A Few Best Men (2011) Movie Review: A Wildly Entertaining Wedding Comedy
Overview
Directed by Stephan Elliott, “A Few Best Men” (2011) is an Australian-British comedy that combines outrageous humor with heartfelt moments. Starring Xavier Samuel, Kris Marshall, Kevin Bishop, and Rebel Wilson, the film follows a groom and his three best friends as they navigate a series of comedic misadventures leading up to a wedding. While it may not break new ground in the genre, the film delivers plenty of laughs and charm.
Plot Summary
David Locking (Xavier Samuel) falls head over heels in love with Mia (Laura Brent) while on vacation in Australia. After a whirlwind romance, David proposes to Mia, and they plan a wedding in her hometown in the Blue Mountains. David’s best friends—Tom (Kris Marshall), Graham (Kevin Bishop), and Luke (Tim Draxl)—travel from London to attend the wedding, bringing their own brand of chaos.
Tom is the party-loving wild card, Graham is the awkward and socially inept friend, and Luke is nursing a broken heart. Together, they embark on a series of comedic mishaps that include a stolen sheep, a missing wedding ring, and run-ins with Mia’s overprotective father, Jim (Jonathan Biggins), and her eccentric sister, Daphne (Rebel Wilson).
As the wedding day approaches, the friends’ antics escalate, testing David and Mia’s relationship and threatening to derail the ceremony. The film culminates in a chaotic and hilarious wedding day, where love and friendship are put to the ultimate test.
Performance and Direction
Xavier Samuel delivers a solid performance as David, playing the straight man amidst the chaos created by his friends. His chemistry with Laura Brent’s Mia is sweet and believable, grounding the film’s more outrageous moments. Kris Marshall, Kevin Bishop, and Tim Draxl each bring their unique comedic talents to their roles, creating a dynamic and entertaining trio.
Rebel Wilson stands out as Daphne, delivering her signature brand of humor and adding an extra layer of absurdity to the proceedings. Jonathan Biggins also provides strong support as Mia’s uptight father, whose interactions with David and his friends add to the film’s comedic tension.
Director Stephan Elliott, known for his work on “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” brings a lively and energetic style to the film. The pacing is brisk, and the comedic set pieces are well-executed, ensuring that the film remains engaging and entertaining throughout. Elliott’s direction balances the film’s humor with moments of genuine emotion, creating a satisfying comedy that appeals to a broad audience.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Stephan F. Windon captures the stunning landscapes of the Blue Mountains, providing a beautiful backdrop for the film’s events. The vibrant and picturesque setting contrasts with the chaos and absurdity of the wedding preparations, enhancing the comedic effect. The visual style is bright and colorful, reflecting the film’s lighthearted tone.
The production design effectively conveys the contrasting worlds of David’s London friends and Mia’s Australian family, adding to the film’s cultural humor. The use of location and set pieces, such as the idyllic wedding venue and the various mishaps along the way, are integral to the film’s comedic narrative.
Themes and Relevance
“A Few Best Men” explores themes of love, friendship, and the challenges of navigating different cultures and personalities. The film highlights the importance of loyalty and support among friends, even when their actions lead to chaos and trouble. It also touches on the idea of accepting and embracing differences, whether in relationships or within families.
The narrative’s focus on the unpredictable nature of weddings and the inevitable mishaps that occur resonates with anyone who has experienced or attended such events. The film’s humor is often rooted in the relatability of these situations, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “A Few Best Men” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“A Few Best Men” is a wildly entertaining wedding comedy that delivers plenty of laughs and charm. With strong performances from Xavier Samuel, Kris Marshall, Kevin Bishop, and Rebel Wilson, the film balances outrageous humor with heartfelt moments. Director Stephan Elliott’s lively direction and the beautiful Australian setting add to the film’s appeal. While it may not reinvent the genre, “A Few Best Men” offers a fun and memorable cinematic experience, perfect for fans of wedding comedies and ensemble humor.
