Runaway Bride
Tags: romantic, home movie

Plot synopsis:
Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts) is a spirited and attractive young woman who has had a number of unsuccessful relationships. Maggie, nervous of being married, has left a trail of fiancés. She's left three men waiting for her at the altar on their wedding day (all of which are caught on tape), receiving tabloid fame and the dubious nickname "The Runaway Bride".
Meanwhile, in New York, columnist Homer Eisenhower Graham or "Ike" (Richard Gere), writes an article about her that contains several factual errors, supplied to him by a man he meets in a bar who Ike later learns was one of Maggie's former fiancés. Ike is fired for not verifying his source, but is invited to write an in-depth article about Maggie in a bid to restore his reputation. He travels to Hale, Maryland, where he finds Maggie living with her family and on her fourth attempt to become married. The fourth groom-to-be, Bob Kelly (Christopher Meloni), is a local high school football coach who uses sports analogies to help Maggie with her concerns. He constantly makes references to Maggie "focusing" on the goal-line in reference to their pending nuptials. As Ike starts going around town to meet her friends, family, and former fiancés, Maggie becomes frustrated and feels he is getting the story wrong again.
Ike begins to cooperate with Maggie on the story, Maggie being interested in getting him to publish the truth, and the two become closer to each other the more time they spend together. During his research for the story, Ike realizes that Maggie is adjusting her interests to mimic those of her fiancés in order to please them. This is signified most prominently by her choice of eggs, which changes with each fiancé. At a pre-wedding celebration for her and Bob, Ike defends Maggie from the public mockery she starts receiving from her family and guests, and Maggie walks outside due to the embarrassment. Ike then confronts Maggie outside about his realization regarding her relationships.
During the wedding rehearsal, Bob tries to quell Maggie's wedding anxieties by walking her down the aisle. Ike is standing in at the alter as the groom. After Bob gets her to the altar, Ike and Maggie share a passionate kiss and admit to each other their feelings. Bob is chagrined, becomes jealous and punches Ike in the face before he storms out of the church. In the aftermath, Ike proposes that he and Maggie get married since the wedding is arranged. At the alter, Maggie gets cold feet and flees. Ike pursues her but she hitches a ride away on a FedEx truck.
Later, we see Ike living in New York and Maggie trying to discover herself, trying different types of eggs, and putting her lighting designs up for sale in New York. She shows up unexpectedly at Ike's apartment one night where he finds her making friends with his cat, Italics. Maggie then explains that she had been running because every other guy she was engaged to was only engaged to the idea she had created for them rather than the real her, but with Ike she ran because, even though he truly understood her, she didn't understand herself. She "turns in" her running shoes just before proposing to Ike. The two are married in a private ceremony outside, on a hill, avoiding the big ceremonies that Maggie notes she never actually liked. In the end, they are shown riding away on horseback while everyone in Hale and New York (clued in via cell phone by Ike and Maggie's family) celebrates the fact that Maggie finally got married.
A post credit scene shows Maggie and Ike playing in the snow signifying that the relationship is going strong well after the wedding.

Review: Yes, the director and the two big name stars are the same as the film's 1990 counterpart, but even though the two films have striking and almost offensive similarities, Runaway Bride has a good enough story that I refuse to believe that it relied on the success of its predecessor.
This is a very good romantic comedy, and it should not be missed simply because of a superficial comparison to Pretty Woman..
Her timing is rough, but it manages to avoid divorce lawyer, right?Drink in the backdrop of the movie, and enjoy the main characters and the strong ensemble cast in this enticingly amusing tale of love and romance redefined..
Though it seems very fast, it is completely natural for fans of "Pretty Woman," who saw these two fall in love a decade earlier.Roberts is wonderful in this movie.
I am not going to compare Runaway Bride to Pretty Woman because, quite frankly, I don't care too much for that movie either.
I am really becoming tired of coming across some 'generic' users' comments about movies such as: 'With a bigger budget, this film would certainly have been better'Runaway Bride, in my opinion, perfectly belies this too many heard statement: I wonder how many millions of dollars have been USELESSLY WASTED to make this stupid, boring and absolutely not funny movie: it is overwhelmed by clichés and extremely stupid dialogs with a thousand times overused storyline.
But, of course, many people will unfortunately still give some credit to this piece of garbage, for the only reason that the director Gary Marshall had directed 'Pretty Woman' nine years before and that he cast Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
As if all the bad one-liners and jokes aren't enough, we're forced to sit through silly, random scenes like Maggie swinging the church bell;  the whole scene where the girls dye Ike's hair; the duck-billed platypus imitation; I could go on and on!My advice to you is not to pay money to see this movie.
"Runaway Bride" is one of those films that probably looked good on paper - bankable stars like Julia Roberts and Richard Gere trying to rework their "Pretty Woman" magic in a similar plot - but is so horribly mishandled it became painful to watch.I rented it because my wife wanted to see it, and besides it was only an extra $1.00 with another 5-day rental at the local video store.
As you have already determined, lumping "10 Violent Women" and "Runaway Bride" together is a huge red flag for the discriminating moviegoer.First of all, Richard Gere's character is at best confused, but he is also conniving and mean.
I felt like I was watching a UPN sitcom instead of a movie.I wish I could find something positive about this film, but it is only a transparent attempt to sequel "Pretty Woman" and make a bundle.
It's a pity that twentieth-century writers have somehow acquired the idea that external obstacles are less interesting than internal ones: it isn't true, and in any event, internal obstacles are harder to draw convincingly.Which is why (FINALLY, I get to the point) "Runaway Bride" is a more pleasant confection than "Pretty Woman".
Maybe I was unduly swayed by the last Julia Roberts romantic comedy I saw, "I Love Trouble", which was at once thin, bloated, and flat."Runaway Bride" is none of these things.
Now considering that Pretty Woman was one of Hollywood's biggest films of the eighties, and with good reason, it was always going to be difficult to cash in on its success for a second time.
Undoubtedly, the onscreen presents of both Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is a big deal for movie fans.
I found this movie a joy to watch, not just because of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, but the fantastic supporting cast and the picturesque town in which the movie takes place.
Though we usually don't expect romantic comedy to be entirely realistic, we want to see good reason for the two main characters to fall in love.
Here's another question people, if you were Ike Graham wouldn't you be a little miffed at Maggie when you met here, common she made you get fired, and then Gere act like he's her best Friend.
It was a pretty good movie, but it wasn't a great movie.I know it's not a PRETTY WOMAN sequel, but with Garry Marshall directing Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo, and Larry Miller, I couldn't help but expect at least some of the old magic.
"Runaway Bride" reunites "Pretty Woman" stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts with their director on that film, Garry Marshall; it does not aspire to be art, but neither is it especially warm or witty or funny.
The stars do have great chemistry, the supporting cast is colorful yet not overly-eccentric, and it's a fine bauble for anyone in the mood for a generic romantic comedy (and, true, it's probably better than "Pretty Woman", which I didn't particularly like).
Julia Roberts makes the most of her role as the title character, and Richard Gere, her co-star in Pretty Woman, is his usual charming self as the somewhat over familiar love interest, and Joan Cusack is enjoyable as Roberts's friend who gives her the odd piece of advice throughout the film.All in all, not too bad.
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere still exhibit an easy going chemistry after their blockbuster 'Pretty Woman'.
I'm normally a huge Julia Roberts fan and while I found this romantic comedy entertaining enough, it cannot compare with her fabulous earlier movie, Pretty Woman, also starring Richard Gere.
Nor did I care for it as much as her other comedy romances (most notably Notting Hill) or most of the Meg Ryan ones, especially Sleepless in Seattle.The story revolves around a lovely young woman, Maggie Carpenter, who has left a series of three would be grooms partway through their wedding ceremony.
Richard Gere is competent as the journalistic vulture, Ike. I don't fault the lack of chemistry as much as the story, which simply isn't as good as Pretty Woman.Of course romantic comedies are never exactly bastions of realism, but this tale where such a young woman has already run away from three weddings and is now embarking upon number four, really seems too far fetched even for this genre.
Most of them follow all the predictable plot points: a) boy1 meets girl b) girl already with another boy (boy2) c) Girl and Boy1 fall in love d) Something bad happens and both characters do a lot of thinking e) Girl and Boy1 end up together and everybody is happy EVEN boy2!Runaway bride is no different with the sole exception that this movie lasts just under TWO HOURS!!
Two hours is reserved for the likes of Clockwork Orange and The Shawshank Redemption not for developing the aforementioned plot for which 90 minutes is more than enough.Julia Roberts is not that good in it, I think she ran out of facial expressions a long, long time ago.
Following up on the huge romantic hit "Pretty Woman," Richard Gere, Julia Roberts and Hector Elizondo reteam to produce yet another romantic comedy called "Runaway Bride."Nobody lost a step or missed a beat as Gere, Roberts and Elizondo teamed up with newcomers Joan Cusack and Rita Wilson.
Usually Julia is like a best friend in any of her romantic comedies, but in "Runaway Bride," neither she nor any of the other characters or situations seemed even remotely realistic or three-dimensional...
I wanted to love this movie as much as I did Pretty Woman, but Garry Marshall dropped the ball.It was so obvious to me what was missing from the formula.It had a weak musical background sound track when it should have had a score that would carry your emotions to a climax.
The small-town setting was quite nice, but so many things were so unrealistic and didn't make sense: the Fed Ex truck just HAPPENED to be standing by, she gets through the Sunday school kids in a flash but he can't...Julie Roberts seems to have no charm and Richard Gere is straining through it all to be sympathetic.
A romantic comedy with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere showing their incredible acting talents.
Before I begin, I think the reason certain people have been disappointed with this film is that they LOVED "Pretty Woman".
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have incredible chemistry, bringing back the great interaction that made Pretty Woman a believable story.
Credible supporting performances by Joan Cusack, Hector Elizondo, and Rita Wilson keeps the story moving along and adds depth in the character development of Maggie and Ike. In the end, I came out of this film feeling optimistic about my OWN chances for finding my Miss Right..
While I never cared for Pretty Woman, I always thought Richard Gere and Julia Roberts worked very well together.
"Runaway Bride", starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in their first reunion since "Pretty Woman", was a funny and romantic comedy that I liked a lot.
But other than that one plot point, I liked everything; Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and Joan Cusack (especially) were great, and perfect for their roles.
The stars (Julia Roberts and Richard Gere) and director of "Pretty Woman" team up again for another fun romantic comedy.
For example the balcony scene, and the bargaining of money to be paid..gosh it almost felt like it was the SAME movie I was watching rather then the sequel to it...None-the-less, this is better in terms of the many good punch line given to Richard Gere in this movie.
She has been the one asking the man for their hands in marriage in like three movies..namely MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, NOTTING HILL and last but not least RUNAWAY BRIDE..
I love watching Joan Cusack on screen and this is a perfect role for her.Garry Marshall is great for this kind of film and he doesn't miss a thing in here.
He and his wonderful cast do an excellent job of keeping us entertained and humoured for 2 hours and I am glad I saw this film.Runaway Bride is sweet, romantic and it will make you want to hug your partner after the movie.
If you liked Pretty Woman you will love Runaway (Pretty) Bride!!.
It shows a great face of life, and Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are the most beautiful couple of Hollywood!
While many are expecting a fluffy "Pretty Woman" II, "Runaway Bride" holds its own as a wonderful romantic comedy.
To all TRUE "Pretty Woman" fans, be on the lookout for several connections between the two films, including actors, scenarios and even a few lines.This is certainly an enjoyable movie that everyone should enjoy..
This reunion of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is even better than Pretty Woman®.
I liked "Pretty Woman", but "Runaway Bride" is actually better.
Fearing a lawsuit the paper fire Ike, but Ike goes to Maggie's town for her next wedding to prove that his story was essentially true in the description of her character.It must have seemed like a great idea  reunite as much of the original magic from Pretty Woman and do another one  it'll be great and the girls will love it!
Runaway Bride is a movie that has never gotten the respect it rightly deserves.Its a sign of the times ( a BAD sign ) that we live in an era that sweet simple love stories can be criticized but garbage like "Hannibal " and " Natural Born Killers " can be viewed as "brilliant ".A good love story can be looked at in three ways as far as success goes.One,is there a good story ?
Roberts is even more likeable in this film, as well as Gere.The story is sweet, the songs are great and the writing, directing and acting were wonderful.
the people having all three incidents on tape (there's even been talk of opening a "wedding gift museum").This has also captured the interest of New York columnist Ike Graham (Richard Here), who because of an article he wrote about Maggie, has now been fired, and is desperate for vindication.With this in mind, he travels to Hale Maryland, where Maggie is engaged, once again, to Coach Bob Kelly (Christopher Meloni) who, for his part, has total confidence in her ability to make her marry him.Ike, however, has his doubts, and can almost taste the vindication he will get out of this...Until involvement with Maggie gets him more than he bargained for, in the sense that he starts falling for her.Hector Elizondo, Joan Cusack, and Rita Wilson, are terrific in their roles, as is Christopher Meloni whose methods for keeping Maggie "focused" are hysterical, and add tremendously to the story.Garry Marshal is possibly the only director who could've done a good job with this.Romantic comedies are obviously his cup of tea since is the third one of his that I've seen that's been great.Though not as good as Pretty Woman, and certainly not the best wedding movie I've ever seen, it's fun, and entertaining, and could not possibly have been done any better than it is.The two lead actors are perfect, managing to make a story which could be dumb, believable.Originally, Review #93Posted On:
Runaway bride, which is the second romantic comedy starring Gere and Roberts, somewhat works in its own way.
Also, the chemistry between the leads isn't as obvious here as it was in pretty woman, I just didn't feel it as much in runaway bride.
Excellent romantic comedy with star-studded performances from Julia Roberts & Richard Gere!.
First of all, I thought that RUNAWAY BRIDE was an excellent romantic comedy with star-studded performances from Julia Roberts and Richard Gere!
In my opinion, they way that Ike (Richard Gere) and Maggie (Julia Roberts) met was absolutely magical.
I thought that Maggie (Julia Roberts) did indeed look like a pretty woman in the wedding dress she wore at the final wedding and that Ike looked good in the suit he wore.
Now, in conclusion, if you liked PRETTY WOMAN, see RUNAWAY BRIDE.
Following their huge romantic hit "Pretty Woman," Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo and director Garry Marshall reteam to make yet another romantic comedy called "Runaway Bride."Neither the director nor the original actors have lost a step since "Pretty Woman." Gere, Roberts and Elizondo teamed up with newcomers Joan Cusack and Rita Wilson as they never skipped a beat in their performances.
I commend the casting director and producer for putting together an excellent cast that really gelled and had chemistry that was like magic.I must say that "Runaway Bride" was much more charming than "Pretty Woman." I still enjoyed "Pretty Woman" but the updated version had a certain charm and a twist that was lacking in the first film.I can't say what the twist is without giving away too much, you'll just have to see it to find out.This was a cute film with a unique way of telling a plot that seems to have been done before on the silver screen..
I commend the casting director and producer for putting together an excellent cast that really gelled and had chemistry that was like magic.I must say that "Runaway Bride" was much more charming than "Pretty Woman." I still enjoyed "Pretty Woman" but the updated version had a certain charm and a twist that was lacking in the first film.I can't say what the twist is without giving away too much, you'll just have to see it to find out.This was a cute film with a unique way of telling a plot that seems to have been done before on the silver screen..
The eagerly anticipated re-teaming of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere with their "Pretty Woman" director Garry Marshall turns out just about exactly as you would expect.
And Hector Elizondo, who was also in "Pretty Woman" (and every other Garry Marshall film for that matter), is that rare movie commodity:  an actor whose very presence adds the element of class-- it's about time we all noticed.The characters are written with honest romantic disfunction and neurosis--altering what could have easily been another superficial Hollywood love story.
There's nothing in "Runaway Bride that you haven't seen before; but romantic comedy fans (and Julia fans) won't even have to lift a finger to enjoy it.
It gives the perfect mixture of romance and comedy with out getting too mushy.Richard Gere and Julia Roberts were amazing.
I think that "Runaway Bride was a very romantic movie.
If you like a little bit of comedy this movie is also good for you.
In the movie "Runaway Bride" I found it to be well acted of course by Julia Roberts and Richard Geere.
When I say that Julia Roberts and Richard Geere held up to Preety Women I mean that movie was just as good or better.
Reuniting Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, the team that made "Pretty Woman" such a hit, was the dream of probably every producer in Hollywood.
"Runaway Bride" is as good a Gere-Roberts vehicle as "Pretty Woman" was.
I was really looking forward to seeing Julia Roberts and Richard Gere again together, and it's true, the chemistry between them is great, however the story line was a bit slow.
Julia Roberts plays in yet another romantic comedy movie, this one relying on the story of a down home type girl with a knack for leaving her own weddings.
If you like "Pretty Woman" as much as I do, this movie can do no wrong.
Will I quit asking stupid questions?As everyone on this planet knows, Runaway Bride marks the on-screen reunion of Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, who last shook the worldwide box office with the monster smash Pretty Woman.
Before I saw this movie I heard a lot of talk about the chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere...
Do we really care about Richard Gere wandering around town for an hour's worth of the movie, talking to people about Julia Roberts' character?