bodies and is referred to Jimmy Callahan (Kevin Hart), owner and CEO of Best Man, Incorporated. The “company†provides flattering best men (and when needed, groomsmen) for socially challenged guys in need. What erupts is a hilarious act as they try to pull off the scam.
THE WEDDING RINGER is a straight-forward movie that provides more than what most would expect. I seriously underestimated it! Not sure if it’s mediocre marketing, or its unappealing title, but I really walked out extremely pleased and surprised. The movie is full of charm, witty comedy, and contemporary vibe. Aside from its story, what helps keep this piece afloat is its diverse cast of maniacal misfits. Spearheaded by Kevin Hart and Josh Gad, I don’t think this would have worked (or maybe it would have) without them. Their chemistry was definitely in tune with one another and entertaining. That, however, doesn’t discount the fact that its supporting cast and pleasing cameos by Comedy Central Roast Alums (Whitney Cummings and Jeffrey Ross) made it fun as well and adds to the complexity of chaos that ensues as this dysfunctional story starts to unfurl.
Serving as a cure for boredom, and possibly a sleeper-hit, the only downside would be its predictable twist. But that doesn’t even matter as the movie pretty much gives it away during its second act, but even with knowledge of where the story will go, it doesn’t take away from its bundles of comedic joy.
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Grade: B / Genre: Comedy / Rated: R / Run Time: 1 Hr. 40 Min.
Starring: Kevin Hart, Josh Gad, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting
Directed by: Jeremy Garelick
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