Today’s quick review: Four Weddings and a Funeral. Charles (Hugh Grant) and his friends are frequent guests at weddings but never seem to have any of their own. With Charles’ history of failed long-term relationships, he doubts that will ever change, at least for him. But when Charles hits it off with Carrie (Andie MacDowell), a charming American woman, he finally finds someone to spend the rest of his life with, if only he can get the timing right.
Four Weddings and a Funeral is a British romantic comedy about love, marriage, and the obstacles in their way. As the title suggests, the movie takes place primarily at weddings, jumping forward months at a time to pick up with Charles and his friends at the next one. The romance involves Charles and Carrie, a natural match who only get to see each other on these rare occasions, making it hard for them to establish any sort of relationship.
Four Weddings and a Funeral is built on a sharp and observant script. The movie has a firm grasp on what’s funny, what’s not, and when to switch between the two. It puts this talent to good use in portraying the speeches, the awkwardness, and the minor crises that come with attending weddings. The result is a movie that sparkles in even the most mundane situations. Each wedding is imbued with the life, humor, and charm it needs to stay interesting.
The script is backed by a vivid and likable cast. The film rotates between characters frequently, flitting between Charles, his friends, and the guests of each wedding. The characters are easy to get a feel for even with limited exposure. Their personalities shine through clearly and provide the film with a reliable source of humor. The extended cast also helps flesh out the story and provide other perspectives on romance than just Charles’.
Watch Four Weddings and a Funeral when you’re in the mood for a funny, optimistic look at romance. A witty script and a skilled cast give the movie what it needs to tell an engaging story, while its musings on romance are broad and insightful enough to make the movie fulfilling. Skip it if you’re looking for something dramatic or cynical.
For another British romantic comedy with a similar sense of humor, try Love Actually. For a tamer romance starring Hugh Grant, try The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain. For a classic romantic comedy with similar wit and characters, try The Philadelphia Story. For a somewhat more bitter take on modern romance, try 500 Days of Summer.
7.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a pleasant blend of character, humor, and heart.