Permis de mariage

My friend and I were so excited to see this movie when we saw the trailer to License to Wed, it looked like a fun comedy. But when we heard all the bad reviews, we were a bit hesitant, but we figured that we still wanted to see it and why not? I don't get all the horrible reviews on IMDb, yeah, there were a few things wrong with the movie, but it seemed like nobody really wanted to enjoy this film. I'm not saying this to offend anyone, I just don't get how you could not laugh at least once in this film when it was just a cute romantic comedy that's better than most.

Sadie and Ben are one happy couple, after only six months they feel that they are ready to tie the knot and get married. But Sadie's wishes are to be married in the church her parents got married in and their family minister, Frank. Frank isn't going to give this couple an easy time though, he'll test them from Heaven to Hell to see if they are really ready for marriage and slowly the realize what might be wrong and different in their relationship.

Now, I admit that some of the situations were predictable and unbelievable, but I think if you let go and just have fun, you'll find yourself laughing. This movie was all in good fun; I loved the scene where they have to find out what having kids was like. Those little mechanical babies were so ugly and scary, but so funny! I expected a fun and cute movie and that's what I got with License to Wed, so don't trust the IMDb reviews, just go and have fun!

6/10

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

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.

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

License to Wed is exactly what I expected it to be when watching the previews. An overall average movie, nothing mind blowing, but also not impossible to watch.

The movie is a little cliché at points and most of it you have seen before in whatever romantic comedy you decide to think of, but there are a few additions to this movie that made it enjoyable for me.

As a huge fan of the TV show "The Office", I went to the theater the other night hoping that the movie would keep me as entertained as the small screen gem does. If this is what you are hoping for, sorry, its a bit of a let down. However, the simple appearance of a couple of "Office" stars is enjoyable.

The only real beef that I have with the movie overall is Robin Williams' sexed up priest character. I can understand what they were trying to do (humor from sex dialogue), but the conversations seemed uncomfortable to me. A priest becoming sexual isn't that far fetched in this day and age, but really, when your movie makes it look like a priest is hitting on a woman in his marriage counseling class in front of her soon to be husband, just rubs me the wrong way.

License to Wed is neither terrible nor wonderful. My recommendation would be to watch it if you really don't care what you watch and just need a popcorn movie to relax. No huge laughs but no huge let downs either.