Review of The Wedding Singer (1998) by Drew H — 18 Feb 2011

The '90s deemed Adam Sandler comedy gold and Drew Barrymore the rom-com queen. It only makes sence that the two would come together and make one of my favourite romantic comedies about.... the '80s.

Adam Sandler stars as Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who ironically becomes left at the alter at his own wedding. To get himself together he befriends a woman named Julia who asks for his help in planning her own wedding, but he finds himself conflicted when he realizes that he loves her. An '80s man or woman will have their mind blown while watching this movie. There are so many references to '80s pop culture, the movies, music, tv. Heck, even Billy Idol cameos in this movie! But as overwhelming this movie becomes with it's references, it all feels very natural and unique. But even with the pop culture and absolutely hilarious and awkward comedic moments, this movie has a very innocent and heartwarming love story. This movie is one step better than a regular rom-com, it's script is well written and the preformances are suttle, hilarious and just perfect for this kind of movie.

As a movie taking place in the '80s, the look has got to be perfect, and I do believe that perfection was achieved in this movie. The decade was definitely present throughout the entire movie to the point where it might be reduculous, but I wouldn't have it any other way. But aside from the pop culture look, as a rom-com, this movie plucks every heartstring so perfectly. This movie lays easy on the comedy for a chance and gives room for the romance to be between the two characters constantly. The romantic parts hit hard emotionally, which makes the dramatic scenes even better too. This is an expertly filmed and directed rom-com that very few of it's kind could achieve without feeling conventional and shallow.

This might not be the most well thought of or important romantic comedy ever made, and the opinion of most movie critics range from average to under. Sure this movie pushes the '80s references, the romance is way over the top and fluffy, but to me, it's done in a way that it never looses it's cool. Adam and Drew work wonders together, and the rest of the cast does just as well. This is one of those rom-coms that never gets old or looses it's way. And besides, this movie has a Jon Lovitz cameo that to this day remains one of the funniest movie moments to me.