Harmless light entertainment, no bad acting, fairly predictable, yet enjoyable plot. None of it is laugh out loud, or gross out, but I found it enjoyable in a low key way. Also quite an astute take on the Cheshire set.
26 Reviews
Tape over this one.....
FlashCallahan28 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Rufus Hound plays the bohemian of the two brothers in this comedy. He travels home six weeks before his brothers wedding and has a surprise for him, he's going to video the events before the wedding to give to him as a wedding gift.
What Hound doesn't know is that his brother is getting married to a girl at school who was a tear away and a pretty wild child back then. She is now prim and proper and very wealthy thanks to her mothers marriage.
The thing is, the more Hound spends time with her, the more his feelings grow for her...
I like Hound. When he's in it, he's the best thing about the awful Celebrity Juice, and he's quite funny. The same thing goes for Webb. He's great in Peep Show and HIGNFY, so this should have been a throwaway romp with a lot of laughs.
It isn't, and it doesn't provide any laughs. And. The main reason? Because everyone is so nice and the only reason what Punch and Hound grow feelings for each other is because half of the time they are together they are drunk.
The supporting cast are your bunch of perfunctory middle class English people you see in every sitcom, the neurotic wedding planner, the comedy vicar, the wannabe posh parents, and the hilarious grandmother played by someone famous.
All here present and bland.
But Lucy Punch is brilliant as usual and is the best thing here, and it appears that everyone is put into the shade when she's on screen.
It's predictable, and we have the cringeworthy scenes, that are not so anymore, because you can see them coming from a mile off.
To be honest, the trailers looked good, but don't give in for the rom com thing, its really awfully bland...
What Hound doesn't know is that his brother is getting married to a girl at school who was a tear away and a pretty wild child back then. She is now prim and proper and very wealthy thanks to her mothers marriage.
The thing is, the more Hound spends time with her, the more his feelings grow for her...
I like Hound. When he's in it, he's the best thing about the awful Celebrity Juice, and he's quite funny. The same thing goes for Webb. He's great in Peep Show and HIGNFY, so this should have been a throwaway romp with a lot of laughs.
It isn't, and it doesn't provide any laughs. And. The main reason? Because everyone is so nice and the only reason what Punch and Hound grow feelings for each other is because half of the time they are together they are drunk.
The supporting cast are your bunch of perfunctory middle class English people you see in every sitcom, the neurotic wedding planner, the comedy vicar, the wannabe posh parents, and the hilarious grandmother played by someone famous.
All here present and bland.
But Lucy Punch is brilliant as usual and is the best thing here, and it appears that everyone is put into the shade when she's on screen.
It's predictable, and we have the cringeworthy scenes, that are not so anymore, because you can see them coming from a mile off.
To be honest, the trailers looked good, but don't give in for the rom com thing, its really awfully bland...
Point and shoot
Prismark1028 June 2017
The problem with The Wedding Video is that it is just too darn predictable.
Oafish Raif (Rufus Hound) is going to be the best man at his uptight brother's Tim (Robert Webb) wedding. His gift to the happy couple is to make his own wedding video which gives the film a point of view look.
The bride to be Saskia (Lucy Punch) is a one time wild child, now reformed and a daughter of a higher up Cheshire set. Saskia also went to school with Raif and he has always carried a torch for her.
Pretty early on it becomes apparent that Tim and Saskia lack sexual chemistry and that things are not going to go well with the preparation of the wedding. On the other hand Saskia and Raif seem to get on very easily but the trouble is, it is difficult to get behind Raif, who appears to be too self absorbed and easily gets into silly scrapes.
The film is only intermittently amusing despite having several eccentric characters such as the highly strung wedding planner.
Oafish Raif (Rufus Hound) is going to be the best man at his uptight brother's Tim (Robert Webb) wedding. His gift to the happy couple is to make his own wedding video which gives the film a point of view look.
The bride to be Saskia (Lucy Punch) is a one time wild child, now reformed and a daughter of a higher up Cheshire set. Saskia also went to school with Raif and he has always carried a torch for her.
Pretty early on it becomes apparent that Tim and Saskia lack sexual chemistry and that things are not going to go well with the preparation of the wedding. On the other hand Saskia and Raif seem to get on very easily but the trouble is, it is difficult to get behind Raif, who appears to be too self absorbed and easily gets into silly scrapes.
The film is only intermittently amusing despite having several eccentric characters such as the highly strung wedding planner.
Awful in every way
topbearau6 January 2013
Those reviewers that have given this movie more than 3 have seen a different movie than myself.
I have never seen worse acting in a movie that actors where paid to be in. A high school movie project has better actors.
Direction...none. Cinematography..very bad. Acting..as bad. Story line..a sleeping tablet has less effect.
Give this tripe a very wide miss. Total waste of time and money, how it was funded is quite beyond me.
If I could give this movie no stars I would.
There is absolutely nothing about this movie that is entertaining, or funny. No normal person could sit through this rubbish and come away feeling good. Seriously, it made me angry that films like this still hit the screen.
I WANT A REFUND!!
I have never seen worse acting in a movie that actors where paid to be in. A high school movie project has better actors.
Direction...none. Cinematography..very bad. Acting..as bad. Story line..a sleeping tablet has less effect.
Give this tripe a very wide miss. Total waste of time and money, how it was funded is quite beyond me.
If I could give this movie no stars I would.
There is absolutely nothing about this movie that is entertaining, or funny. No normal person could sit through this rubbish and come away feeling good. Seriously, it made me angry that films like this still hit the screen.
I WANT A REFUND!!
quite lovely!
leonasunflower197823 August 2012
Having read the 2 reviews on here and seen some of the critics reviews I wasn't expecting a lot from this film. I'm a fan of peep show and Robert Mitchell in general so thought I'd give it a go and was pleasantly surprised! If you take this film for what it is, a light hearted comedy romp, it's actually quite enjoyable. Rufus Hound, who I have never heard of or seen before, was rather irritating to begin with in a Ricky gervais kind of way and I was worried this would ruin the film, but his character really grew on me and I think I was a bit in love with him by the end! The characters are all likable and amusing in their own ways and I'm sure some of them are fairly true to life, particularly the rich society women who are the "friends" of the mother of the bride! I found myself chuckling through a lot of the film and laughed out loud several times and left the cinema with a nice warm glow! It may not be a lasting classic but it's a fun, sweet and enjoyable film and I would give it 7/10
The Wedding Video Nasty
rob_collins7226 August 2012
I seldom leave cinemas feeling angry, but this film was so awful I wanted my money back. I sat through the whole mess hoping at some stage it would improve. It didn't. If anything it became more tedious and totally laugh free. How this got a budget to be made beggars belief. The plot of the movie had promise. Then the film began. Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves. It really is that dreadful. Avoid like the plague. Utter utter rubbish. Save yourself the pain and just watch any home video of a wedding and you will get more laughs, a better plot, superior acting and you won't feel cheated. I would have given it no stars if I could. It doesn't even deserve one.
Could use a little more edge but Lucy Punch is fabulous
MdlndeHond12 February 2013
Why this movie gets such angry reviews is a mystery to me. It's no way an innovative story and has no daring Hangover jokes but it's absolutely entertaining. The comic moments are delivered well but it stays a little on the timid side. It could have had more of an edge and there is a tendency to have rather great moments end in a bit of an anti climax. Lucy Punch is great as the former wild girl getting married. She has a unique quirky style that you either love or not at all; that was obviously the risk to leave the leading role to her. If this movie doesn't suit you this might be why but there is nothing wrong with either the acting performance or the script.
The worst film I have ever seen
juliethood20 August 2012
With a shooting style of a poor documentary and an annoying voice over from Hound from the outset I was hoping that things would improve.
But this is a film so poor that it isn't even listed on Flixster. It is truly awful. The casting is mismatched. The script is slow, dull and delivered like an over the top sketch show. The acting skills of the cast is barely taxed as they plod from one set piece to the next with little continuity.
Then it turns into a misplaced romantic comedy with delusions of grandeur. Which is when half the audience lost the will to live and walked out.
First time I have ever walked out of a film. It was that bad.
But this is a film so poor that it isn't even listed on Flixster. It is truly awful. The casting is mismatched. The script is slow, dull and delivered like an over the top sketch show. The acting skills of the cast is barely taxed as they plod from one set piece to the next with little continuity.
Then it turns into a misplaced romantic comedy with delusions of grandeur. Which is when half the audience lost the will to live and walked out.
First time I have ever walked out of a film. It was that bad.
Perfectly Enjoyable
kath_henderson24 August 2012
There seems to be a throng of Wedding based films recently. After Bridesmaids but it could've been Four Weddings and a Funeral that really started the trend. Whatever the root it seems both Hollywood and Britain are enamoured by the sheer social minefield that it causes. The worst of human beings are exposed in this high stress scenario, the glamour and need to show the guests a fabulous time tend to overwhelm the fact that this is, at the end, an expression of love between two people. Which should be the easiest thing in the world but is just... not...
Even though every single idea that could surround the central theme of the wedding has been explored, especially the Hen/Stag Parties, this film tries find a unique idea the Best Man making a Wedding Video as a gift to his brother, the Groom. In doing so he records the build up to one of the most stressful experiences the poor Bride has ever endured. The Brides Mother taking a lot of creative control in the matter causing much vitriol between the Bride and Groom.
It's a very predictable affair. But there's a lot enjoyable aspects. I personally found the visibility of the camera refreshing, knowing a character was in control of gave the actors the chance to really react to the absurdity of the situation and also feel the embarrassment of it being captured. It added a layer to the proceedings which was fun to watch, plus Rufus Howard's character trying to be creative and shoot as much as possible, plus the microphone man, Matt Berry, causing arguments and writing songs. The decadence of the Mother of the Bride was always a good mine for comedy too. But it's all subjective really and how much experience you have with weddings. Of course everyone will find humour in different jokes.
I thought the acting was particularly good. Rufus Hound, who I've never really considered as a Leading Man, or even an actor, having only seen him on panel shows, was really quite good. The man can definitely act and he really sold the emotional beats along with the comedy. Lucy Punch is always fantastic and completely underrated for some reason. Harriet Walters was fabulous as the Mother and Robert Webb was perfectly lovely as the nervous Groom.
There's nothing remotely surprising but there's a lot to be enjoyed. It's well acted, got a few funny bits and still manages to strive for a unique thread even though we know the ending by a mile off. It's the journey though, hanging around with these perfectly lovely characters and watching a wedding you're damn well pleased you won't be involved with.
Even though every single idea that could surround the central theme of the wedding has been explored, especially the Hen/Stag Parties, this film tries find a unique idea the Best Man making a Wedding Video as a gift to his brother, the Groom. In doing so he records the build up to one of the most stressful experiences the poor Bride has ever endured. The Brides Mother taking a lot of creative control in the matter causing much vitriol between the Bride and Groom.
It's a very predictable affair. But there's a lot enjoyable aspects. I personally found the visibility of the camera refreshing, knowing a character was in control of gave the actors the chance to really react to the absurdity of the situation and also feel the embarrassment of it being captured. It added a layer to the proceedings which was fun to watch, plus Rufus Howard's character trying to be creative and shoot as much as possible, plus the microphone man, Matt Berry, causing arguments and writing songs. The decadence of the Mother of the Bride was always a good mine for comedy too. But it's all subjective really and how much experience you have with weddings. Of course everyone will find humour in different jokes.
I thought the acting was particularly good. Rufus Hound, who I've never really considered as a Leading Man, or even an actor, having only seen him on panel shows, was really quite good. The man can definitely act and he really sold the emotional beats along with the comedy. Lucy Punch is always fantastic and completely underrated for some reason. Harriet Walters was fabulous as the Mother and Robert Webb was perfectly lovely as the nervous Groom.
There's nothing remotely surprising but there's a lot to be enjoyed. It's well acted, got a few funny bits and still manages to strive for a unique thread even though we know the ending by a mile off. It's the journey though, hanging around with these perfectly lovely characters and watching a wedding you're damn well pleased you won't be involved with.
The Wedding Video
jboothmillard10 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I saw the trailer for this film, I may have misjudged it for looking terrible, but actually it was rated not too badly by most of the critics, and obviously there were some good names in the all British cast, and even if it was going to turn out cheesy I was prepared for that, from director Nigel Cole (Calendar Girls). Basically Raif (Celebrity Juice's Rufus Hound) is a shambolic oaf with an alternative sense of humour, and he has been chosen as best man for the wedding of his brother Tim (Peep Show's Robert Webb) and his girlfriend Saskia (Lucy Punch). His wedding present to them is a wedding video that he is filming himself, along with his fellow cameraman Roger (Matt Berry), so almost the entire film is from his camera's point of view starting from while all the ceremony preparations are going ahead, right up until the wedding day and reception. As everything is getting ready, we see that Tim is marrying into a higher class lifestyle, Saskia has a hideous upper-class grandmother Patricia (Miriam Margolyes) who has particular tastes, and the bride's mother is continuously trying to interfere with the wedding plans and arrangements, while The Wedding Planner Jenna (Green Wing's Michelle Gomez) is a bit bonkers. Raif also finds out that he remembers Saskia as a constantly rebellious and trouble making school girl, and when Tim and her are having small tiffs with each other because of all of the wedding difficulties Raif and her start to spend more time together, talking mostly about her increasing stress. It becomes apparent that as they continually get together Raif and Saskia have unintentionally fallen for each other, and Tim is having his own doubts about the oncoming ceremony as well, and after the hen and stag parties have been and the day finally comes, it is unclear what the conclusion will be. In the end Tim before the wedding asks Saskia if getting married to him is really what she wants, to which she tearfully answer "no", and reaching the altar Raif announces that the ceremony will not go ahead, but then he steps forward and asks the vicar to marry him and Saskia as their feelings are true, and Raif ends his wedding video in a much different but better way than thought before. Also starring Harriet Walter as Alex, Angus Barnett as Reverend Dobbs, Julianne White as Tara Devlin and Felicity Dean as Jacqui. Hound is suitable as the jokey brother of the groom, Webb does his awkward persona well, and the supporting cast members all get their moments to make you laugh as well, I will admit the jokes aren't hilarious but it is relatively good fun, if you imagine The Blair Witch Project (without the scary moments) mixed with Four Weddings and a Funeral that is kind of what this is like, it is a relatively likable romantic comedy. Worth watching!
A very fun movie
wrj-586-97822819 January 2013
I read some of the other reviews posted about this movie, and wanted to add my voice to the mix. I disagree with others that this movie was a train wreck. I watched the movie on a flight from London back to Los Angeles, and enjoyed it very much. In fact, I found myself laughing out load so many times, I was worried the flight attendants or other passengers might think I was a basket case.
The concept, I thought, was a good one. The interaction between the groom, his brother and some of their friends was fresh and fun. Rufus Hound was absolutely perfect in the role of the goofy brother, trying to do well by his marrying brother. The movie , also finds Lucy Punch in a role as someone other than the crazy friend/girlfriend/stalker. She proved herself to be more beautiful, funny and a better actress than I had previously thought her to be, and I look forward to seeing her in more substantial roles in the future. But maybe the best part of the movie was the undertone of competition that constantly occurred among the mothers of the brides-to-be.
The end was slow, and could have been improved upon, but overall I thought this movie was very fun.
The concept, I thought, was a good one. The interaction between the groom, his brother and some of their friends was fresh and fun. Rufus Hound was absolutely perfect in the role of the goofy brother, trying to do well by his marrying brother. The movie , also finds Lucy Punch in a role as someone other than the crazy friend/girlfriend/stalker. She proved herself to be more beautiful, funny and a better actress than I had previously thought her to be, and I look forward to seeing her in more substantial roles in the future. But maybe the best part of the movie was the undertone of competition that constantly occurred among the mothers of the brides-to-be.
The end was slow, and could have been improved upon, but overall I thought this movie was very fun.
Two comedians, a bride and a camcorder
aelaycock25 June 2013
Well, "Four weddings" it is not! That movie had so much intricate plotting, witty dialogue, genuine passion and tragedy. You really got involved and it swept you along. This one is basically just a jolly jape with some comedians fooling around in front of a camera. The plot can be told in a few lines. Best man Raif (Rufus Hound) is making a wedding video for his brother Tim (Robert Webb), but discovers that he knows the bride Saskia (Lucy Punch). in fact he was in love with her at school. He knew her as a rebellious character, totally at odds with the rather staid bridegroom. With the wedding preparations in full and frantic flow, Saskia increasingly seeks out the company of Raif, with predictable and dramatic consequences for all concerned. The conceit is that the film is shot using what appears to be a camcorder.
Yes, it's paper-thin and primitive. But actually Rufus Hound and Robert Webb are rather good and charming comedians who are very capable of making you fall off your chair. There are also some fun cameos from Harriet Walter, Miriam Margolyes, the brilliant Michelle Gomez (off the brilliant "Green Wing"), and above all, Angus Barnett as the hysterical vicar.
Within a year I will have forgotten all about this little frolic. But while I was watching it, I enjoyed it and laughed rather a lot. So there.
Yes, it's paper-thin and primitive. But actually Rufus Hound and Robert Webb are rather good and charming comedians who are very capable of making you fall off your chair. There are also some fun cameos from Harriet Walter, Miriam Margolyes, the brilliant Michelle Gomez (off the brilliant "Green Wing"), and above all, Angus Barnett as the hysterical vicar.
Within a year I will have forgotten all about this little frolic. But while I was watching it, I enjoyed it and laughed rather a lot. So there.
A poor film
fraser-5565813 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
SLIGHT SPOILER IN THIRD PARAGRAPH - I'm surprised at the good reviews this film has received on here. It was a pretty awful film. I think the scriptwriter must have some dodgy photographs of someone to get the backing to make this film, because I can't believe anyone would put their money behind such a poor script as this. There are a couple of big names in the film too, so it makes me think money is more important to them than their reputation.
I gave up before the end, and not before time, which I rarely do with films, but saw enough to give a negative of the film
As for the "bad acting" issue, someone got slated in another review for mentioning this, and told it was meant to be like that because its about amateurs videoing the lead up to a wedding, but maybe he didn't mean that and meant real bad acting from Hound and Punch. The scene where they meet in the flat after kissing and are awkward about it, is pretty awful acting.
I gave up before the end, and not before time, which I rarely do with films, but saw enough to give a negative of the film
As for the "bad acting" issue, someone got slated in another review for mentioning this, and told it was meant to be like that because its about amateurs videoing the lead up to a wedding, but maybe he didn't mean that and meant real bad acting from Hound and Punch. The scene where they meet in the flat after kissing and are awkward about it, is pretty awful acting.
As for as wedding movies go, it's tolerable.
SkyWater815 November 2020
The POV footage take is probably the only thing really new that this wedding romcom brings to the table. And even then, the more the movie goes on, the more it's stretched and cheated. But Lucy Punch is in this (not nearly enough). But the ending is way to ridiculous for even her talents to sell
A hoot and a half.
branjoro25 January 2013
If you're looking for a sweet flick with a few belly laughs and a cast of well fleshed out characters, you could do a lot worse than giving The Wedding Video a look. Until now I haven't been a huge fan of Lucy Punch, but she gives a truly accessible and warm performance as Saskia Dutton in this and fits very comfortably along side Rufas Hound, playing Raif the brother of Saskia's intended, Tim. Robert Webb does well as the brother preparing for his imminent wedding to Saskia, in what, if Saskia's Mother has her way, will be the wedding of the year. A lot of the story is shown as if knocked together via hand held, but is rarely annoying or as distracting as some such movies that rely on hand held cameras to capture the "fly on the wall" aspect of story telling can be. There are a couple of notable cameos with, for this viewer, far too short a screen time, involving Miriam Margoyles and Matt Berry and Michelle Gomez' role as a former flight attendant come wedding planner is the crazy glue that holds much of the film together. Rom-coms don't usually do it for me, but the reason this one flies is the great dialogue, engaging characters and a storyline that is not dripping with the kind of sugary cheese Hollywood tends to fob off as entertainment these days. The low voter score probably relates to the differing appreciation and expectations of humour that seems to exist either side of the pond. Give me a well written, fun British made film any day.
About as interesting as any wedding video that you're not in.
GiraffeDoor20 November 2019
A movie of interest for simultaneously jumping on two movie band-wagons of the time: the wedding-goes-wrong movie and found-footage.
The plot summary on this page is misleading: this movie IS the wedding video so we see before the wedding, not after mostly.
Watchable but forgettable for the most part that at least judges a good medium between feeling sort of realistic but still sort of funny.
The plot summary on this page is misleading: this movie IS the wedding video so we see before the wedding, not after mostly.
Watchable but forgettable for the most part that at least judges a good medium between feeling sort of realistic but still sort of funny.
My wife picked this film...
mikerjones2 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
My wife picked this film based on the trailer and the fact she knows I like Lucy Punch. If you haven't seen the first three Vexed or the first six Doc Martins, you're missing something!
Anyway, this film started like some others, but quickly veered into its own lane. While some was a bit stupid and perhaps even predictable, major portions were laugh-out-loud funny and completely unexpected. The competing wedding complete with Titanic entrance and fancy port-o-let, the dancing sequence, Raif's greeting of the river boat tourists, the Mother of the Bride's speech...but most of all, Lucy and Raif's video tour of the private rooms at the "Hall". That last one will stay with us for quite a while!
Everyone was well cast and did a superb job. Much better than it had a right to be, I guess. But I do love Lucy!
Not as bad as I thought it would be
bowmanblue18 December 2014
British comedies are hit and miss to say the least. My expectations were decidedly low for this one. I love Peep Show and will watch pretty much anything with Robert Webb (or David Mitchell) in it. However, when I watched 'Confetti' (another Brit-com with Robert Webb in it) I was left severely disappointed that even he couldn't elevate it out of the doldrums. The Wedding Video is, as you can probably guess, a 'film' made in the deliberately documentary style of the first person. Rufus Hound plays 'Raif' the long lost brother who returns to England when his brother, Tim (Robert Webb) is getting married.
Raif's 'special' gift is a wedding video, charting the build up to the happy day - think 'Blair Witch, but with witches is posh hats from Cheshire.'
The first thing I thought was how much Rufus Hound comes across as a cross between Simon Pegg and Ricky Gervais. His character is only one step away from being pretty damn annoying. However, in my (slightly biased) opinion, it's Robert Webb's character who saves it, as he doesn't suffer his annoying brother too gladly and frequently slaps him down when need be.
As you might imagine, the build up to the wedding goes about as smoothly as the wedding itself. There are a whole string of unfortunate and cringe-worthy events, captured on camera for our viewing pleasure.
The Wedding Video hasn't been that well received by people. I don't know what they were expecting. Granted it's hardly comedy gold, destined to become a future classic, but I found it certainly watchable enough for an hour and a half. There are a few good gags and the characters are actually quite amusing, especially the bride's mum who's totally obsessed with 'outdoing' her friends when it comes to her daughter's big day.
Some people have criticised the ending. I didn't think it was that bad, but without spoiling it, I'll leave that for you to decide.
The Wedding Video isn't amazing, but it's no turkey either.
Raif's 'special' gift is a wedding video, charting the build up to the happy day - think 'Blair Witch, but with witches is posh hats from Cheshire.'
The first thing I thought was how much Rufus Hound comes across as a cross between Simon Pegg and Ricky Gervais. His character is only one step away from being pretty damn annoying. However, in my (slightly biased) opinion, it's Robert Webb's character who saves it, as he doesn't suffer his annoying brother too gladly and frequently slaps him down when need be.
As you might imagine, the build up to the wedding goes about as smoothly as the wedding itself. There are a whole string of unfortunate and cringe-worthy events, captured on camera for our viewing pleasure.
The Wedding Video hasn't been that well received by people. I don't know what they were expecting. Granted it's hardly comedy gold, destined to become a future classic, but I found it certainly watchable enough for an hour and a half. There are a few good gags and the characters are actually quite amusing, especially the bride's mum who's totally obsessed with 'outdoing' her friends when it comes to her daughter's big day.
Some people have criticised the ending. I didn't think it was that bad, but without spoiling it, I'll leave that for you to decide.
The Wedding Video isn't amazing, but it's no turkey either.
Very nice British romcom, lovely to find when so few show up at the cinemas these days
inkblot116 October 2015
Raif (Rupert Hound) has returned from being a perpetual vagabond to be the best man at his brother's wedding. Tim (Robert Webb), the groom, is glad his brother has arrived but is not too sure about the gift Raif proposes. It's his bro's dream, you see, to videotape the days up to the wedding fro this sibling as a one-of-a-kind momento. Alas, there is a sticky wicket almost immediately, as Tim tells Raif his intended is Saskia (Lucy Punch). Raif is astonished, as Saskia went to his school and was something of a wild child. But, her mother Alex (Harriet Walter) has married extremely well and has "re-invented" both of their lives. Now, Saskia presents a persona of rationality, staidness, and wealth. As Tim has also risen to become a rich businessman, the two now seem perfect. But, are they? As Raif films the couple from the wedding gala to the wedding dance instruction to visits with the uptight wedding planner, is Saskia truly in love with Tim? Or, is her heart still yearning for someone else? This very nice British romcom has a great cast. Punch, who was a scream in Woody Allen's You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, is quite fine as the reformed free spirit while Webb and Hound are great as the opposite leaning sibs. Walter does a quietly harried turn as the newly rich woman trying to plan a high society wedding and the rest of the cast is great, too. There are a bevy of comic scenes, as the one in which a society bride, whose wedding was to be the season event, ends up riding her party-ship into the ice sculpture. As noted, its Icebergs 2, Titanic 0. Also mirthful is the episode with the snooty Russian choreographer who has been hired to teach the couple a wedding dance or two. Costumes, sets, the lively script, and the zesty direction make for a vastly fun film. Again, Hollywood why have you forgotten women or fans of romantic comedy? Must we now go to Britain to view something we like? It appears so. As I found this in the DVD store, there is a happy ending but I long for romcoms to actually make it back to the theaters across the land.
Blair Witch meets Simon Pegg
malcolmgsw20 August 2012
The idea of combining a Blair Witch type of video to a wedding is rather appealing.The brother is very reminiscent of Simon Pegg at his most infuriating.Whilst this combination is uppermost the film is reasonably funny and has few dull moments.However about two thirds the way through it stops being a video and turns into a rather naff rom com which rather outstays its welcome.Which is a shame as it was entertaining up till then.Unfortunately at this particular moment all humour seems to drain out of the film.It even manages to make 4 Weddings look good if you ignore Amie Mcdowell.Worth a look if you have nothing better to do.
part satire, part romcom
myriamlenys19 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm no longer young. However, I still remember how Belgian working-class people used to marry when I was a child, some four to five decades ago. The bridegroom would invest in a good suit (and then wear it to christenings, funerals,... etc. until it grew shiny with age) ; the bride would invest in a nice dress (idem) ; the couple would go first to city hall and then to church ; and afterwards there would be a fine meal for relatives, neighbours and close friends. Numerous photographs would be taken, with everyone looking solemn-but-happy, and eventually the couple would leave on honeymoon, which usually translated as two weeks on the Belgian sea-side or in the Belgian Ardennes.
People lucky enough to fall into a higher income category could afford some luxuries. The honeymoon, for instance, became two or three weeks in France (saucy), Spain (exotic) or Italy (romantic). Often the bride wore a gown which screamed "wedding" to such an extent that it could be worn but once in the same lifetime ; later on, most of these gowns were lovingly preserved as an heirloom for a future daughter. Other brides would cut up their gowns in order to use the veils and laces for a baby's cot or, alternatively, for a christening dress.
Most of this was sensible and, if you think upon it, pretty sweet. Decades have passed and by now, the year 2018, all kinds of weird and costly extravagances have attached themselves to the matrimonial ship, like expensive barnacles. We now find ourselves in an era in which, say, the bride's parents may very well have to pay for a full-blown children's party complete with clowns, magicians and Chinese "lion" dancers, because you wouldn't like the kids to get bored, now would you ? An acquaintance of mine discovered that her daughter, the bride, was being escorted by flower-toting children dressed as Puss-in-boots, Cinderella and Batgirl. Another acquaintance caused a disaster by accidentally bumping into one of the five (5) wedding cakes provided for her niece's wedding. It provoked scenes of anguish and dismay worthy of "Le radeau de la Méduse".
If you live in a country stricken with the same kind of madness - and I greatly fear that this madness has infected all of the developed world - you could do worse than have a look at "The wedding video". It contains a lot of satirical barbs aimed at the wedding industry (or is it wedding ideology ?) and its adherents. In a more general sense the movie also mocks those who continually aspire to more - more money, more status, more titles. Which normal person would like to go and live in a stately home hung with absurd hunting trophies ? (Watch out for the joke with one of the trophies.)
With regard to these aspects "The wedding video" certainly works : there are good jokes and gags to enjoy. It becomes less satisfying where and when it turns into a romcom. The various emotions felt by the three protagonists do not ring all that true, individually or collectively, and the conclusion is so facile that it insults the intelligence of the viewer. Try this stuff in real life, as opposed to a movie, and you will cause a genuine tragedy, possibly even the kind of tragedy which will end up before a criminal court.
Still, the movie towers like a Colossus over the bridal romcom-nonsense churned out routinely by the USA, most of which, in my humble opinion, belongs somewhere in the one-to-three-star territory.
People lucky enough to fall into a higher income category could afford some luxuries. The honeymoon, for instance, became two or three weeks in France (saucy), Spain (exotic) or Italy (romantic). Often the bride wore a gown which screamed "wedding" to such an extent that it could be worn but once in the same lifetime ; later on, most of these gowns were lovingly preserved as an heirloom for a future daughter. Other brides would cut up their gowns in order to use the veils and laces for a baby's cot or, alternatively, for a christening dress.
Most of this was sensible and, if you think upon it, pretty sweet. Decades have passed and by now, the year 2018, all kinds of weird and costly extravagances have attached themselves to the matrimonial ship, like expensive barnacles. We now find ourselves in an era in which, say, the bride's parents may very well have to pay for a full-blown children's party complete with clowns, magicians and Chinese "lion" dancers, because you wouldn't like the kids to get bored, now would you ? An acquaintance of mine discovered that her daughter, the bride, was being escorted by flower-toting children dressed as Puss-in-boots, Cinderella and Batgirl. Another acquaintance caused a disaster by accidentally bumping into one of the five (5) wedding cakes provided for her niece's wedding. It provoked scenes of anguish and dismay worthy of "Le radeau de la Méduse".
If you live in a country stricken with the same kind of madness - and I greatly fear that this madness has infected all of the developed world - you could do worse than have a look at "The wedding video". It contains a lot of satirical barbs aimed at the wedding industry (or is it wedding ideology ?) and its adherents. In a more general sense the movie also mocks those who continually aspire to more - more money, more status, more titles. Which normal person would like to go and live in a stately home hung with absurd hunting trophies ? (Watch out for the joke with one of the trophies.)
With regard to these aspects "The wedding video" certainly works : there are good jokes and gags to enjoy. It becomes less satisfying where and when it turns into a romcom. The various emotions felt by the three protagonists do not ring all that true, individually or collectively, and the conclusion is so facile that it insults the intelligence of the viewer. Try this stuff in real life, as opposed to a movie, and you will cause a genuine tragedy, possibly even the kind of tragedy which will end up before a criminal court.
Still, the movie towers like a Colossus over the bridal romcom-nonsense churned out routinely by the USA, most of which, in my humble opinion, belongs somewhere in the one-to-three-star territory.
What a lot of fun-best wedding movie in the past ten years
zumaondeki26 January 2013
Just watched The Wedding Video with my wife,She protested "Not another Wedding Movie"!,two hours later she was still laughing with me about this film,it won't win any academy awards or golden globes,characters do not look as though they are acting due to the semi "Doc'o" style of filming however the three main characters consisting of our Bride,Groom and Best Man with special mention of the the Brides mother and Grandmother made this film a laugh a minute,well maybe every two minutes. I don't know why some review's were so harsh,it is what it is,a mad movie about weddings and the loss of control by the "Couple To Be" the typical Mother outdoing her society friends and the Wedding Planner going out of her mind plus the best man (Also the Brother of the Groom)adding to the chaos. I liked the Doco style which reminded me of an Australian film "Kenny" a few years back,the acting was OK and worked well with the dialogue.
We did not want our money back after watching this film compared to a lot of the contrived American rubbish on offer in recent time,The English have a great knack for comedy and I give this a 8/10 for laughs.
We did not want our money back after watching this film compared to a lot of the contrived American rubbish on offer in recent time,The English have a great knack for comedy and I give this a 8/10 for laughs.
Enjoyed much more than I expected to
neil-47631 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
After their parents died, Raif (Rufus Hound) went travelling while more staid Tim (Robert Webb) remained at home and settled into a conventional life. Tim is now about to marry Saskia (Lucy Punch) and Raif has returned to be best man. He also has in mind compiling a fly-on-the-wall video of the events leading up to and including the wedding. That's the plot. There's more to it than that, of course - Saskia has a past as a wilful teenager, Tim gets more uptight as time goes on, Saskia's family as nouveau riche and her mother (Harriet Walter) is set on outdoing all the other nouveaux riches, and so on.
My early thoughts were that this didn't really belong on the cinema screen. With a cast mostly known for TV work, it had a feel of a long episode from a sitcom. But, as it went on I warmed to it more, and I ended up enjoying it a great deal. In fact, I laughed often and heartily (there is a dance sequence which is laugh out loud funny).
The characters are all likable, which helps (even Robert Webb's Tim, saddled with an uptight anal-retentive character who folds his dirty washing before putting it in the laundry basket, is essentially a good, likable person). The events stay within the boundaries of credibility, the plot is satisfactory (if somewhat glib towards the end), and there is some excellent acting, particularly from Harriet Walter and Lucy Punch. Lucy Punch has a happy knack of being attractive, sexy, and funny, all at the same time.
The fly on the wall home video motif is well sustained for most of the film but falls to bits towards the end, where a scene in a field has multiple camera angles.
This is a small film, but one which I found much more rewarding than I expected to.
My early thoughts were that this didn't really belong on the cinema screen. With a cast mostly known for TV work, it had a feel of a long episode from a sitcom. But, as it went on I warmed to it more, and I ended up enjoying it a great deal. In fact, I laughed often and heartily (there is a dance sequence which is laugh out loud funny).
The characters are all likable, which helps (even Robert Webb's Tim, saddled with an uptight anal-retentive character who folds his dirty washing before putting it in the laundry basket, is essentially a good, likable person). The events stay within the boundaries of credibility, the plot is satisfactory (if somewhat glib towards the end), and there is some excellent acting, particularly from Harriet Walter and Lucy Punch. Lucy Punch has a happy knack of being attractive, sexy, and funny, all at the same time.
The fly on the wall home video motif is well sustained for most of the film but falls to bits towards the end, where a scene in a field has multiple camera angles.
This is a small film, but one which I found much more rewarding than I expected to.
Proof of Point...
trevor-mcinsley31 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This film serves as an excellent reminder that some people simply do not understand comedy. What dull lives they must lead.
When you are criticising the cinematography and acting of a film which is deliberately designed to seem like something shot on a camcorder by an amateur I feel you have just totally missed the point. What were you expecting? Overacting nonsense and wildly exaggerated characters as the stars all via for Oscar nominations? Dramatic sweeping shots of the American plains which last ten minutes and establish nothing more than a willingness to fall asleep? The fact that the three hour yawn fest that was 'There Will Be Blood' can be critically acclaimed whilst a genuinely funny film with a lot of charm and character can be slated is everything that is wrong with film these days. Everything that is wrong with the world frankly.
This film is simply fun. It is enjoyable to watch, entertaining and there are some good laughs to be had. The end is even oddly poignant.
Why do people always have to delve headfirst into stuff looking for contrived meaning and commentary on modern society? Wait... I should probably read my own review back right?
When you are criticising the cinematography and acting of a film which is deliberately designed to seem like something shot on a camcorder by an amateur I feel you have just totally missed the point. What were you expecting? Overacting nonsense and wildly exaggerated characters as the stars all via for Oscar nominations? Dramatic sweeping shots of the American plains which last ten minutes and establish nothing more than a willingness to fall asleep? The fact that the three hour yawn fest that was 'There Will Be Blood' can be critically acclaimed whilst a genuinely funny film with a lot of charm and character can be slated is everything that is wrong with film these days. Everything that is wrong with the world frankly.
This film is simply fun. It is enjoyable to watch, entertaining and there are some good laughs to be had. The end is even oddly poignant.
Why do people always have to delve headfirst into stuff looking for contrived meaning and commentary on modern society? Wait... I should probably read my own review back right?
Laugh out loud funny
grahammcainsh11 February 2022
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