Julia (Drew Barrymore) is a waitress who
is new to the area but is looking to marry her investment banker boyfriend
Glenn. In fact these two have been engaged for nearly 2 years and
she is starting to think that it may never happen. But Glenn finally
gives in and "throws her a bone" by agreeing to marry her. But now
it comes time to plan the wedding, and since Glenn's heart really isn't
in it, Julia enlists Robby's help to find the best deals in town.
The Wedding Singer is not a real
deep film but the fact is it didn't try to be. Yes some of the Pseudo-serious
parts of the movie seemed goofy, but I didn't expect this to be a real
deep, philosophical, intriguing film. I expected this film to be
a comedy that took place in the 80's, and it delivered big time.
Half the fun of this film was picking up on all the references to the 1985
pop culture. From the "Back to the Future" like DeLorean to
the Miami Vice music and from the Flock of Seagulls look to the
Olivia Newton John look The Wedding Singer shows us what we looked
like growing up.
Adam Sandler is typical Sandler in his portrayal of Robby Hart which allows him to sing as well as act. When he is singing at a wedding he is just a classic. His rendition of the J. Geils Band hit "Love Stinks" at just the right point in the film left me rolling with laughter. Sandler gets a nice supporting cast with Drew Barrymore as Julia leading the way. Drew just makes you like her with her girl next door performace. Her naivety reminds me of some people that I knew growing up. They were the best people in the world, but unfortunately just didn't always see what was staring them right in the face. The rest of the supporting cast includes the always versatile Steve Buscemi as well as Christine Taylor (Marcia in the Brady Bunch movies) and a special appearance by rocker Billy Idol.
Though I really liked this film it won't be for everyone. I think if you grew up in the 1985 pop culture era you will find this film absolutely hysterical at points. But if you weren't someone aged between roughly 13-29 in 1985, a lot of the humor may fly totally over your head. I sat at the screening near some current teenagers who just didn't get it. Go see The Wedding Singer for a good time and fun look at the 80's.
Grade: B+
Parents Guide: Overall, The Wedding
Singer is not filled with a whole lot of objectionable matter.
There is language as there has been in any Adam Sandler films. There
are some sexual situations, but nothing that strays too far from tasteful.
As the rest of the film goes, there just isn't a whole lot of objectionable
matter. However, most teens today probably just wouldn't get the
humor. Kids are going to want to see it because of Sandler, but overall
the film and it's humor is definately geared towards younger adults that
can really remember the 80's.