Bride Wars

When it comes to predictability, no genre tends to jump through hoops with quite the frequency and oblivious enthusiasm that romantic comedies do. Naturally then, when approaching the latest chick flick, it’s always worth bracing yourself for an hour and a half of tired plotting that never threatens to venture outside the lines. Over the years though, the better ones have been able to make the familiar slog a little less tedious thanks to some witty dialogue, likeable characters and the odd amusing set piece. Unfortunately, Bride Wars does sod-all to warrant a place in that category.

Following the tale of two best friends who become mortal enemies after their wedding ceremonies get accidentally double booked, things take no time in getting painfully weary as each bride decides to sabotage the other’s nuptials. Between pranks involving getting turned orange with fake tan and having blonde hair dye switched for blue, the one-time chums end up questioning whether or not the fight is really worth it.

While the idea of a chick flick centred around a catfight between Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway would ordinarily seem like the sort of premise that would appeal to both women and men, unfortunately the finished product is a clichéd, arduous mess. The lead characters’ actions come across as vindictive and cruel rather than funny, which makes for a comedy that does nothing to make you smile, let alone laugh. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Hudson and Hathaway seem to be under the impression that they’re starring in a genuinely good movie. Dishing out performances with all the fervour and gusto that made them stars in the first place, their obliviousness to the movie’s direness makes for a spectacle that’s truly harrowing to witness. The one saving grace is that, at 85 minutes long, the ordeal isn’t too lengthy. Still, that doesn’t stop it being less fun than a root canal.

As for the DVD, the disc features a couple of deleted scenes that should only be watched if you’re a masochist and didn’t suffer quite enough with the feature itself. Should that not be reason enough to avoid the special features menu like a rabid dog, there’s also the monumentally boring ‘The Perfect White Dress’ feature in which the cast and crew gush over wedding gowns. Yawn.

Overall Verdict: An overly clichéd farce in which the end credits offer sweet relief for an agonising feature.

Reviewer: Jordan Brown