Mother of the Bride movie review 2024 Roger Ebert

"Mother of the Bride" is a watered-down Netflix version of opulent destination wedding romantic comedies, lacking depth and satire.

In recent years, we've seen a rise in opulent destination wedding romantic comedies, with films like "Ticket to Paradise" and "Shotgun Wedding" making a splash. The latest addition to this trend is "Mother of the Bride," featuring Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, and Benjamin Bratt. While the film attempts to follow in the footsteps of its successful predecessors, it falls short in many aspects.

As a fan of Brad Krevoy and Steve Stabler's work with Netflix, I had high hopes for "Mother of the Bride." Director Mark Waters, known for hits like "Mean Girls" and "Freaky Friday," seemed like a solid choice for the project. However, the film's downfall lies in the lackluster script by Robin Bernheim, known for the "Princess Switch" trilogy. The characters feel paper-thin, and the plot struggles to engage the audience.

Shields delivers a solid performance as Lana, a geneticist grappling with past heartbreak. However, her chemistry with Bratt's character, Will, falls flat, robbing the film of its emotional core. The supporting cast, including Miranda Cosgrove and Rachael Harris, fail to elevate the material, leaving the audience wanting more.

The film's attempt to explore themes of love, loss, and family dynamics falls short, with shallow Instagram-worthy moments overshadowing any meaningful commentary. While there are glimpses of satire, particularly through Tasneem Roc's portrayal of a brand manager, these moments are few and far between.

In the end, "Mother of the Bride" struggles to find its footing in a genre filled with successful predecessors. While it may appeal to fans of lighthearted romantic comedies, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.