Wedding Wars

Enjoyed this film and how the entire story went around in circles trying to explain coming out of the closet, parents approval and too much comedy and making fun of a very serious subject. Kristopher Anderson,(Drag Queen #2) gave a great performance along with James Brolin,(Conrad Willing). One of the men finally came out and told his mother and father that he was gay and upon hearing this news, the mother asked the son, "Do you think because I made you watch Ice Skating on TV that this has created this situation with YOU?" Through out the entire picture you have all kinds of silly situations created just because some one is gay and Proud of how they have found themselves in this big world. Apparently the director had difficult in presenting this picture to the general public and wanted this film to entertain Straight people and the Gay Community. Have seen better pictures on this subject, but it was a nice try.

"Wedding Wars" is a light comedy with some interesting aspects. Without being in one's face, the message it wants to project comes across clearly. As directed by Jim Fall and based on a screenplay by Stephen Mazur, the movie deals with a current issue that has divided America: the right of gays to get married. It is puzzling how people secured in their own sexuality can get so adamant in the way they condemn a group that has been so discriminated for being different.

The story centers on two brothers, Ben and Shel Grandy. Ben is getting married to the governor's daughter. The father is opposed to the idea of gays getting married. Shel, who is involved with a male assistant district attorney, comes out to Ben, as well his own parents, and to the rest of the community. As a way to protest their being chastised for standing out, Shel calls for a strike just before the wedding is scheduled to take place. Only when Ben realizes that his brother is a good person and learns to accept him, things go back to normal.

I was surprised by John Stamos' take on Shel. He gives a sensitive reading to his character. Eric Dane is also effective as Ben, the straight brother whose life goes into turmoil just before getting married. James Brolin has a couple of good moments as the governor.

The film is entertaining without being offensive.

John did a wonderful job as a gay man who stood up for what he believed. Shel(Stamos)is asked to plan his brother's(Eric Dane) wedding to the governor's daughter. The problems begin when Shel finds out that his brother doesn't believe that gay couples should not have the same rights as straight couples. That cause him to make a stand for what he believes in, and he goes on strike to protest the governor's position. He slowly begins to gain support from people around the country who feel the same way as he does. John's a great actor who doesn't always get the respect that he deserves. Everyone should see this film as it handles a tough issue in a light-hearted way, without it being tossed in your face. A fresh, funny and enjoyable film. Very well written. Bravo John!

This film is about a gay man demanding equal marriage rights, and starting a gay rights movement by accident.

The film is so much fun to watch! It is light hearted and fun, despite approaching such a controversial subject. The plot is sweet and fun. Imagine all gays on strike! Initially the film makes fun of the stereotypically gay occupations, but it is shown that the strike quickly cascades into all aspects of the society. Yes, anyone around you can in fact be gay! The jokes are funny and work well. The cast work together so well, that it gives a vibrant feel to the film. I am impressed by Shel standing up and defending himself, and Maggie's supportive attitude over the whole matter. Coupled with Ted's reluctance towards a lifetime pledge, I think the interaction of the characters are as real life as can be.

It presents arguments on both sides of the movement, but understandably more vocal on the pro-gay marriage side. It highlights that love has no boundaries; homosexuality is not by choice. A positive message is conveyed in a balanced and non-radical way.

I really connected with this film. The ending touched me a lot. I really enjoyed watching this film!

When I heard that John Stamos was going to be playing a gay man in a new A&E movie, I was a bit perplexed. Stamos normally plays the macho alpha male...could he play a convincing gay man. Yes...why yes he can! His performance as Shel, a party planner, is some of his best work, ever. He's sexy and vulnerable, funny and earnest all at once. It would be really easy for this movie to teeter over the line from slightly campy to really silly, but Stamos helps keep things in balance.

Opposite Stamos is Eric Dane as Shel's brother, Ben. Ben is a rather uptight campaign manager for Maine's fictional Governor, Conrad Welling (played masterfully by James Brolin). Ben also happens to be engaged to the Governor's daughter, Maggie (played by Bonnie Somerville). While planning Ben and Maggie's wedding, he discovers that Ben wrote the Governor's speech in favor of constitutionally banning same-sex marriage. The resulting battle mirrors the real-life battles being waged over this issue, but is a lot funnier. It's cliché to say that this movie has a lot of "heart," but that's exactly what it has. A lot of that heart is provided by Sean Maher as Shel's boyfriend Ted, who isn't quite sure how he feels about the whole situation.

Without belittling the issue of same-sex marriage, Wedding Wars is able to take a complex and controversial subject and looks at it with humor and warmth. Don't miss it!