Weddings seem from recent films more about the guests, family and friends, then the bride. It is a microcosm of their lives from birth, or in this case college, to the nuptials, causing a fomenting of old loves, frustrations, resentments and even hate. Remember 'Rachel Getting Married' (2008) with Anne Hathaway as the sister of the bride, or 'Evening' (2007) with Venessa Redgrave on her deathbed remembering her youthful self (Claire Danes) as bridesmaid for her best friend, to name just two? The Romantics is no exception.
Laura (Katie Holmes) is asked by her best friend Lila (Anna Paquin) to be Maid of Honor at her marriage to Tom (Josh Duhamel), Laura's long time love. Laura tries to be mature and brave and civilized about it, but friends keep pouring salt on her wounds with innocent remarks such as 'How are you holding up?' After the wedding rehearsal and dinner, including insulting and revealing toasts, the serious drinking begins.The close knit collection of friends, including Malin Akerman, Jeremy Strong, Adam Brody, Rebecca Lawrence, self named Romantics from their college days, and brother of the bride, Elija Wood, cavort and carouse the night away. It's a wonder no one was taken to the emergency room for alcohol poisoning. Mostly, the bonds of fidelity are tested among them. And deep into the night, Tom tries to explain to Laura why he made his decision.
It's a bitter story of love lost in the environs of upstate New York, among the majestic old homes, the green hills, the breeze swept trees and ruffled waters of the nearby river replete with bobbing boats and the ominous sky that threatens the outdoor wedding on the morrow. No real surprises here, no revelations, but a pretty powerful confrontation between bride and maid which makes clear both their positions. Paquin was the epitome of control and determination. Holmes was very sympathetic as the forlorn lover. Duhamel was, well, a guy, weak, confused and perfectly typical in his waffling. His hardest decision was not who to marry, but which side to part his hair, which, by the way, appear to have been cut between takes of him in the mirror prepping and the actual wedding minutes later.
The Romantics
Writer/Director: Galt Niederhoffer from the novel by Galt Niederhoffer
Cast: Katie Holmes, Josh Duhamel, anna Paquin, Malin Akerman, Jeremy Strong, Candice Bergen, Adam Brody, Elijah Wood, Dianna Agron, Rebecca Lawrence
Time: 95 min.
Rated: PG 13
Opening at the Metreon in San Francisco, Redwood Downtown 20 in Redwood City, and Landmark Shattuck Cinema in Berkeley on September 24
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