Humorous vows?

Rating: 7/10 (12 August 2005)

Good concepts to certain films can go a long way and I think in the case of THE WEDDING CRASHERS, the concept itself sold the movie, at least to me. Sure, having Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson starring in it helps, but the concept alone seems like something original and funny, at least on the surface. But, comedies don't really need a thriving story line, just one that makes some sense, allowing openings for actors like Wilson and Vaughn to make people laugh. But, make no mistake about it, this duo of Wilson and Vaughn by no means compares to the classic THE BLUES BROTHERS pair of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, like some critics have voiced. As funny as these two guys are, comparing them to jokesters like Belushi and Aykroyd is jumping the gun a bit. Maybe after we see them in a more driven comedy, we can make comparisons, but for now they're just two funny guys with great chemistry that hopefully will make more movies together. And if those future movies are anything like THE WEDDING CRASHERS, we're all in for quite a treat, I think.
What happens when you get two divorce mediators/attorneys together at a wedding they were not invited to? Well, they crash it of course and that's exactly the premise behind this story of Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn) and John Beckwith (Owen Wilson), who crash weddings in their spare time to pick up women. Sure, crashing weddings to pick up women is low and borderline sleezy, but it's funny and that's really all that matters. But, all the fun and games seem to end when the duo crash the wedding of Treasury Secretary William Cleary's (Christopher Walken) daughter and wind up falling for two bridesmaids Claire (Rachel McAdams) and Gloria (Isla Fisher), who were also sisters to the bride and daughters to the Secretary. But, falling in love is not part of the "wedding crashing" rules, so when John started to bend the rules a bit, Jeremy quickly got on his case, but the deed was done. John had already fallen for Claire and while he tried to figure out how to get closer to her, Jeremy was realizing just how nutty Claire's sister Gloria was, making up many of the stories hilarious parts. Between the two separate stories going on, you never had a chance to stop laughing, as John was able to be just as much the butt of a joke as Jeremy was, making up one heck of an ending that although predictable, was funny nonetheless.
You can't really get too deep into this film without giving credit to the cast, led of course by Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. The two make up quite a duo, combining two different styles of comedy, which is never a bad thing. Wilson's slow, methodical ways of being funny matched Vaughn's speedy delivery of jokes was truly something to watch. They definitely complimented each other, allowing each other to show off their talents and still be funny together when the time came. And to me, Vaughn made the film what it was with his nonchalant facial expressions, adding to his crazy stories or acts. But, Wilson is no slouch either, as he seems to keep churning out one funny movie after another, the last one being STARSKY AND HUTCH with fellow jokster Ben Stiller. Having said that, the pair had quite a supporting cast led by Christopher Walken, who on the surface might not seem funny, but can spit out some funny lines if you watch him. But, then there was Rachel McAdams (THE NOTEBOOK), who's character seemed to always bring the rest of the group back down to earth, which was great considering her on-screen sister Isla Fisher (I HEART HUCKABEES) was busy making Vince Vaughn look like a fool. There's even a cameo appearance that will sure draw some laughs worthy of $20 million dollars. But, overall this cast worked well together complimenting Wilson and Vaughn each step of the way.
THE WEDDING CRASHERS might not be up everyone's ally when it comes to comedies, but for those of us that enjoy watching actors make fools of themselves at the expense of good humor, this one is a keeper. With Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn leading a thriving cast of diverse talents, I can't imagine this film being any better. Sure there were a few parts that were a bit over the top and borderline sick, but that's the beauty of an R-rated comedy and one I would dub the best of the year thus far. So, even though this film might go too far for kids under 18 to watch, for those adults who still have a kid inside them, this one is for you.
B+