Bride Wars - A Movie Review

My wedding is going to be perfect. Just you wait!

After walking down the aisle, Bride Wars appeared in theaters in 2009. Long-time best friends Liv and Emma have always dreamed of getting married at the Plaza and being one another’s bridesmaids. Except, a mix-up of dates causes them to attempt to sabotage one another’s big day.

I watched Bride Wars when it was first released so I thought it was a good time to revisit the film. Bride Wars is a flawed romantic comedy. While the actors deliver commendable performances, the film does not distribute a positive message about friendship.

Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are two amazing actresses who have starred in a plethora of films, testing their versatility, and bringing them to stardom. The pair had great chemistry, creating a genuine dynamic between the pair. It’s their characters who are cold and ruthless people.

Are you telling me that Liv and Emma are the best of friends with the vile things they do to each other just because one of them won't switch wedding dates? Yeah, no friend would ever trick the other into eating baskets of decoy sweets to make them fat or change the color of a spray tan to something embarrassing.

At the time of watching Bride Wars, I hadn’t recognized Chris Pratt or Steve Howey yet. While Pratt has grown in stardom from his starring roles in Jurassic World and the Marvel films, Howey is a riot in the TV sitcom, Reba. It was weird to see him portray a more serious character in Bride Wars.

Even the relationship between the women and their soon-to-be-husbands is toxic. I won’t get started on Emma and Fletcher, but Liv admits that even Daniel isn’t enough to cheer her up! These women don’t deserve to be married, hardly recognizing what this day is about.

The supporting cast is underutilized and not developed enough. Characters like Candice Bergin (Marion) could have left a lasting impression if they had more depth. Since Marion is the one who made the fatal mix-up, why don’t the women attempt revenge on her?

Deb (Kristen Johnson) is the funniest character. Liv and Emma also have a handful of friends who each have different histories regarding their relationships. These characters are not used to their full advantage. Their characters and motivations feel out of place in a comedy like this.

The film’s humor could have been executed better. The main issue with Bride Wars is the questionable message it sends about friendship and relationships. Gary Winick did a good job conducting the actresses, but as for the message, it doesn’t sit right with viewers.

To me, best friends fighting and attempting to ruin one another’s weddings is a sour taste in the mouth. Some jokes are forced and aren’t that funny. Viewers want to watch movies that deliver an impactful message.

The plot is also predictable as we continuously watch the women prank one another. Was their relationship like this to start? They have known each other since they were kids. We needed more explanations as to why they become so toxic to one another.

There’s no emotional impact, like if we should feel bad for what they’re going through. The characters brought this on themselves and nobody tries to stop them. In the end, one of the main characters has a new romance with someone else who we never witnessed any chemistry with at the film’s start.

Bride Wars is not the best romantic comedy. This film deserves more improvements than what it presents.