THE WEDDING SINGER
Sandler is Robby, a kid who planned to be a rock star but had to pay
the bills. Now (1985) he's in his late twenties, singing current top-40
tunes at weddings. He hasn't exactly fulfilled his dreams, but he's happy
because he himself is to be married next week. But when his fiancée
Linda (Angela Featherstone) stands him up at the altar, his whole outlook
changes. He decides to quit singing at weddings after a hilarious sequence
where he tries to sing Madonna's "Holiday" while on the verge
of tears. The trouble is, his friend Julia (Drew Barrymore), who is also
about to wed, wants him to sing at her nuptials. But when her intended,
Glenn (Matthew Glave), starts to show that he is an arrogant jerk, the two
friends fall for each other. Like I said, simple.
By far the most enjoyable aspect of this movie is playing "spot
the '80s reference." The film is loaded with them, and in fact goes
a little too far. The clothing and hair styles, cars, music, and pastimes
are enough, but it is a little tiresome when the characters keep "predicting"
things that we know turned out differently. Another problem is that this
'80s flashback may only be really effective on a small section of the population.
Any audience member over 40 probably wouldn't have any emotional connection
to 1985, and those under 25 wouldn't remember anything but what toys they
played with.
The relationship between Robby and Julia is cute but too sugary. Barrymore's
smile is engaging, but the fact that she can't stop smirking through the
entire movie takes away from that. Sandler is not equipped to portray a
serious love affair, but reasonably well-suited for a light romance such
as this. Mostly he's funny when performing his act. And another nod must
go to Boy George impersonator Alexis Arquette, who sings backup for Robby.
His interpretation is right on, but again, anyone not too familiar with
Boy George wouldn't get many of the jokes.
This movie is great for a few laughs, especially if you fall into the right age category. But don't expect it to change your life. ***