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Bride Wars: The Wedding Empire Strikes Out |
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By Halle Marshall
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Friday, 06 February 2009 |
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Light and airy as a Vera Wang gown, Bride Wars provides about as much entertainment value as the nutritional worth of the frosting on a wedding day confection.
Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) are best friends who aspire to one day marry the men that they love at that nuptial dream location, the Plaza Hotel in New York.
When a mix-up at the coordinator's office causes the dates of their wedding days to clash, bridal warfare ensues as the two try to out-sabotage each other on the way to possession of their ideal special day. The audience is left to wonder if self-sacrificing Emma will once again cave in in the interests of her friend or if career-driven Liv will power her way to the top.
What could have been a witty critique on modern-day wedding practices and the increasing pressure to showcase a no-expenses barred, one-day extravaganza, Bride Wars turns out to be a reaffirmation of the notion that bigger does equal happier. Shallow character roles for Hudson and Hathaway do nothing to make these otherwise talented actresses shine. Dry dialogue and flat supporting actors make for a rather bland viewing experience, the only comic relief being that provided by Kristen Johnston who plays Emma’s kooky maid of honor, Deb.
Still, for those interested in all things wedding-related or who have a penchant for high fashion, this romantic-comedy might be appealing. As a critical success, however, my guess is that Bride Wars will be left at the altar.
One star out of five.
Director: Gary Winick
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