My Best Friend’s Wedding
★★ 1/2
Something felt off to me while watching My Best Friend's Wedding (yes, for the first time). I appreciated the story that it set out to tell, but tonally the pieces weren't fitting together. Then it dawned on me, especially when Jules (Julia Roberts) unnaturally becomes a hacker, this movie would be much more effective as a straightforward drama than a romantic comedy.
Everyone can relate to having more than platonic feelings for a dear friend who has committed to someone that you feel is completely wrong for them. But the lengths that Jules takes to break up Michael and Kimberly's wedding (Dermot Mulroney and Cameron Diaz) is downright cruel. If it wasn't for Roberts's charisma, beauty and infectious laugh, I don't think this movie would nearly be beloved. The problem is that Jules takes serious actions framed in a humorous tone and the two don't mesh. This movie should be in the vein of a dark comedy, but it's afraid to venture away from the rom-com tropes. Sure, the impromptu singing of "I Say A Little Prayer For You" in a crowded restaurant is cute, but in what world do we think this is believable when Jules is completely callous in all her actions? I like seeing the cruel side of Julia Roberts, but not when the script forces her to steal a bread van and drive it through the crowded streets of Chicago.
There is a lot to enjoy with this film, especially with the performances. Rupert Everett as George is a delight as Jules's current best friend and honestly, steals the movie. I used to be critical of Diaz's performance, but I've come around. I enjoyed her in this movie. She isn't asked to do too much and she is completely believable as a genuine person who has been raised in privilege. I also appreciated the sweet ending of this film. It's the one time that it didn't fall into the trap of fulfilling a rom-com trope. If director P.J. Hogan had the same sensibility and care for its characters at that moment as the rest of the film, I would have held this movie in much higher esteem. Without the anchor of Julia Roberts, this movie could have really gone off the hinges.
