Shotgun Wedding (2022) Movie Review

"Shotgun Wedding" is a romantic action-comedy movie that offers viewers an entertaining escape from reality. The film begins as a typical romantic comedy, but things take a wild turn when the couple and their wedding party find themselves dealing with pirates on a remote island near the Philippines. Produced by Jennifer Lopez's company, the movie is a blend of humor, action, and romance, featuring a talented cast that delivers excellent performances.

The movie's central characters are Darcy (Jennifer Lopez) and Tom (Josh Duhamel), a couple who are about to tie the knot. Darcy initially had no interest in having a big wedding but agreed to it anyway. Tom, on the other hand, is a washed-up minor league baseball player with a recurring argument with Darcy over how many steps in a plan are too many. Despite their quirks, the couple is relatable and their chemistry is authentic.

One of the notable aspects of the movie is the diverse cast of characters, each with their own story to tell. Darcy's ex-lover Sean (Lenny Kravitz) shows up uninvited, causing tension, while Darcy's divorced parents Roberto and Renata (Cheech Marin and Sônia Braga) also add to her anxieties. Tom's parents Carol and Larry (Jennifer Coolidge and Steve Coulter) are clueless but lovable.

The movie's turning point occurs when pirates invade the wedding, leaving the couple and their party stranded on the remote island. This development is where the movie takes a wild turn, with the action and comedy ramping up significantly. The stunts are reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock thrillers and James Bond movies, with a touch of humor that keeps things from getting too intense.

Jennifer Lopez, who is also one of the producers of the movie, puts in a strong performance as Darcy. Despite being 52 years old, Lopez portrays the character with the energy of an ingenue. Similarly, Josh Duhamel, who is also slightly older than the roles he plays, delivers a great performance as Tom. The chemistry between the two leads is one of the movie's highlights, and their portrayal of a couple with a lot to learn about relationships is both charming and endearing.

The supporting cast also does an excellent job. Jennifer Coolidge, in particular, steals the show with her portrayal of Carol, Tom's clueless mother. Cheech Marin is fantastic as Roberto, Darcy's underplaying father, while Sônia Braga uses her otherworldly gaze to great effect in her underwritten role.

The movie is not without its flaws. The first act, where the guests arrive on the island and are introduced, feels a bit slow and exposition-heavy. However, this is a minor quibble that is quickly forgotten once the pirates arrive and the action kicks into high gear.

One of the movie's strengths is the emotional depth of its characters. Despite the absurdity of the situation they find themselves in, the characters' emotions are grounded in the messiness of real life. Darcy and Tom's recurring argument about how many steps in a plan are too many is a perfect example of this. It's a relatable argument that many couples have, and it makes the characters feel more authentic.

Overall, "Shotgun Wedding" is an enjoyable and entertaining movie that offers viewers a fun escape from reality. It's a blend of action, comedy, and romance that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. With a talented cast and excellent performances, the movie is a must-see for fans of the genre. While it may not be the most groundbreaking romantic comedy, it's a great example of what the genre can be when it's done right.