Mother of the Bride In the early 2010s, romantic comedies seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by the dominance of franchise films. However, recent trends indicate a resurgence of this beloved genre. Amid this revival, familiar faces from the rom-com heyday have re-emerged, much to the delight of fans.
One notable figure making a comeback is director Mark Waters. Known for his iconic rom-coms from the 2000s, such as “Freaky Friday” (2003), “Mean Girls” (2004), and “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” (2011), Waters has now returned with a new family rom-com titled “Mother of The Bride,” available on Netflix.
Mother of the Bride: Mark Waters Returns with “Mother of The Bride”
The story of “Mother of The Bride” centers around Emma (Miranda Cosgrove) and RJ (Sean Teale), a young couple planning their wedding. Emma returns from London to share the news with her mother Lana (Brooke Shields), a researcher working in a lab. Emma informs Lana of her whirlwind wedding plans in Thailand set to take place in just a month.
Lana is taken aback, and the announcement triggers a series of unexpected events. Lana’s sister Janice (Rachael Harris), along with old friends Clay (Michael McDonald) and Scott (Wilson Cruz), are all astonished. However, the biggest shock comes when RJ is revealed to be the son of Will (Benjamin Bratt), the man who broke Lana’s heart decades ago. This revelation forces Lana to confront her past while also dealing with Lucas (Chad Michael Murray), a charming man complicating matters further.
The plot of “Mother of The Bride 2024” taps into a familiar rom-com trope where the obstacles faced by the younger generation stem from the unresolved issues of their parents. This narrative approach is reminiscent of films like “Father of the Bride” and more recently, “Ticket to Paradise” (2022), where parents’ fears and past experiences influence their children’s romantic journeys.
Despite the recycled plotline, the film offers a mix of comedy and familial drama. It follows a predictable formula, with humorous daily mishaps and physical comedy. Unfortunately, fans of Waters’ earlier works might find the humor in “Mother of The Bride” lacking the sharpness and wit of “Freaky Friday” and “Mean Girls.” The comedic elements here are more traditional and less impactful, save for a few standout scenes involving Janice.
The film’s strength lies in its production values. The beautiful locations in Phuket, including iconic spots like Big Buddha and James Bond Island, are captured beautifully, rivaling the scenic portrayal of Bali in “Ticket to Paradise.” The luxurious Anantara Layan and Anantara Mai Khao resorts provide a stunning backdrop, adding to the film’s visual appeal.
In terms of performances, the younger cast, led by Miranda Cosgrove, might feel overshadowed by their more seasoned counterparts. Brooke Shields, despite her character’s occasional clumsiness, brings charm and grace to her role. The chemistry between Benjamin Bratt and Chad Michael Murray, competing for Lana’s affection, adds an engaging dynamic.
Additionally, Thai viewers might enjoy the cameo by William Heinecke, founder of Minor International, and a brief appearance by Sahajak Boonthanakit as a priest, adding local flavor to the film.
Overall, “Mother of The Bride 2024 review” sticks closely to the rom-com playbook, delivering a light-hearted and predictable story. Its humor may not reach the heights of Waters’ previous hits, but it provides a pleasant escape with its beautiful settings and charming cast. Clocking in at just 90 minutes, it’s a suitable choice for a relaxing movie night. After watching, you might even find yourself reminiscing about classic rom-coms or planning a trip to the scenic locales featured in the film.
Mother of the Bride | Official Trailer
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