SHOTGUN WEDDING – A Review by Jenn Rohm
Some days I am in the mood for a rom-com, others a blow ‘em-up action, or even a pirate film but, what happens when someone tries to put them all together in the same movie? I know this isn’t a 100% new concept (Romancing the Stone / Jewel of Nile). There is however a new way to pull off this combination, and it is being done with Shotgun Wedding.
This movie is an “escape the real world” movie, not a change you or the world movie. I find being in the correct mindset does help with finding this type of movie more enjoyable. Knowing this I got myself set up in my comfy home viewing spot with my beverage and snack of choice and curled up to escape.
We find ourselves at the rehearsal dinner for a destination wedding, that has been planned by the groom, with strong personalities on both sides of the wedding party. The next day is the wedding where we find out what happens when pirates show up on the island. This happy couple is more modern with the Bride being work focused and the Groom having bandwidth and drive to “Etsy” a perfect wedding.
Creating pineapple centerpieces and preparing a “Just Married” boat while stressing over ensuring everything is perfect, we get to see a Groom interested in the wedding, something not often seen. There are plenty of moments in the film that show off his masculine side like when the Bride throws an item at the Groom’s head and he catches it, or he asks for the “Meatball” and puts the swing behind it to send ‘the meatball’ out with a boom. The Bride loves and supports the Groom, she just isn’t so sure about having a big wedding. She is also faced with some pressure from her family on the guest list and his family with wedding traditions.
The cast is strong with the Bride being Jennifer Lopez (Darcy) and her family of Sonia Braga (Renata / Mom), Cheech Marin (Robert / Dad), Callie Hernandez (Jaime / sister), and D’Arcy Carden (Harriet / Dad’s Girlfriend). On the Groom side are Josh Duhamel (Tom), Jennifer Coolidge (Carol / Mom), Steve Coulter (Larry / Dad), and Melissa Hunter (Jeannie / Sister). Of course, Lenny Kravitz (Sean Hawkins) and his always unbuttoned shirt should be mentioned as well. Others in the cast bring nuggets of mirth to the film as well.
If you are looking for something to sit back, escape, and enjoy I do recommend Shotgun Wedding.
Director: Jason Moore
Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Lenny Kravitz, Jennifer Coolidge, Sonia Braga, Cheech Marin, Steve Coulter, D’Arcy Carden, Callie Hernandez, Desmin Borges, Selena Tan, Alberto Isaac
MPAA Rating: R for language and some violence/bloody images
Selig Rating: 4 Stars
Runtime: 100 Min.
Home Entertainment Release Date: 01/27/2023
Home Entertainment Release: Prime Video
Movie Site: SHOTGUN WEDDING Official Website
Trailer: SHOTGUN WEDDING Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
