The Story:
Don (Robert DeNiro) and Ellie (Diane Keaton) were married once. They had 2 children: Jared (Topher Grace) and Lyla (Katherine Heigl). They adopted Alejandro (Ben Barnes) a few years later, but it was too little, too late to save their marriage. Don has moved on, and in, with Bebe (Susan Sarandon), Ellie's best friend. However everyone is coming back home to see Alejandro tie the knot with Missy (Amanda Seyfried). However, Alejandro needs a favor from his parents: could they please pretend to still be married this weekend? His real mom is coming to America, and a strict Catholic would simply not approve of the divorce.
What could possibly go wrong?
This is another all-star comedy that mostly works.
It's more amusing than flat-out comedy, and one that embraces it's "R" rating.
Which again, sometimes I lament that screenplays feel the need to throw that around in a movie that could otherwise easily grabbed a PG-13 rating and appealed to a wider audience.
Otherwise, no real complaints with the movie.
The performances are all enjoyable, as we have a consummate group of actors on display in this movie.
It was a treat to see Susan Sarandon again, as she seems to have mostly disappeared from movies as the years go by, which is a shame. She's a natural at comedy, and has a great time with her role.
Robin Williams is also included in a minor role as the priest who will perform the ceremony. He is restrained, and possibly the only sane member of the cast. ;)
The only real casting misfire comes at the end when Lyla's boyfriend is revealed. When you have a "beautiful cast" of great actors... you couldn't spring for one more to play the boyfriend, if even for a moment? I suppose they want to give hope that real life works that way, but rarely do you see someone like Heigl dating a caveman...
: )
Final Grade: B-/C+ range
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: No need to own it, but I could watch it again if it was on. No big hurry though.
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