This movie does a great job of pointing out how hypocritical and small- minded some "righteous" folks can be without being overbearing. It's sweet and funny and isn't afraid to poke fun at itself. I felt like it illustrated how everyone has a story and that learning a person's story is more important than jumping to conclusions. I really had a great time watching this movie.
55 Reviews
A SORDID LACKING
stevenjune21 January 2018
This 2nd Sordid movie (third if you count the amazing series) is lacking several things;
1) Olivia Newton-John. Whose character is not even mentioned in the entire movie.
2) The opening song ("Sordid Lives...it's a bitch") was sung by a guy not Olivia Newton-John.
3) The character of Sissy Hickey was played by Dale Dickey NOT Beth Grant as in the first movie and the series. I like Dale as an actress, but Beth made the character funny and unique. Dale looked liked Sissy with flatter hair. She had some of Beth's motions down but still, the character felt incomplete.
4) There were no plates of fried chicken at Sissy's house.
5) Sissy & the girls drank soda not iced tea like in the first movie and series.
6) The living room of Sissy's house was changed-the wall where the picture of Jesus hung was torn down so you could see to the kitchen. The picture of Jesus on the wall above where Sissy sat, smoked and popped Valiums made it ironic and funny.
7) There was only one scene where Valium was used. And only Sissy took some. In the first movie/series they all ate Valium and stole them from each other like candy; Ironic and funny.
8) Dr. Eve was only in the movie in Brother Boy's dreams/visions which lost the effect and dynamic of those two characters.
9) The recycling of one liners that were funny in the first movie/series but not so much in this film; "Let's get this done before anymore shit hits the fan", "I'm not obese, it's a glandular problem",
10) Loss of irony-which made the first movie and the series unique and humorous.
11) Juanita's stories were nowhere near as funny as in the first movie/series.
It wasn't a bad film. I think it it could have been a whole lot better and funnier. I would recommend the series followed by the first Sordid Lives movie. All the key elements are in place in these two. And they're hysterically funny and entertaining. Sordid Wedding seems thrown together with very weak dialogue, situations and some important and funny characters and actors missing.
Drag Queens and Gays - forget this movie
friscolver13 November 2017
I never saw Sordid Lives before. Maybe I should have. Came upon this movie at random, didn't know what to expect. My opinion? Save your money. This movie has it all, for starters, way over-done, too many ingredients, out of focus, should have been simpler and with more clarity. Add to that, bad script, bad directing, bad acting, bad editing (screenplay). This movie is all over the place and drifts away from main subject (of the wedding) so much that I found it confusing. Compare it to the Birdcage with Robin Williams. Now THAT was a great movie! Sordid Wedding had way too many characters to keep up with. Unnecessary. Getting back to bad script, actors lines seemed unnatural. Bad editing, too much camera time devoted to the old man drag queen. I found this character boring and really didn't help the movie at all. Bad directing, Is this wannabee director trying to be funny or serious? Make up your mind. Go back to film school. Whoopie Goldberg? I mean, like, what's the point?
Enjoyable sequel to Sordid Lives, focuing on gay marriage
tabacblond8 July 2022
A VERY SORDID WEDDING
SORDID LIVES (2000) became a cult classic almost as soon as it was released. Subsequent to that film hit, a one season tv series was launched. Some of the original film cast repeated their roles, others were replaced.
A VERY SORDID WEDDING (2017) is a follow-up to the original, focusing on healing relationships and bringing about some happy endings. This is all in the context of gay marriage and anti-equality faith denominations denying human rights.
The writing is a bit preachy and heavy-handed, considering if you are seeing the film, you are probably not a right-wing anti-gay conservative, who needs educating.
The iconic roles of Latrelle (Bonnie Bedalia), Sissie (Dale Dickey), and LaVonda (Ann Walker) are more than ably filled by these superb actresses. Bedalia is even better than she was in the original, which is almost hard to realize as she stole that film with her barely controlled hysteria.
Leslie Jordan is back as Brother Boy, attempting to win a drag competition with his one-man, three women (Wynette, Lynn, Parton) show, and just as nobly outrageous as before. Producer/Actor Emerson Collins in a small role as a serial killer gives a stunning performance in a few brief scenes. (I've seen him in other Del Shores productions and he is quite a chameleon and a seemingly brilliant actor.)
My only gripe is that 17 years after the original, Kirk Geiger (aged 48 at the time of filming), has aged facially to the point where pairing him with T. Ashanti Mozelle (33 at the time) seems a December/May romance. It would have felt more appropriate for an older actor to be cast opposite Mr. Geiger, who having originated the role or Ty, should have been retained at all costs in the sequel.
Is it as much fun as the original? No, not really. The gay issue in the original was one of many plot and character story lines. Here it is all anyone is talking about and the film suffers from heavy-handedness, leading to boredom, on a number of occasions.
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who has not seen and liked the original. Fun for those of us who have, but hardly a mind blowing experience.
SORDID LIVES (2000) became a cult classic almost as soon as it was released. Subsequent to that film hit, a one season tv series was launched. Some of the original film cast repeated their roles, others were replaced.
A VERY SORDID WEDDING (2017) is a follow-up to the original, focusing on healing relationships and bringing about some happy endings. This is all in the context of gay marriage and anti-equality faith denominations denying human rights.
The writing is a bit preachy and heavy-handed, considering if you are seeing the film, you are probably not a right-wing anti-gay conservative, who needs educating.
The iconic roles of Latrelle (Bonnie Bedalia), Sissie (Dale Dickey), and LaVonda (Ann Walker) are more than ably filled by these superb actresses. Bedalia is even better than she was in the original, which is almost hard to realize as she stole that film with her barely controlled hysteria.
Leslie Jordan is back as Brother Boy, attempting to win a drag competition with his one-man, three women (Wynette, Lynn, Parton) show, and just as nobly outrageous as before. Producer/Actor Emerson Collins in a small role as a serial killer gives a stunning performance in a few brief scenes. (I've seen him in other Del Shores productions and he is quite a chameleon and a seemingly brilliant actor.)
My only gripe is that 17 years after the original, Kirk Geiger (aged 48 at the time of filming), has aged facially to the point where pairing him with T. Ashanti Mozelle (33 at the time) seems a December/May romance. It would have felt more appropriate for an older actor to be cast opposite Mr. Geiger, who having originated the role or Ty, should have been retained at all costs in the sequel.
Is it as much fun as the original? No, not really. The gay issue in the original was one of many plot and character story lines. Here it is all anyone is talking about and the film suffers from heavy-handedness, leading to boredom, on a number of occasions.
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who has not seen and liked the original. Fun for those of us who have, but hardly a mind blowing experience.
Absolutely horrible
lesvisible-743-37998826 October 2017
I hardly know where to begin. The acting was as wooden as anything I have ever seen. the writing was execrable and the characters were as sad and tedious as the points attempting to be made. I watched it with the hope of humor. I experienced none. I am grateful that I was able to turn it off which I did around 20 minutes in. It is possible that the film changed after that point. It is possible that the plot was completely rewritten and all the characters were changed but I kind of doubt this. From the other reviews I get the impression that everyone worked at the film or had relatives who did. I can't remember the last time I wrote a review here or if I ever did but this movie was so bad that I consider it my civic duty to warn anyone who might be hoping to be entertained. I am still trying to get my head around the idea that anyone did like this film, even if they were in it or had relatives in it. It seems to me that common decency demands one tell the truth, the way you might warn motorists that there is a terrible accident up ahead, or that the bridge is out. Had I seen this in a theater and had to drive there in order to, I imagine that I would wish the bridge were out. It would have removed the memory of this film from my mind.
I think you have to be a certain type of person to have liked this film. I don't know who that would be because I have never met them and hope not to. It was really really bad and I will make it a point to see if anyone associated with this film is ever mentioned in another film I have yet to see. I am exceedingly happy that I did not watch far enough to encounter Whoopi Goldberg. There are some good things about this film. I didn't have to watch Whoopi and I did shut it off early so... it's not all bad. I'm going to make it a point to now comment on films I see so as not to give the impression that I am a generally negative sort.
I think you have to be a certain type of person to have liked this film. I don't know who that would be because I have never met them and hope not to. It was really really bad and I will make it a point to see if anyone associated with this film is ever mentioned in another film I have yet to see. I am exceedingly happy that I did not watch far enough to encounter Whoopi Goldberg. There are some good things about this film. I didn't have to watch Whoopi and I did shut it off early so... it's not all bad. I'm going to make it a point to now comment on films I see so as not to give the impression that I am a generally negative sort.
Funny As Hell!!!
TheJonesBones18 August 2021
I can't write a better review than others have done, except to say I grew up in that part of the world, which makes me a bit of an expert on the characters and setting. I don't talk to my relatives there any longer, BTW - once you see this film, you'll understand why. I know I do.
Not that I wouldn't call them, but, well... just watch the "Jimmy Ray Brewton" (Levi Kreis) character and you get the worst side of that bunch. If you use proper grammar and spelling and occasionally eat a salad, you would find yourself in the same place as Latrelle (Bonnie Bedelia) very quickly.
The eye shadow. The hair. The clothes. Even the accents. East Texas to a nut!!!
I bet you'll like this very sordid wedding, too! I haven't even finished the film yet because I'm taking time to post some of the most hilarious quotes I've ever heard on film!
Save me! Make all the ugly in the world go away!!!
Not that I wouldn't call them, but, well... just watch the "Jimmy Ray Brewton" (Levi Kreis) character and you get the worst side of that bunch. If you use proper grammar and spelling and occasionally eat a salad, you would find yourself in the same place as Latrelle (Bonnie Bedelia) very quickly.
The eye shadow. The hair. The clothes. Even the accents. East Texas to a nut!!!
I bet you'll like this very sordid wedding, too! I haven't even finished the film yet because I'm taking time to post some of the most hilarious quotes I've ever heard on film!
Save me! Make all the ugly in the world go away!!!
From funny to preachy
sergepesic11 December 2022
Now and then we all could use a feel-good movie. Reality is deeply overrated, especially when shoved down our throats on daily basis. "A Very Sordid Movie" is not so sordid, quite the opposite. It's hilariously funny, smartly paced, poking fun at the homey, down South baloney. It's all fun and games until the script got to the potholes no car should drive on. It got kind of preachy, that works only on previously converted (hence no point to it at all), schmaltzy and frankly cloying. It is a damn shame that a person who wrote all of those funny lines got stuck on the most predictable and trite plot line. Not everything has to have a happy ending to feel good. Sometimes just stirring up trouble does the trick.
Terrible disappointment
larpine-225-3716654 November 2017
Sordid Lives was nothing less than a masterpiece considering the length of the shoestring budget in which it was made. I remember renting the DVD only to find myself of the floor, holding my stomach to prevent my laughter from causing internal damage.
This installment, in turn, generated a complete total of one laugh.
Like the original, the film calls on the forces of white thrash good and evil, but instead of the side splitting laughter and honestly played scene, the film attempts to wrap everything in a pink bow, cheaply stealing lines from the original.
There's even five minutes of Whoopi Goldberg that's basically the identical cameo she played in Absolutely Fabulous, but good luck getting that far into the film.
Seventeen years for this? I want my money back.
This installment, in turn, generated a complete total of one laugh.
Like the original, the film calls on the forces of white thrash good and evil, but instead of the side splitting laughter and honestly played scene, the film attempts to wrap everything in a pink bow, cheaply stealing lines from the original.
There's even five minutes of Whoopi Goldberg that's basically the identical cameo she played in Absolutely Fabulous, but good luck getting that far into the film.
Seventeen years for this? I want my money back.
There's a backstory, but the movie works well even if you don't know it
Red-12521 October 2017
A Very Sordid Wedding (2017) was written and directed by Del Shores. In 2000, Shores directed Sordid Lives, and, after that, there was a Sordid Lives series on LOGO. (Everyone in the theater apparently knew all about LOGO, but I had to look it up.)
Before we saw the movie, we read the publicity that told us that there was a backstory to this new movie. However, for us the movie was hilarious, so you can enjoy it without knowing the backstory.
The film is set in Winters, Texas. It's a great example of a conservative, Bible-oriented small town. However, there are some dissenting people among the crowd.
One of them is Latrelle Williamson, played perfectly by Bonnie Bedelia. The other cast members are also very good actors, including Leslie Jordan as Earl 'Brother Boy' Ingram, and Emerson Collins as Billy Joe Dobson.
Whoopi Goldberg has an important cameo role as Rev. Abernatha Coleman.
This is the type of movie that's hard to describe. Something funny happens, and then something funnier happens, and then all hell breaks loose. It will work on the small screen, but it would be better in a theater. This isn't because of the larger image. It's because once an audience starts to laugh during a movie like this, the laughter builds on itself, and everything appears even funnier. (In fact, if you see the movie on the small screen, invite some friends over to watch it with you.)
Del Shores and Emerson Collins attended the screening and participated in a Q&A session afterwards. I didn't have a question, but I had a comment: "My compliments on portraying a serial killer in such a way that you felt sympathy, rather than anger, towards him." That couldn't have been easy.
We saw this film at Rochester's excellent Little Theatre, as part of Image Out, the great Rochester LGBT Film Festival. This is a wonderful movie, and worth seeking out.
Before we saw the movie, we read the publicity that told us that there was a backstory to this new movie. However, for us the movie was hilarious, so you can enjoy it without knowing the backstory.
The film is set in Winters, Texas. It's a great example of a conservative, Bible-oriented small town. However, there are some dissenting people among the crowd.
One of them is Latrelle Williamson, played perfectly by Bonnie Bedelia. The other cast members are also very good actors, including Leslie Jordan as Earl 'Brother Boy' Ingram, and Emerson Collins as Billy Joe Dobson.
Whoopi Goldberg has an important cameo role as Rev. Abernatha Coleman.
This is the type of movie that's hard to describe. Something funny happens, and then something funnier happens, and then all hell breaks loose. It will work on the small screen, but it would be better in a theater. This isn't because of the larger image. It's because once an audience starts to laugh during a movie like this, the laughter builds on itself, and everything appears even funnier. (In fact, if you see the movie on the small screen, invite some friends over to watch it with you.)
Del Shores and Emerson Collins attended the screening and participated in a Q&A session afterwards. I didn't have a question, but I had a comment: "My compliments on portraying a serial killer in such a way that you felt sympathy, rather than anger, towards him." That couldn't have been easy.
We saw this film at Rochester's excellent Little Theatre, as part of Image Out, the great Rochester LGBT Film Festival. This is a wonderful movie, and worth seeking out.
GARBAGE, WASTE of TIME!
carol_m_frausto6 January 2021
What a waste of time. I can endure a slow movie... wait for it, wait for it, and now the movie is on a roll. This movie is a complete piece of garbage WASTE of TIME. You can have a SORDID. Definition (dirty or squalid) life but do we need to see it on the Big Screen? I would prefer not.
Great movie with most beautiful and current portrayal of pressing social issues
terry-johnson301515 November 2017
Loved this movie and it's great actors and especially bringing to light some of the most important social issues that we as American citizens are facing and dealing with. Like the movie 'Sordid Lives" I think that this movie will help many questioning and fearful young people to deal and accept themselves just as they are.
Love It.
crystalka5 November 2017
I don't know what anyone could ask for in a movie covering the topics covered. You get both sides of the story, regardless of your ultimate belief on homosexuality or same sex marriage. The comedy and story line is wonderful. I recently lost my mother and a certain hospital scene with the mother of one of the characters reminded me so much of my southern mama I couldn't help but laugh and remember her in a way that wasn't sad. Del Shores has proved a story can be written on a controversial topic and all sides can be addressed with humor, not complete hate.
What a wonderful Movie!
alexbstanley5 November 2017
An amazing ensemble cast brings us hilarity in the face of oppression. Leslie Jordan is brilliant! Del Shores' writing and directing is fantastic. Lots of fun and a wake up call for bigots everywhere. (Oh, and a shout-out to Whoopi Goldberg!) Do not miss this Gem of an independent film!
This is a great sequel
willburksii24 April 2017
This movie doesn't disappoint. I'm glad that Del Shores developed these delightful characters to a logical resolution with this long overdue sequel. Whoopi Goldberg's appearance in the movie is cast perfectly and her dialogue sums the plot up so very nicely. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed this special screening at Texas Tech University, as well as the Q & A with Del Shores following the movie.
Great follow up, 17 years in the making
jtlindsay-919675 November 2017
I saw this movie at an LBBTQ film festival in Winston Salem, NC and had the opportunity to meet members of the cast after. It's a fun follow up from Sordid Lives and I can only hope there's another installment sooner than later. A great reminder that love is love and that there's more that unites all of us than the things we allow to divide us. Portrayed with love, warm humor, and fun, it's a great continuation of the Sordid Lives franchise.
Just stumbled upon looking for a comedy.
liggett-006498 October 2022
I was going thru movies looking for a comedy and thought I'd give this one a look. I liked the title and thought I'd check it out. I only recognized a couple of actors in it, but it did not disappoint. It was laugh out loud funny. So many movies I've tried to watch that just make me squirm and turn them off because they aren't funny and no one can actually act in them. This has some unforgettable characters and the actors are great. A little over the top at times, but still fun to watch. Id recommend if you want a Movie that will make you laugh and characters you would like to see again, the. Check this one out.
Incredible film! It's a "must-see" movie.
rweissman9 June 2017
"A Very Sordid Wedding" is an incredibly funny, yet very important film. The movie combines humor (and it is roll-in-the-aisles-side-splitting funny, so get ready to laugh out loud), wonderful writing, serious performances from its remarkable cast, with a deep insight into how the LGBT movement goes forward by confronting religious intolerance in America's churches. After all these years, we are again visited by the comical cast and characters of the "Sordid Lives" story. Del Shores, Emerson Collins and the remarkable cast outdid themselves with this movie. This film is the best one I have seen in a long, long time and should be a "must-see" movie for everyone. This movie will soon be seen as a classic. Go see it!
EVERYTHING Sordid fans have been waiting for!!! A+
LDKimbell18 July 2017
I wish that I could crawl inside of the brilliant mind of Del Shores and find out what has kept him writing original and fresh comedy for decades! If you are fan of the original Sordid Lives movie, then you will love A Very Sordid Wedding. Not only does it catch you up with what has been going on with all your favorite characters, but there is a wonderful message for today....in 2017. Equality! Love! Hope! Tolerance! Peace! This movie will make you laugh, cry, tinkle your pants as you're screaming laughing and cheer! Don't miss this wonderful movie which I think could also be called The Gospel According to Dell!
Sordidly, Splendidly Spectacular!
gsherri6818 June 2017
I have been enamored with these zany Texas folks for-EVER, and have anxiously awaited this "wedding" episode". Del Shores is a master at creating true-to-life, down-to-earth characters...and, "love 'em or hate 'em", you WILL, by God, remember them...and even quote them in your daily life. Don't scoff at this -- you will! I can't tell you how often I ignore that invisible bubble above my brain containing what I truly WANT to reply to someone, but instead, i think of Brother Boy, tap my finger on my chin, and simply respond with a quiet..."Mmmmmmmkayyyyyy..." And there's no telling how many "Sweet Baby Jesus-es" I utter on a daily basis:).
Del started as an actor and stand up comedian, I know... but beyond his pretty face and beneath his razor-sharp, creative wit, there is a deep well of passion for equality and inclusion. He's not afraid to mix in social issues with story lines. As a peaceful activist myself, I believe that hearts and minds can be opened with 'art' -- theater, dance, books, music, painting -- with ALL creative media. We humans are a weird bunch -- we tend to stick with what we know -- and many of us stay in that "...but that's the way we've always done it" mode. Here's the thing: it's hard to continue resenting others once you truly know them -- hear their story -- identify some of their feelings and experiences as similar to your own. Del digs deep with his creations...you do get to 'know' his folks. And I'm betting that some -- maybe even all -- of any fears or negative cognitions you might've had about a particular segment of our society, will be reduced, or perhaps even eliminated.
Folks, DO go see "A Very Sordid Wedding". It is well written, the actors are superb, the laughs are non-stop, and the poignant nuggets of wisdom and enlightenment are heartwarming. Like every work of Mr. Del Shores, this jewel humbly reminds us humans that we are all more alike than different. It encourages us to live authentically, to not take ourselves so seriously, and to enjoy life with passion and integrity. Oh, yes...and, most importantly... to love one another. Yep... I think Del feels, as I do, that that's why we're on Planet Earth: to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
I remember reading that ... in a Book... a long time ago.
Del started as an actor and stand up comedian, I know... but beyond his pretty face and beneath his razor-sharp, creative wit, there is a deep well of passion for equality and inclusion. He's not afraid to mix in social issues with story lines. As a peaceful activist myself, I believe that hearts and minds can be opened with 'art' -- theater, dance, books, music, painting -- with ALL creative media. We humans are a weird bunch -- we tend to stick with what we know -- and many of us stay in that "...but that's the way we've always done it" mode. Here's the thing: it's hard to continue resenting others once you truly know them -- hear their story -- identify some of their feelings and experiences as similar to your own. Del digs deep with his creations...you do get to 'know' his folks. And I'm betting that some -- maybe even all -- of any fears or negative cognitions you might've had about a particular segment of our society, will be reduced, or perhaps even eliminated.
Folks, DO go see "A Very Sordid Wedding". It is well written, the actors are superb, the laughs are non-stop, and the poignant nuggets of wisdom and enlightenment are heartwarming. Like every work of Mr. Del Shores, this jewel humbly reminds us humans that we are all more alike than different. It encourages us to live authentically, to not take ourselves so seriously, and to enjoy life with passion and integrity. Oh, yes...and, most importantly... to love one another. Yep... I think Del feels, as I do, that that's why we're on Planet Earth: to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
I remember reading that ... in a Book... a long time ago.
I will always Love Sordid Lives forever. This is a must SEE CRAZY FUNNY !!!
danielkinney19 March 2018
My only complaint was BETH GRANT not playing SISSY. I know it will still be good. I am watching it right now. I wish Beth Grant could have worked out something with Del Shores , it. just won't be the same. IT would like somebody trying to play BRO BOY ( LESLIE JORDAN) it would be like using JACK from WILL AND GRACE TO PLAY BRO BOY. I ALSO miss our GOLDEN GIRL, Rue McClanahan(RIP). I will say this the person he got to play Sissy , just does not bring the FUNNY of our Beloved SISSY HICKY. I have loved her in all her movies. no one can replace BETH GRANT the original SISSY. I think Del maybe should have waited to do this at a later date when BETH GRANT could do it, and a bigger budget. NO one wants to say anything bad about our SORDID LIVES because we love them. But as some have pointed out this may have been done on a quick dime. I wish I had a few million $$$ to loan him to make this what it once was. I would have paid $5Million to Beth Grant just to get her to do it.
Soooo funny
spikeindfw15 March 2020
I traditionally do post reviews. I liked this movie. When you need to laugh watch this movie and this movie will most definitely do that. The special appearances are well placed in this film as well as the locals from Texas.
Worth the Wait!
girlree30 June 2017
Loved A Very Sordid Wedding! It was great seeing all these talented and funny people together again. I have missed them. No one tells a story quite like Del Shores. There is so much about his dysfunctional families that we relate to our own families. It takes a stand for marriage equality without preaching and makes you laugh in the process.
The saga continues....
mstryeyes28 June 2017
I was one of the lucky ones who was able to experience this new release on the big screen at The Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky this past week! As a huge fan of the first movie, my expectations were high! And, Del Shores and the cast did not disappoint. Having grown up in a Southern Baptist household and church, I relate to these characters. Bravo, Del Shores and Cast! Everyone in our world today needs to watch this movie.
OPPS! I think I wet myself!!!!!
keygraphics24 June 2017
Del Shores and the complete cast have given me and a full house crowd one wild laugh after another. There was even a moment when the entire madcap house was brought to profound whimpers and tears as the story evolved. I have not experienced such emotional whiplash since Sally Field and Steel Magnolias.
A MUST see for EVERYONE!!!!
john-4362824 June 2017
WOW!!! Absolutely amazing...well done Del! You made us proud, and seeing our own wedding picture (with our full names) in the credits of the film made it even more special! This is a MUST SEE....you will laugh...think...and definitely cry,. OUTSTANDING ********** I will definitely be going to see this again and will be purchasing once available on DVD.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
