Amazon Prime Video steps forward yet again with an entertaining original film, releasing “Shotgun Wedding" on Dec. 28. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised when it brought me back to the 2000s romantic comedies you love to hate.
Synopsis
Tom and Darcy gather their families on a private island for a destination wedding. The ceremony doesn't go to plan when pirates show up taking everyone hostage and demanding money. Now if they don't find a way to escape, they and their loved ones will be in even more danger.
The film stars Jennifer Lopez as Darcy, Josh Duhamel as Tom, Jennifer Coolidge as Carol, and Lenny Kravitz as Sean. This is an Amazon Prime Video original that can be streamed now, with a prime membership.
What I loved
Jennifer Coolidge. Holy crap! — She was absolutely hilarious throughout the entire film. I’m not sure how, but in every scene she is in she shines and truly takes the spotlight. Even when other characters did not hit, her character just set the mood and made the movie entertaining, even as a supporting actress.
The plot. Now it could’ve been a basic movie, just like any other rom-com, bad situation film, but this movie puts a heist, wedding, and comedy into one, and it works pretty well. I felt like the material worked pretty well. While there were some dull points overall, there was a lot of chuckling. From explosions, fainting, cake knives, and awkward family interactions, it all works well within itself.
What I didn't love
My biggest complaint in the entire film was that the two main characters had no chemistry. These characters Tom and Darcy are supposed to be in love, but you couldn't tell throughout the film. Even in moments where they were hugging and kissing, I didn't believe they actually liked each other. Now there are some banterful parts, but even those don't play that well. Just overall, the chemistry isn't there, and it made the film lack a leg to stand on.
The comedy in this film is a double-edged sword. The jokes either hit or were a big miss, and most of them are a miss from the leads. Not only is there not any chemistry, but they don't play off each other well. It seems messy and cringe worthy at points, but then it could be very funny at some points. It is hit or miss throughout.
Verdict
I think if you already have an Amazon Prime Video subscription, this is just an entertaining movie to watch. It’s not going to win an Oscar, but it can give you a bit of enjoyment. If you don't have a subscription though, I’d wait for a better prime deal or better movie to come out to make the splurge.
I give “Shotgun Wedding" a 4.5 out of 10.
