“Mother of the Bride” (2024) Movie Review: A Lackluster Addition to the Wedding Comedy Genre
The romantic comedy genre has seen a rise in opulent destination wedding films in recent years, from “Ticket to Paradise” with George Clooney and Julia Roberts to “Anyone But You” starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. Netflix’s latest offering, “Mother of the Bride,” directed by Mark Waters and starring Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, and Benjamin Bratt, attempts to cash in on this trend but ultimately falls short. Despite the pedigree of its director and the allure of its cast, the film struggles with a superficial script and lackluster execution.
Plot Overview
“Mother of the Bride” centers on Lana (Brooke Shields), a renowned geneticist with unresolved romantic issues. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she learns that her daughter, Emma (Miranda Cosgrove), is marrying RJ (Sean Teale), the son of Will (Benjamin Bratt)—the man who once broke Lana’s heart. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Emma’s lavish destination wedding in Phuket, Thailand, which has been sold as a product to promote a resort.
The film’s central conflict revolves around Lana’s emotional turmoil and the comedic complications that arise from the reunion with her former lover. Unfortunately, the film’s attempt at satire regarding the commodification of weddings is shallow and underdeveloped.
Characters and Performances
Brooke Shields delivers a game performance as Lana, channeling her experience from earlier roles into the character’s neurotic, comedic moments. However, the character’s potential is undermined by a script that fails to explore her depth beyond the surface-level conflicts.
Miranda Cosgrove’s portrayal of Emma is notably bland. Her role as a lifestyle influencer could have provided a satirical commentary on the commercialization of personal milestones, but the film fails to dive into this theme meaningfully. The groom, RJ, is almost a non-entity, with little character development or screen presence, making his relationship with Emma feel inconsequential.
Benjamin Bratt’s performance as Will lacks the charm and depth typically associated with his roles, while other supporting characters, including Rachael Harris as Lana’s sister and Michael McDonald and Wilson Cruz as a married gay couple, are reduced to clichés and comedic stereotypes.
Missed Opportunities and Script Issues
The script, penned by Robin Bernheim, known for the “The Princess Switch” trilogy, is one of the film’s major shortcomings. The narrative lacks depth, with a focus on superficial elements rather than substantive character development or engaging satire. The film’s portrayal of the wedding as a commercial product is an interesting premise but is not explored in any meaningful way. Instead, it becomes a backdrop for a series of predictable and uninspired comedic moments.
The film’s attempt to tackle themes of work-life balance and the commodification of life’s milestones ends up feeling trite. The storyline could have used more nuance and critique, but instead, it presents a hollow reflection of these issues.
Streaming and Rental Options
“Mother of the Bride” is available for streaming and digital rental/purchase across various platforms. Here’s where you can catch it:
- Netflix: Stream directly on Netflix as it is a Netflix original film.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for purchase or rental in HD quality.
- Apple TV: Offers the film for rent or purchase through the iTunes store.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Provides options for renting or buying the film in HD.
Conclusion
“Mother of the Bride” is a disappointing entry into the destination wedding romantic comedy genre. Despite a talented cast and a director with a strong track record in the genre, the film suffers from a weak script and underdeveloped characters. The satire it attempts to deliver about the commercialization of weddings is too superficial to make an impact. For those interested in a light, comedic take on the genre, the film may offer some entertainment, but it is unlikely to stand out or provide any lasting impression.
