‘You’re Cordially Invited’ Review: Comedy Pros Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell Vow to Ruin One Another’s Weddings

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2025 will see a shift in the cinematic landscape as a classic romantic comedy, starring Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, titled “You’re Cordially Invited,” bypasses traditional theaters. This film, directed by Nicholas Stoller, is an unconventional rom-com, where two grown individuals aim to disrupt each other’s wedding plans. The film will be available for home viewing on Prime. Although it excels at portraying their rivalry, it stumbles in the climax with a superfluous and somewhat uncomfortable postscript that seems to force chemistry between the leads.

Initially, it’s Jim (played by Ferrell) who makes an appearance, doting on his Gen Z daughter Jenni (portrayed by Geraldine Viswanathan). However, the equilibrium is disrupted when Jenni shares her news of engagement to Oliver (Stony Blyden), a rather flat character. The groom-to-be duo should not be overly distinctive, as they might overshadow the adult characters. Following the demise of his wife, Jim has found solace in his daughter’s wellbeing, and her upcoming wedding stirs a desire for perfection in him. Consequently, he contacts the Palmetto House, an island resort where he and his late spouse had their wedding vows exchanged, to reserve the venue.

In a familiar role for Witherspoon, she’s once again in “Sweet Home Alabama” territory, as if their fictional characters were never married: She portrays Margot, a tense Los Angeles TV producer who maintains minimal interactions with her critical Georgia family, except for her younger sister, Nev (Meredith Hagner), who is deeply smitten by a devoted yet dim-witted Chippendales performer (Jimmy Tatro). Nev’s predicament, coupled with the revelation of her pregnancy, stirs Margot’s protective nature, causing her to swiftly transition into wedding planning mode, vowing to give her sister a flawless nuptials.

The issue at hand: An unfortunate mistake occurred – both Jim and Margot unknowingly booked the same idyllic island resort. Unfortunately, this small venue can’t accommodate both groups. The strict organizers could either explode in anger at poor Leslie (Jack McBrayer), the frustrated Palmetto House manager, or demand exclusive use of the space. However, they decide to compromise by tentatively agreeing to share the premises, which could potentially lead to conflict given the controlling nature of both parties involved.

On Margot’s part, there are her entire family to deal with, as her overly critical mother (Celia Weston) can’t help but find fault in everything, even though most people consider her endearing. Her siblings add to her stress, whether it’s Colton (Rory Scovel), who calls his wife “the wife,” or Gwyneth (Leanne Morgan), who is a scene-stealer with her witty one-liners that she turns into hilarious quotes, like “I got a spray tan, if you’re wondering about the smell” or “If I weren’t married, I’d climb him like a redwood.

As a supporter speaking in the first person, I can’t help but draw parallels between Morgan, a Tennessee stand-up with a hearty drawl, and the legendary Melissa McCarthy. While no one could ever surpass McCarthy’s iconic performance in “Bridesmaids,” director Stoller wisely follows Paul Feig’s lead by recognizing that a wedding comedy’s success hinges on its cast of characters. As I meet Margot’s family, it becomes crystal clear why she yearned for the distant comfort of solitude, yet somehow Jim manages to hit it off with her relatives – making things all the more complicated.

In the meantime, there’s something odd about Jim and Jenni’s relationship – like how he styles his daughter’s hair and insists on making their wedding cake personally – that hints at hidden issues or secrets in his past. Instead of delivering a speech, he invites Jenni to perform a duet with him, but the choice of song, “Islands in the Stream,” is quite unusual for a parent to sing to their child. The lyrics were written for lovers, as you might have noticed, ah-ha.

Stars like Witherspoon and Ferrell are exceptional because they can be endearing, even when they’re trying to ruin someone else’s crucial moment. The film “You’re Cordially Invited” is at its best when these two are causing chaos. While the trailer has given away many of the major jokes, such as the dock disaster and Jim fighting an alligator, Stoller’s script is robust enough that the movie’s enjoyment isn’t ruined. The film takes aim at Jenni’s generation, with characters like her overly sensitive friend Heather (Keyla Monterroso Mejia), who failed to confirm the reservation. However, the movie finds the perfect balance in poking fun at them.

Filmmaker Nicholas Stoller, known for “The Five-Year Engagement” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” is recognized among modern comedy directors for his ability to make characters feel real. However, even someone as skilled as him can’t always predict the direction a story takes. As the movie progresses, after the celebrations have ended and Jim and Margot have parted ways, Stoller presents an idea: Reese Witherspoon’s character is not willing to spend the rest of her life alone. Unfortunately, there’s no hint of romantic chemistry between her and Jim.

Reese Witherspoon portrays Margot not as a discontented old maid, but as a contemporary, self-sufficient woman. If anyone other than Will Ferrell had taken on the role of Jenni’s cuddly father figure, the movie wouldn’t be nearly as humorous. However, he is an actor known for his underdeveloped emotional range, which has never been suitable for romantic roles. The idea that Jim might have a sexual side sickens his daughter, and throughout much of the film, there’s a recurring joke about him possibly being gay – or else, what is the hidden “mystery” everyone seems to be guessing about?

However, this aspect doesn’t influence the movie until the climax. By then, “You’re Cordially Invited” has been such a delightful ride that the destination “from thereon” holds little consequence. The film incorporates appearances from Peyton Manning (who seems quite awkward in comedy roles) and Nick Jonas (funny enough to make you wish for a larger part). To conclude an ending that wasn’t necessarily needed, Stoller employs one of those techniques, similar to “Anyone but You,” where the entire cast sings the same song throughout filming — implying teamwork and camaraderie.

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2025-01-29 06:17