Bride Wars

Sure, it would be pithy and in character for me to say Bride Wars is Dreamy Anne Hathaway’s Norbit, and will cost her the Oscar nomination she has in her sights for Rachel Getting Married. Yet, as much as I want to live up to your expectations (or down to them, depending on your opinion), I just can’t bring myself to say it. Maybe it was the pearly white smile on her face, or the sparkle in Dreamy Anne Hathaway’s eyes, but I can’t bring myself to hate this movie. Bride Wars is OK.

Dreamy Anne Hathaway stars as Emma and Kate Hudson plays Liv – two lifelong friends who have always fantasized about getting married in June at The Plaza Hotel. Of course, their boyfriends both decide to propose around the same time, so the two BFFs are thrilled to be going through the planning together, until a screw up leads to them having the same reservations, on the same day, at the same time, at the same Plaza Hotel. Now, it’s war as each one tries to outdo the other, and sabotage each other’s dream nuptials.

Which bride will be the last one standing?

Bride Wars is nothing shocking, nothing original, nothing amazing and nothing special, but you can have a few laughs along the way. Director Gary Winick and the writing team are quite content to color within the lines and deliver exactly what you expect. Each woman is going to become more outrageous as the war escalates and Bride Wars attempts to be a screwball comedy.

Then, in between the montages, you know in your heart the two best friends will have some touching, heartfelt moment when they realize how crazy it has all become and peace will be achieved. Maybe, it’s the familiarity and inevitable plot twists that bring the audience some comfort (for me, it was Dreamy Anne Hathaway).

Unfortunately, it takes a while for Hudson to get into the swing of things. Although Dreamy Anne Hathaway and Hudson are just about the same age (26 and 29), Hudson looks so much older throughout the first half of the movie. I’m not saying this to pick on her, but we’re supposed to believe these two ladies are about the same age, grew up together and hang out in the same circle of pals, but Hudson looks so cold and hard. Her face has too much age on it, until someone rescues her at the halfway point, and Hudson starts to look like the warm, kooky, fun Hudson we want to see, which make Bride Wars more palatable.

Bride Wars is one of those movies to go to when you are looking for an escape, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just don’t go looking for depth.

Bride Wars is rated PG for suggestive content, language and some rude behavior.