A great romantic comedy, a stand-out in its genre

Rating: Null/10 (18 December 2006)

I've never been a fan of romantic comedies. There's a very small number of them that are both romantic and funny. I can count the number of memorable romantic comedies on one hand. On that hand is THE WEDDING SINGER, one of the biggest surprise hits of the late 1990s. Released just before Valentine's Day in 1998, the film went on to gross over $120 million worldwide. Generally box office successes are short lasting ones. A picture may make money, but few are remembered by many after the year of their release. THE WEDDING SINGER has continued to be remembered and love eight years after its theatrical release. It is a constant fixture on VH1, and its popularity as only increased with the Broadway musical version released earlier this year. Both the movie and the play are better than they have any right to be with all the clichés, though the movie is definitely better. What the play can't top is the almost perfect cast. Adam Sandler gives the best performance of his career as Robbie Hart, the title wedding singer who has his heart broken after his fiancé (Angela Featherstone) stands him up and dumps him on their wedding day. Drew Barrymore, playing waitress Julia Sullivan, has undeniable chemistry with Sandler, even if her delivery is off at times. Matthew Glave is perfect as Barrymore's sleazy fiancé. The real standout for me, however, has always been Allen Covert as Sandler's friend Sammy. Covert is able to bring sympathy to a character that initially is a loser with a very believable performances. Of all talented actors and actresses on screen, only Christine Taylor isn't give enough time to be seen as a fully developed character. While this doesn't really damage the film, it is a noticeable flaw.
All things considered, THE WEDDING SINGER isn't high art, though it remains a genre favorite among both men and women, which is saying something. Highlights include the spectacular finale, Sandler's rendition of "Love Stinks", and the great appearances by Sandler buddies Jon Lovitz, Kevin Nealon, Robert Smigel, Peter Dante, Steven Brill, screenwriter Tim Herlihy, and Steve Buscemi. Fans of 80s music must pick up the amazing sound track featuring Idol, Lionel Richie, Hall & Oates, Culture Club, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Madonna, and J. Geils Band, among others. Highly recommended, romantic comedy fan or not. 9/10