License to Wed

Is it too much to expect even mild entertainment from a Robin Williams film. What happened to the comic genius behind 'Good Morning Vietnam'? The man who turned in a reliable dramatic performance in 'Good Will Hunting' is simply lackluster here. Mandy Moore and John Krasinski are a likable couple subjected to some humiliating 'jokes' by priest Williams. The film doesn't even give us enough time to get to know the young couple. This could have been a cute romantic comedy, but the barrage of juvenile material and creepy jokes make it unsuitable for just about all audiences. Avoid.

Overall 2/10

I thought it was an OK comedy. It made me chuckle at times. Sadie and Ben plan to get married, but first must pass Rev Frank's marriage course. The Rev spies on them and sets up silly tests, like carrying around plastic babies that really cry and poop. I thought that was pretty good. All these tests cause the couple to rethink the marriage an let them see are they really right for each other.

I thought Robin Williams was OK. This was his stereotypical character. His apprentice sidekick kid was just creepy. Everyone else in the film was just average.

FINAL VERDICT: If you like these sort of comedies, then check it out.

Robin Williams is certainly a very gifted comedian. It would be a sin to classify him as untalented. But somebody needs to send this guy some decent scripts. I think the problem is people feel that all you need to do is cast Robin as the lead, and viola! You've got yourself a hilarious comic romp! Weak writing is weak writing. End of story. The film is not without laughs. I certainly did laugh several times, but as you would expect, most of the good jokes are given away in the trailer. Altogether, "License to Wed" is a predictable romantic comedy filled with lots of sitcom-level humor. It's worth checking out on cable. Like I said, there are some laughs, and watching the gorgeous Mandy Moore certainly doesn't hurt either. But this is one of those comedies you'll probably forget soon after you've seen it.

This movie was a bit of a bore. I walked in rather neutral with my expectations, and after the first 10 minutes realized that this ball of cheese was not for me. I sat through it all, for the sake of the company I was with.

Mandy Moore and John Krasinski are cute, but very flat characters. There is little or no character development in this film. Robin Williams as Reverend Frank tries to save the show with his humorous antics, but was unfortunately cliché in his attempts. The little boy, Josh Flitter, does an excellent job as the annoyingly forthright "minister in training", as do the other children playing minor roles, but the overall attempt was bland.

The movie neither humorously avoids morals, nor does it end with moral enlightenment. The "lesson" in the end is weak and predictable.

If you're looking for something heartwarming, inspiring, or thought-provoking, turn elsewhere. If you'd like a few cheap laughs with a weak storyline, this could be your film.

I rate it a 2 out of 10.

License to Wed is no masterpiece in any shape or form, but I didn't think it is a bad movie. If I had to sum it up in one word, I would say uneven. Because it is. The story is very predictable and has some dull and unbelievable parts to it, I personally could have done without the part with the "creepy" babies and the script is weak in places. Then there is the pacing, some of the movie does move briskly, but there are moments where it is dull as well, while the direction lacks solidity.

That said, it is nicely filmed, the scenery in Jamaica was especially ravishing, and the soundtrack was good. While the film itself is uneven, there are some funny moments such as the introduction to Robin Williams's character and when Ben blows the trumpet into the bug that had been placed into the room. In terms of performances, Robin Williams gives the best one and provides the film's funniest moments. Mandy Moore and John Krassinski aren't as convincing but they are pretty cute.

Overall, it was an okay comedy, it had its dull moments but see it for Williams. 6/10 Bethany Cox