The Wedding Ringer (2015) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Wedding Ringer is a 2015 comedy film directed by Jeremy Garelick, starring Kevin Hart and Josh Gad. The movie centers around a socially awkward groom-to-be who hires a professional best man to help him navigate his wedding. With its blend of slapstick humor, outrageous antics, and heartfelt moments, The Wedding Ringer offers a lighthearted look at friendship, love, and the crazy things people will do for the perfect wedding.
In this review, we’ll break down the plot, performances, comedic elements, and where you can stream or rent The Wedding Ringer online in the U.S.
The Wedding Ringer (2015) Plot Summary
Doug Harris (Josh Gad) is a lovable but socially awkward groom-to-be who is just weeks away from marrying the girl of his dreams, Gretchen (Kaley Cuoco). There’s only one problem — Doug doesn’t have any close friends, and therefore no best man or groomsmen for his wedding. Desperate to save face and avoid embarrassment, Doug turns to Jimmy Callahan (Kevin Hart), the owner of a company that provides best man services for friendless grooms.
Jimmy, known in the business as “The Wedding Ringer,” offers Doug a deluxe package, complete with a fake best man and a group of hired groomsmen to fill out the wedding party. As Jimmy trains Doug in the art of faking friendship, the two men develop an unlikely bond. What starts as a business transaction quickly evolves into a genuine friendship as they navigate increasingly outlandish situations, including bachelor party shenanigans, wedding mishaps, and heartwarming moments of self-discovery.
Throughout the film, Doug must balance his growing friendship with Jimmy and the pressures of his impending wedding, all while trying to keep up the ruse without Gretchen finding out. As the big day approaches, both Doug and Jimmy are forced to confront their own insecurities, leading to a series of funny, chaotic, and surprisingly touching moments.
Kevin Hart and Josh Gad: A Dynamic Comedy Duo
The heart of The Wedding Ringer lies in the chemistry between its two leads, Kevin Hart and Josh Gad. Hart’s fast-talking, quick-witted Jimmy is the perfect foil to Gad’s sweet but awkward Doug. Their interactions fuel much of the film’s humor, with Hart delivering his signature energetic style of comedy while Gad plays the role of the lovable underdog.
Hart’s portrayal of Jimmy gives the character a sense of both swagger and vulnerability. On the surface, he’s a smooth operator who knows exactly how to sell his services, but as the movie progresses, we see the cracks in his persona — a man who helps others create fake friendships while struggling with his own loneliness. Gad’s portrayal of Doug is equally compelling, bringing charm and heart to a character who could easily come across as pathetic or one-dimensional.
Together, Hart and Gad’s comedic timing is spot-on, and they carry the film’s most entertaining moments with ease. Their friendship feels genuine, even when the plot veers into absurd territory, making the film’s emotional beats more impactful.
Hilarious Set Pieces and Physical Comedy
The Wedding Ringer is packed with over-the-top set pieces that lean heavily on physical comedy and outrageous scenarios. From a disastrous bachelor party involving a flamethrower to a cringe-inducing dance-off at the wedding reception, the film is not afraid to go all-in on slapstick humor.
The bachelor party scene, in particular, is one of the movie’s comedic highlights, showcasing Hart’s comedic energy and Gad’s willingness to throw himself into ridiculous situations for the sake of a laugh. The humor is broad, often ridiculous, but it’s also delivered with an infectious sense of fun that keeps the momentum going.
While some of the humor may not be to everyone’s taste — especially for viewers who prefer subtler comedy — fans of Kevin Hart’s brand of high-energy, physical comedy will find plenty to enjoy here.
Themes of Friendship and Acceptance
Beneath the layers of comedy, The Wedding Ringer touches on deeper themes of friendship, loneliness, and the desire for acceptance. Doug’s struggle to find close friends and his fear of being judged by his bride-to-be is something many viewers can relate to, even if it’s exaggerated for comedic effect.
Jimmy, on the other hand, presents himself as a man who has it all figured out, but his profession — pretending to be someone’s best man — highlights his own struggles with forming meaningful connections. The friendship that develops between Jimmy and Doug isn’t just about helping Doug pull off the perfect wedding; it’s about two men learning to let their guards down and connect with others.
While the film’s exploration of these themes isn’t particularly deep or groundbreaking, it adds a layer of heart that elevates the movie beyond a simple buddy comedy.
Where to Watch The Wedding Ringer Online
If you’re ready to enjoy the antics of The Wedding Ringer, here’s where you can stream or rent the movie online in the U.S.:
Streaming Services
- Hulu: The Wedding Ringer is available for streaming on Hulu for subscribers. If you already have a Hulu subscription, you can watch the movie at no extra cost.
- Netflix: In certain regions, The Wedding Ringer may be available on Netflix, so it’s worth checking your local Netflix library for availability.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase The Wedding Ringer on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals typically start at $3.99, while purchase options range from $7.99 to $14.99, depending on the format.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rental at around $3.99 or for purchase starting at $9.99.
- Apple iTunes: The movie can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $12.99.
- Vudu: Both rental and purchase options are available on Vudu, with rentals starting at $3.99 and purchases available for $9.99.
Why You Should Watch The Wedding Ringer (2015)
If you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy with a big heart, The Wedding Ringer is worth watching. Kevin Hart’s comedic genius paired with Josh Gad’s awkward charm creates a dynamic that’s both funny and endearing. While the film’s plot might be predictable, the chemistry between the two leads keeps things fresh and engaging.
With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, outrageous set pieces, and a surprisingly touching exploration of friendship, The Wedding Ringer offers a fun and entertaining escape. Whether you’re a fan of buddy comedies or just want something light to enjoy, this film delivers laughs and a feel-good message about acceptance and human connection.
Final Thoughts
The Wedding Ringer is a fun, energetic comedy that delivers on its promise of laughs, thanks in large part to the excellent chemistry between Kevin Hart and Josh Gad. Though it doesn’t break new ground in the buddy comedy genre, its mix of outrageous humor and heartfelt moments makes it an enjoyable watch for anyone looking for a feel-good film.
With various streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to catch The Wedding Ringer and enjoy the chaos, comedy, and camaraderie that ensue. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare to laugh your way through this wild wedding adventure!
Looking to experience the comedic chemistry of Hart and Gad? Head over to your favorite streaming service and watch The Wedding Ringer today!
