The Wilde Wedding

The Wilde Wedding (2017)
R | 1h 35min | Comedy | 15 September 2017 (USA)

Synopsis: In THE WILDE WEDDING, now-retired film star Eve Wilde (Glenn Close) prepares for her wedding to husband number four, renowned English writer Harold Alcott (Patrick Stewart) after a whirlwind courtship. At her upstate New York home – in the presence of both Wilde’s first husband, celebrated stage actor Laurence Darling (John Malkovich), and their collective families (Minnie Driver, Jack Davenport, Yael Stone, Peter Facinelli, Noah Emmerich, Grace Van Patten) – the long summer weekend offers the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other a bit more intimately. As sexual sparks begin to fly, there are unforeseen consequences abound.

Review: Writer/director Damian Harris gathers an all star cast for a funny, dysfunctional, sexy comedy. Plenty of quirky characters help keep the story engaging. It is a unique premise including writers, musicians, and actors. Where the movie stumbles a bit is in the writing. The characters are a tad too perfect. Even though they are meant to be flawed they still come across extremely witty and captivating. It is a lifestyle that sort of alienates the modern world.

The cast is spot on in both their delivery and interpretation of the characters. Seeing these Hollywood icons let loose a little in a aging romp was the best part; once you get past Patrick Stewart with hair of course. I am a huge fan of John Malkovich and well aware of his wide range of abilities. Here he melds past regrets and actor ego into an endearing role that was a joy to watch. Likewise Glenn Close is stunning and does not shy away from her age. She dresses, acts, moves and breathes age appropriately. That was refreshing.

This is a family gathering of course all the kids and grandkids show up with their baggage and angst. This was a smart move on some levels as it gives it a multigenerational draw. At times though it was a deterrent as Damian has to find something for them all to do. The script gets overloaded with rabbit trails and unresolved plot lines. Luckily the meat of the film never gets diluted as it meanders through the waters of family drama.

This was a solid film for sure and an option for an adult date night. THE WILDE WEDDING is rated R for language, sexual content and drug use. Unlike most sophomoric, gratuitous, comedies that bombard the theaters these days this one handles the content with maturity. I give it 3.5 out of 5 chocolates. Loved the cast, appreciated the story, and enjoyed it from start to finish.