Generally, I don’t like to review a movie after having JUST seen it. This movie is no exception. I had such a positive response to it; I wanted it to “simmer” for a while before I handed down judgment – just to see if, in the clear light of day, I still felt the same. The good news is that I do.
The movie is shot in a smooth documentary-style. You would think this would be off-putting, but it really isn’t. I love the casual way the script is written. It is not hard at all to believe that people say these things to one another. I was also a big fan of the diversity shown – both in the wedding participants and the music that is played throughout. Without all the family drama that occurs, I’d love to go through a weekend like this. Conversations are sometimes carried from room to room flawlessly and without effort. If the director gave any more direction than “just talk to one another” I’d be amazed.
Having said that, there were a couple of times where it seemed bits of scenes were thrown together where both the audio and video ended abruptly but, to be honest, I think this only added to the documentary feel of the film.
And then there’s the story…
Kym (played by Anne Hathaway) has just been released from 9 months of rehab and shows up at the family home on the eve of her sister’s wedding. Kym is the kind of woman who, if the spotlight is not on her, she abruptly turns it in that direction. Her father is the enabler, constantly attending to Kym’s needs.
The diversity in the film springs from Kym’s sister – Rachel – marrying an African-American. The two families come together without an air of tension about them – these people genuinely like one another. They also know how to have a good time together.
As mentioned before, there is some tension with Kym and her family. I love how they all open up wounds and discuss with whoever is in the room. They know it’s the fastest way to heal. Those who don’t want to heal or don’t want to be there to see the open wounds kindly step away and melt into the background.
I love the music that wafts through the open house and almost defines itself as a character. I really liked the rehearsal dinner where friends and family stood up and toasted the bride and groom. I wouldn’t be surprised to know that the comments spoken were unscripted and truly “off the cuff”. They were so smooth and honest.
It is extremely rare to see such a well-defined and well-done character study. It is amazing to me that they pulled it off with such fluidity and ease. This is definitely the kind of film I enjoy.
I want to see it again, soon.
The movie is shot in a smooth documentary-style. You would think this would be off-putting, but it really isn’t. I love the casual way the script is written. It is not hard at all to believe that people say these things to one another. I was also a big fan of the diversity shown – both in the wedding participants and the music that is played throughout. Without all the family drama that occurs, I’d love to go through a weekend like this. Conversations are sometimes carried from room to room flawlessly and without effort. If the director gave any more direction than “just talk to one another” I’d be amazed.Having said that, there were a couple of times where it seemed bits of scenes were thrown together where both the audio and video ended abruptly but, to be honest, I think this only added to the documentary feel of the film.
And then there’s the story…
Kym (played by Anne Hathaway) has just been released from 9 months of rehab and shows up at the family home on the eve of her sister’s wedding. Kym is the kind of woman who, if the spotlight is not on her, she abruptly turns it in that direction. Her father is the enabler, constantly attending to Kym’s needs.
The diversity in the film springs from Kym’s sister – Rachel – marrying an African-American. The two families come together without an air of tension about them – these people genuinely like one another. They also know how to have a good time together.
As mentioned before, there is some tension with Kym and her family. I love how they all open up wounds and discuss with whoever is in the room. They know it’s the fastest way to heal. Those who don’t want to heal or don’t want to be there to see the open wounds kindly step away and melt into the background.
I love the music that wafts through the open house and almost defines itself as a character. I really liked the rehearsal dinner where friends and family stood up and toasted the bride and groom. I wouldn’t be surprised to know that the comments spoken were unscripted and truly “off the cuff”. They were so smooth and honest.It is extremely rare to see such a well-defined and well-done character study. It is amazing to me that they pulled it off with such fluidity and ease. This is definitely the kind of film I enjoy.
I want to see it again, soon.