Battle of the Brides (Bride Wars (DVD))

Member Name: MI9to5

Product:	Bride Wars (DVD)
Date:	08/08/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Light entertainment

Disadvantages: Nothing special

**Film Only Review**

A while back when my friends and I decided that we would go to the cinema and have a bit of a girly-night out we first had to choose a film, which is always easier said than done. In the end however we decided that one of us should choose the film and then someone else could choose it the next time. The film that was eventually chosen was Bride Wars and I must say that I wasn't the most enthusiastic I have ever been about seeing it. I am pleased to say however that although the film wasn't the best I have ever seen it wasn't half bad and was at least a decent piece of entertainment.

Bride Wars stars Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway as Liv and Emma, two best friends both in long-term relationships. Liv has always been the pushier one out of the two and Emma always much more relaxed and ultimately the most organised. There friendship is a strong one until the pair gets engaged to their partners. This simple act sends them both into overdrive although their friendship is still relatively tight until a botch up at the wedding planners means both their weddings are booked for the same day.

The problem is easily solved however.... One of them will simply have to change their wedding date and venue. Won't they? Oh no, neither of them will budge. Liv refuses to move simply because she is the stubborn one and Emma refuses to do so out of principal - something in her life has got to be done solely for her. From this point on the battle of the brides is on and it's simply a question of who has the guts to go all the way.

Like I said earlier I wasn't expecting a lot from this film but did find myself chuckling at quite a few points in the film. Ultimately the plot is rather ludicrous and I must admit rather predictable at times but it does provide decent entertainment. The laughs are at least solid ones and based on dialogue and reasonably possible events rather than slapstick comedy moments and unrealistic moments.

The acting is also of a very high standard and both Hudson and Hathaway put in exceptionally strong performances. They certainly do spark off one another from the beginning and this does give the feel a sense of realism, as the friendship can be believed. Hudson definitely excels at being the more ruthless and less forgiving member of the duo and Hathaway compliments her well by being more subtle and soft. The pair however is backed up by Bryan Greenberg who plays Liv's partner, Chris Patt who plays Emma's partner and Steve Howey who plays Liv's brother. These three also give more than credible performances and add a certain depth to the film. The banter between the boys is generally quite humorous and often leaves you feeling sorry for them being stuck in the middle of this raging war.

The soundtrack itself is nothing special but adds emphasis, drama and emotion were needed like a good soundtrack should although nothing particular stands out as special.

The general feel of the film is one of a Saturday night in curled up on the sofa. It is an easy to watch film on the whole but lacks that certain spark that would make it special. I'm not particularly sure that I could watch this again but I'm sure that the more girly girly will watch it numerous times before becoming bored with it.

If you like romantic comedies then this is probably something you should take a look at but just don't expect it to be the best thing you've seen in a while.

Summary: A decent Saturday night in film