MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING 1997
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1997 Timothy Voon
3 Big :-) :-) :-) for Julia the bridesmaid, never the bride
Cast: Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz, Rupert Everett, Philip Bosco, M. Emmet Walsh, Carrie Preston, Rachel Griffiths Director: P.J. Hogan Screenplay: Ronald Bass
If I'm not married by twenty-eight, I'm NOT going to marry my best friend cause I don't think it's legal. If Julianne (Julia Roberts) isn't married by twenty eight she IS going to marry her best friend Michael (Dermot Mulroney). Legally possible, personality compatible, wonderful, except .... he's met somebody else.
Julianne was the centre of Michael's life 9 years ago. After splitting with him, they have remained friends with the vague memory of a promise of marriage, if still single by 28. Jules doesn't realise that she is still in love with Michael until 3 weeks before her 28th birthday; when he calls to tell her that he's getting married, and asks if she would come to give him emotional support before the big day. Suddenly, feelings of jealousy are awoken in her, as she sets out to win Michael back in every underhanded way possible.
Yes, Julia Roberts is the BAD GUY. The fly in the Chardonet, the rain on a wedding day, the good advice that you shouldn't take - isn't it ironic? If cupid had a quiver full of arrows, they would probably all be sticking in his little butt right now if Julianne had anything to do with it. Which is the reason why I like this movie. It's a great learning experience for those wishing to sabotage weddings, and failed. Away with the simple 'I object' and in with karaoke aptitude tests, gay fiancees, falsified E-mail and wicked lies. I would also have recommended laxatives, but that's too cruel even for me, not on a wedding day.
So these are the tests that true love faces, when a very jealous best friend does not get her way. In this subtle competition for the groom, the bride Kimmy (Cameron Diaz) carries with her the girdle of bright eyed sincere innocence, whilst her rival maid of honour wields the magic of brains and beauty. So with whom shall I side? They both love him soooo much. How can one win without the other getting hurt. If I had to take sides, I can only let my conscience guide me. I have always believed that the motive behind every action, is the most important reason behind a good relationship. Sorry Jules you lose. But if I had my way with the plot - Kimmy gets Michael, and Jules ends up with Rupert - who makes an exception to his rule, and changes his sexual orientation the last minute. Not likely, but an interesting idea - cause we'd have something of a 'Chasing Amy' - Oh dear! Now if Shakespeare had his way with this tale of jealousy, it would probably have ended up with four dead bodies - now that would have been funny.
Director Hogan has once again decided to fill his 'wedding' movies with catchy tunes, making the marital experience a joyful ride. Julia is back in sparkling form, with an effervescent smile and long curly red hair. She has once again left mankind panting for more. Her every look carries with it an easy charm reminiscent of Rita Hayworth in her hey day. Yes, beauty and humour makes this particular lady prettier still. Cameron Diaz carries herself well against the stiff competition, whose performance at a karaoke bar will be painfully remembered. Dermot Mulroney is the ever likeable object of desire for both women, whose bland personality makes him the ideal reliable husband that every woman looks for; but it is Rupert Everett who steals the movie's funniest moments with his wry wit, humorous tale telling and spontaneous singing - making this wedding party a curious gem of rare sorts.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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