Shortgun Wedding Movie Review

The movie “Shotgun Wedding” is a romantic action-comedy starring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel. The film tells the story of Darcy and Tom, a couple who have pre-wedding jitters but must put their fears aside when pirates attack their wedding party on a tiny island near the Philippines. The plot, while fantastical, is grounded in the messy reality of human relationships, making it easy for audiences to empathize with the characters.

The movie begins with the arrival of Darcy’s ex-boyfriend, Sean, who was not invited to the wedding but has shown up anyway. Darcy’s divorced parents, Roberto and Renata, add to her anxieties, as does Tom’s parents, Carol and Larry, who are depicted as clueless middle-Americans. The couple’s recurring argument over how many steps are too many in a plan only serves to heighten their anxieties.

As the wedding day approaches, the guests arrive on the island, including Sean who descends via helicopter with his shirt open to his navel. The movie struggles to introduce all the characters, which feels endless and exposition-heavy, but it manages to get it out of the way quickly. As soon as the sun comes up, the pirates attack, turning the movie into an action-comedy with stunts that are straight out of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller or James Bond picture.

Lopez is excellent in her role, using her physicality to great effect, and her comic timing is spot on. In one scene, she tries and fails to reach a book on a high shelf while wearing a tank top and undies, which is both naughty and funny. Later, there is a stunt that is to long bridal trains what the end of “The Incredibles” is to superhero capes. Her character, Darcy, is portrayed as a shotgun-toting sci-fi bounty hunter with a shredded wedding dress.

Duhamel also performs well in his role as the giant little boy, Tom, who lives in fear of being a disappointment. He uses his action-hero body and oak-aged bourbon voice in a wounded way. His character evolves from a timid and insecure man to a blood-spattered action hero after the explosives go off, and golf carts tumble from cliffs.

The supporting cast delivers sharp performances, and their characters are well written. Jennifer Coolidge steals the show as she always does, with her surreal and nonsensical blurts at inappropriate moments. Cheech Marin is also superb in a role that calls for underplaying. He gets some of the film’s biggest laughs by repeating two words, “Thanks, Carol.” The role played by Sonia Braga is underwritten, but she uses her otherworldly gaze to suggest that the character keeps secrets she'll never share. Lenny Kravitz is another standout, playing a preening chunk of beefcake who thinks he's God's gift and is good-looking enough to keep failing upward.

Mark Hammer's screenplay is well written and has a sure touch with the lead characters. Jason Moore, who has directed "Avenue Q" and "Steel Magnolias" on Broadway, as well as "Pitch Perfect," directs the film. The violence in the movie goes up to the edge of unpleasantness while staying in cartoonland, which is similar to hard-edged Hollywood comedies like "Game Night."

While the plot may seem ludicrous, the movie hits many beats that are familiar, as well as some that are not. The emotional currents between the main couples are grounded in the messiness of life, which makes it easy for audiences to empathize with the characters. The stunts and action sequences are thrilling, and the movie delivers laughs, thanks to its sharp writing and excellent performances from the cast.

In conclusion, “Shotgun Wedding..

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