Watch The Wedding Party

The Wedding Party is a romantic comedy that follows the story of Steve (Josh Lawson), a thirty-something groom-to-be who is about to marry his beautiful bride, Fran (Isabel Lucas). As the big day approaches, Steve becomes increasingly anxious about the future and starts to question whether he is truly ready for marriage. One of the main sources of Steve's anxiety is his dysfunctional and highly unconventional family. His father, Brian (Steve Bisley), is a boisterous and unpredictable man who struggles with alcoholism, while his mother, Jill (Nadine Garner), is a devout Christian who is constantly at odds with Brian's wild behavior. Steve's sister, Melanie (Kestie Morassi), is a single mother who has little patience for Steve's neurotic tendencies, and his best man, David (Adam Zwar), is a hapless and clueless friend who seems incapable of taking anything seriously.

Despite all of these challenges, Steve is determined to make it down the aisle and start a new life with Fran. Over the course of the film, we see him struggling to reconcile his doubts about marriage with his desire to make things work with Fran. Along the way, he confronts various obstacles, including a pre-wedding fight with Fran, an embarrassing bachelor party, and a series of awkward family gatherings.

One of the film's strengths is its careful balance of humor and heart. While there are plenty of laughs to be had (particularly in the scenes involving Steve's family), the film also has a genuine emotional core that makes us care about the characters and their relationships. Lawson and Lucas do a great job of conveying the ups and downs of a modern relationship, and their chemistry together is palpable.

Another standout feature of the film is its clever use of visual storytelling. Director Amanda Jane creates a vibrant and colorful world that feels both grounded in reality and slightly exaggerated. The film's montages, which often play out with a poppy soundtrack, are particularly effective, capturing the highs and lows of the wedding planning process.

Despite its many strengths, there are a few flaws that keep The Wedding Party from truly standing out. One issue is its uneven pacing, as the film can sometimes feel bogged down by too many subplots and secondary characters. Additionally, some of the film's gags fall flat, particularly in the more slapstick-heavy scenes.

Overall, though, The Wedding Party is a charming and entertaining comedy that offers a fresh take on the classic romantic comedy formula. Fans of feel-good films and wacky family comedies will find a lot to enjoy here, and anyone who has ever experienced pre-wedding jitters will be able to relate to Steve's struggles. Whether you're in the mood for a lighthearted romp or a thought-provoking meditation on love and commitment, The Wedding Party is a film that shouldn't be missed.