Permis de mariage

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.

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

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

Catholic priest Robin Williams (!?) makes couple Mandy Moore and John Krasinski go through a crash course for those about to be married. If they fail the course then he can block the duet from getting hitched. And they say Hollywood is fresh out of innovative ideas. Totally unwanted and dreadful would-be comedy that uses up all its energy and possible assets early on with stupid situation after stupid situation. Even the performers seem like they know they are in a horrid movie that seems so much longer than it really is. As usual with films of the type, we have sitcom scenarios that are hard enough to make interesting over a half hour time slot let alone a cinematic feature which is three times as long. Break out the holy water and exorcise this celluloid. 2 stars out of 5.

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