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3
out of 5
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A patchwork of tedium, angst, and brilliance,
November 13, 2008
By LARRY101
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"I wanted to love this film and at times I did. Anne Hathaway's portrayal of a recovering addict on weekend furlough from rehab to attend her sister's wedding is painfully realistic, every raw nerve exposed and on display for the assembled guests. It's difficult to watch at times.
The fighting within the family is brutal, a running battle that goes on throughout the weekend with occasional truces only to be followed by fresh outbreaks of hostilities. This family has secrets within secrets, which will eventually be revealed.
The film could easily have been improved by some judicious editing of several interminably boring scenes. I didn't enjoy the toasts at my own rehearsal dinner; I didn't need to hear a half dozen or more at Rachel's. I suppose the dishwasher race scene was supposed to be endearing. Sorry, but watching people load the same dirty dishes over and over and over again - seriously, they filmed this scene to begin with and actually left it in - is not entertaining. Then there was the ridiculous attempt at including every possible culture known to mankind, excuse me, personkind in human herstory. The wedding was like some PC political event on the Monday before election day or a spoof on "Tony and Tina's Wedding". It was ludicrous. Without the 20 minutes of tedium and silliness described in this paragraph, the movie easily rates 4 stars, maybe 5.
The performances are outstanding. Anne Hathaway is getting well deserved Oscar buzz, but Debra Winger's subtle, understated performance in the role of the mother is the most impressive. She's absolutely mesmerizing, making her presence quietly, almost hauntingly felt throughout. The other cast members - Bill Irwin and Rosemarie DeWitt in particular - turn in excellent performances."
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3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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