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"Hey You Two -- NO
TONGUES!!!" |
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Directed by Ken Kwapis -
Written by Kim Barker,
Tim Rasmussen, Vince
DiMeglio
Starring Robin Williams,
Mandy Moore, John
Krasinski
Eric Christian Olsen,
Christine Taylor, Josh
Flitter
Distributed by WB
Pictures -
2007 - 90m - Rated PG13 |
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Richard Propes'
Review
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D+ |
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Robin Williams has proven it time and again...he's proven that he
barely has to breathe for audiences to fall over themselves laughing
and, even more appallingly, turning even his lamest and most
ill-conceived comic misadventures into runaway box-office hits. |
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C'mon, think about it.
Looking back, was "RV" really that funny?
Williams has proven to be a master at balancing his critically
acclaimed dramatic roles with his more box-office friendly family
comedies.
Thus, 2007 brings us "License to Wed," the latest comedy from
Williams in which he plays Reverend Frank, a kindly preacher whose
unorthodox marriage class is a must pass for any couple's wishing to
be married in his church or, in this case Sadie (Mandy Moore) and
Ben (John Krasinski).
Admittedly, I found myself looking forward to "License to Wed." This
is the sort of role that Williams does so well, and it doesn't seem
to matter how many times he does a variation of just such a
character...it just plain makes me laugh like a naughty schoolboy.
Throw in the girl-next-door charm of Mandy Moore, and "License to
Wed" smelled like a winner to me.
Unfortunately, "License to Wed" just plain stinks.
Director Ken Kwapis ("The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"),
starts things off with a horribly rushed surface treatment of the
courtship of Ben and Sadie followed, literally in the film's first
ten minutes, with the happy couple's wedding plans and introduction
to the irreverent reverend.
The sort of character that should be a comic goldmine in Williams'
hands is, instead, awkwardly unfunny and, at times, downright
disturbing. Maybe it's just a sign of the times, but Williams'
voyeuristic Reverend Frank crosses the lines of respectability,
taste and legality so many times in "License to Wed" that it's
believe that not even the sweet Mandy Moore would have just plain
kicked the crap out of him.
Williams has always been one of those comics who gets away with a
lot onstage and in film, however, much of that is due to his manic
energy and improvisational wit that feels like authenticity. In
"License to Wed," however, Williams' energy and wit is stifled by
Kwapis' more deliberate pacing and almost desperate attempts to add
emphatic punch to punchlines that just aren't funny.
One has to wonder if halfway through shooting this film Williams
didn't just resign himself to the film's destined mediocrity.
Along with the stifling of Williams, somehow Kwapis has managed to
take the adorable Mandy Moore and make her seem plain. Moore long
ago proved to have a gift for romantic comedy, but she flounders in
a film where comic one-liners seem to take the place of chemistry
and interaction.
While I can't quite say that Krasinski and Moore have nothing in the
way of chemistry, I can easily say that the script does them almost
no favors in showcasing that chemistry. It may very well be
intriguing to see these two in a decently scripted, more
relationship based comedy. However, in a film that is more concerned
with one-liners, physical gags and semi-naughty double entendres
these two are left to their own devices trying to forge a believable
romance in a markedly non-romantic setting.
Oddly enough, Kwapis has directed several episodes of Krasinski's
"The Office" and, thus, it would seem he'd be in touch with how to
bring out Krasinski's comedy and personality. While Krasinski may
come out of "License to Wed" better than any of the leads, it's
undeniable that without the crisp, intelligent dialogue of "The
Office," even Krasinski isn't nearly as funny.
Diehard fans of Williams (i.e., those who still enjoyed "RV") are
likely to find moments of enjoyment in "License to Wed," though it's
hard to imagine even the president of his fan club considering this
film even close to his best work.
I don't begrudge any actor making their money films. Yet, I can't
deny that I find it depressing to watch the Oscar-winning Williams
practically spit on the golden statuette with films such as "License
to Wed."
As Reverend Frank would surely understand, there comes a time in
life where we must put away our childish ways and grow up and make
better decisions. Clearly, Williams is at such a time in his career.
What's it going to be, Robin? Serious actor? Comic actor? "B" list
actor? Cuba Gooding, Jr.?
Make up your mind.
After a year that included "RV," and "Man of the Year," one must ask
the question "Why, after a couple Oscar nominations and one win, is
Robin Williams suddenly choosing to channel Eddie Murphy's comedy
career?"
"License to Wed" isn't the worst comedy I've ever seen, however, it
is one of the most disappointing. The real sin is that director Ken
Kwapis has taken one of this generation's funniest actors and
stripped him of virtually everything that makes him funny.
Who knows? Maybe "License to Wed" will be just like your average
churchgoer's Sunday experience...you'll sit there in the theatre
laughing and giving your "Amens" convincing yourself your having a
great time and lovin' the message only to get home and realize
you've already forgotten the whole thing. |
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© Written by Richard Propes -
Email Me! |
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How We Rated This Film
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TC Candler -
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| Richard Propes
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D+ |
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Jacob Hall
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TC Candler's Comment
n/a
Jacob Hall's
Comment
n/a
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