With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I am not at all surprised that Hollywood has a couple of romantic-comedies planned to open this weekend. Well, good ole lucky me gets to review them both! All snark aside, I actually found something to enjoy from both of these movies. The, first of which is the new Jennifer Lopez/Owen Wilson vehicle, which seems a lot like a rip-off of 1999’s Notting Hill. While Marry Me isn’t exactly the same movie as Hill, it definitely shares some of the same themes and beats.
Still, as ridiculous the overall premise is and how it shamelessly steals some elements from a superior movie, there is still much charm and sweetness to enjoy in Marry Me. It certainly is not a movie that I, or a lot of others, will watch over and over again, but I suppose isn’t too shabby if looking for something palatable and easy to digest on a romantic date night. It is comforting junk food cinema to the max.
Lopez stars as pop-singer superstar Katarina “Kat” Valdez, a mega-rich entertainer who is about to enter into a “power” marriage with equally successful and popular singer Bastian (Maluma). As part of a major publicity opportunity, the two performers are set to perform a romantic duet of their song “Marry Me” at a sold-out concert of their most ardent fans. Following the performance, the two singers will exchange vows and marry each other in front of their loving audience. However, things don’t exactly go according to plan.
Immediately before the nuptials are about to take place, a news story that reveals Bastian has been having an affair goes viral, and totally derails the wedding plans. Looking to put forward a brave face, Kat faces her audience and spots a simple and unassuming audience member holding a “Marry Me” in the crowd. And that particular concert attendee just happens to be Math school teacher Charlie Gilbert (Wilson), a man who simply wanted to show his daughter Lou (Chloe Coleman) a good time and bond with her. What follows is a strange rollercoaster ride that eventually leads to real romance between the humble and low key teacher and a massive superstar who rarely has any quiet time to herself.
Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Bobby Crosby, Marry Me may be predictable, ludicrous at times, and a little bit corny, but it still has a mostly genuine heart and some genuinely heartwarming moments that will please its viewers. Adapted by screenwriters John Rogers, Tami Sagher, Harper Dill, and director Kat Coiro, the film is actually so likable and pleasing, that I enjoyed the overall experience, despite the movie’s weaknesses and limitations.
Both Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson work their natural on-screen charisma and actually have enough chemisty to make the film somewhat credible. The movie doesn’t really require demanding performances full of range and depth, but the two actors make their work in the movie feel like the experience was an easy, breezy walk through the park. The movie also stars Sarah Silverman as Charlie’s co-worker and best friend Parker Debbs. While the character is rather silly and cartoonish, her acting and character never detract from the movie.
As Charlie’s daughter Lou, Chloe Coleman shows some range and maturity for being such a young teen. I also rather enjoyed the lovable and disarming turn by John Bradley, as Kat’s manager Collin Calloway. After seeing his great work on television’s Game of Thrones, it is awesome to see him appear more and more in other projects.
Marry Me is getting released simultaneously in theaters and on the Peacock streaming app this weekend. It is good enough to enjoy at the cinema, but if looking for something more intimate and wanting to avoid crowds, it is a perfectly fine movie to enjoy at home.