Well, it's certainly an attractive money making
idea. Put man-magnet, Jennifer Lopez (I don't know
any guy who doesn't find this woman perfectly cute
and sexy) in a chick flick and release it in January.
Every 12 to 22 year old of either sex is going to see
this movie. And they won't be disappointed. They
might not be thrilled, but they won't be
disappointed.
Jennifer Lopez plays Mary Fiore, the
ultra-organized-organizing wedding planner who can
produce the perfect social event for anyone, except
herself. She's the bride's coach, counselor and
spiritual advisor to boot. Having faith in the
concept of arranged marriages, her Italian father
tries to marry her off to the young pizano she grew
up with back in the homeland (Italy ... surprise).
Meanwhile, Jennifer gets her shoe stuck in the middle
of the street and falls in love with a handsome
passerby. It's actually a very sweet scene from
slapstick action to charming dialogue. And the
children (that follow) in the hospital back it up
100%; sorry to see them leave the film forever after
just one scene.
Later, Jennifer and bo share two or three "old
movie cliche" scenes that just stop the picture in
its tracks. These sequences feel horribly "added
later" as if the writers were trying to create a
nostalgic homage sympathetic to the old black and
white reel playing on their first date.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work. "I don't even know
your father's first name, but I know the curves on
your face." Yikes ... that scene is as bad as a later
bride/groom pre-wed chat scene is fresh.
Here's a mild spoiler ... err, ah, the guy she
literally "falls for" is the fiance of the woman
who's hired her to plan the wedding. This sticky news
sets up the conflict for the rest of the film.
Popeye would have loved Penny, Jennifer's
assistant in plandom. Judy Greer nails this bumbling
Olive Oil sidekick role.
Basically, "The Wedding Planner" is a sweet love
story hampered by contrived conflicts. Lopez and
McConaughey act very well and create great chemistry.
A good portion of the dialogue is superb, the
direction and editing very skilled; however, less
than interesting portions of script were
unfortunately never omitted. Especially after a crisp
appealing first third, expect some serious downtime
between peaks. Overall, a light night out.
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