License to Wed

Starring: Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, John Krasinski, Christine Taylor, Angela Kinsey
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Romance
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A young couple (Mandy Moore, John Krasinski) decide to get married. First, however, they must survive a marriage course designed by an eccentric reverend (Robin Williams).

Review:

Tim: This movie looked absurd because it was Robin Williams doing his Robin-Williams-thing, this time as a reverend. I wasn’t going to fall for it, I wasn’t going to like this movie that undoubtedly offered nothing new. However, what I did not expect was the delightful performances of Mandy Moore and John Krasinski. For every over-the-top, bordering on obnoxious scene with Williams being absurd, the chemistry and the performances of Moore and Krasinski made this movie impossible to hate.

Williams adds very little to the film. His brand of comedy has been well established, and while it used to work wonders, has it had any real effectiveness in the last decade? He certainly is not effective here, although thankfully, he has to be more restrained than normal. No, this film is definitely not about him—it is about Moore and Krasinski as two young people in love. The film follows their trials and issues as they go through a marriage preparation course. They relationship—which comes across as believable (and occasionally humorous) sets the stage for the film and allows it be enjoyable. Their interactions are what makes the film effective, and lets the audience somewhat forgive Williams for his ineffective performance.

I enjoyed this movie more than I should have because it really shows two people in a relationship struggling to make it work. They truly do love each other, and this dynamic was well represented in the film. I will begrudgingly admit that I did laugh quite a few times, and Williams was responsible for a few of them. However, it is important to look past this as a vehicle for Williams, and you’ll find a rather heartwarming and realistic look at young people struggling with taking the big leap in their relationship. And, that is much more enjoyable than Robin-Williams-as-a-reverend.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Because I Said So, American Dreamz