Review of Bride Wars (2009) by Dan J — 07 Mar 2012

I'm giving this movie a rating only because Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson are likeable and watchable actresses. However, both actresses have done far better work in other projects. If you like Anne, rent "The Devil Wears Prada" or "Rachel Getting Married". If you like Kate, rent "50 First Dates"; oh, wait - that was Drew Barrymore.

First, the premise: Two young women, who have been BFF's since childhood, fighting each other over a typographical error caused by the scheduler at the Plaza Hotel where both women want to hold their wedding receptions. Idiotic.

The point (and humor, I suppose) of the movie are the stereotypes the women are forced to portray about 'bride-zillas'. Neither Anne nor Kate posess that kind of over-the-top cruelty. It's as though they don't believe in the premise that much, either. This is one of those movies where it would have been more enjoyable watching the two lead actresses having lunch for 90 minutes.

The ending is sappy, the whole plot is contrived. Candace Bergen is completely wasted as the hotel planner; she would have the cruelty that both actresses need. Rent this if you like Anne or Kate, but don't expect much.