Iffy for 15+
Award-winning actors wasted in forgettable, racy comedy.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Big Wedding is racier than most family wedding comedies and could make for an uncomfortable parent-teen movie night. There's lots of sexual content -- the opening scene shows Robert De Niro about to perform oral sex on Susan Sarandon -- as well as discussion of virginity, sexual orientation, and open marriage. There's also adultery, public displays of (more than) affection and brief nudity (a woman's naked behind is visible as she skinny dips). In addition to the sex jokes and sex scenes, you can expect frequent strong language ("f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," "bitch," etc.) and drinking (the father and the priest are both alcoholics).
- Families can talk about the appeal of wedding movies. Why are weddings such a popular setting for both drama and comedy?
- Discuss the idea that family is more than biology. How does Alejandro view his family? Why are Bebe and Ellie able to overcome the adultery in their past? Do you think the family's interactions are believable?
- Alejandro's ethnicity is brought up again and again as a matter of concern to Melissa's Caucasian parents. Do you think racial and ethnic prejudice are still prevalent in American society?
The good stuff
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Messages: In the end, family members and best friends repair their relationships and commit to having a blended family of relatives who trust and love each other, despite their many flaws and personal problems. They lie and deceive to get there, but their intentions are mostly good.
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Role models: Although everyone has many hang-ups and relationship issues, each of the family members realizes that honesty and open communication is the key to getting past old hurts and betrayals. The adult siblings are successful and care about each other.
What to watch for
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Violence: Physical comedy includes people falling fully dressed into a pool and Don getting slapped or punched by each of the women in his life.
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Sex: The very first scene includes a discussion of oral sex and a man about to perform it on his dressed (except for her underwear) partner. A 29-year-old doctor is a virgin who wants to save himself for someone special but then is easily seduced by a Colombian woman who strips to skinny dip with him (she's shown from the back). She also fondles him at the dinner table. Premarital sex is discussed in front of a priest. The entire family discusses their mother's discovery of tantric sex and her "9-hour orgasm." Two loud sex scenes include exes who do it for old times' sake and a virgin who promptly wants to do it again after his first time. Parents discuss adultery, and another set of parents talks about bisexuality and having an open marriage. Discussion of medical sexual aids (i.e. pills).
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Language: Frequent strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," "douche," "d--k," "c--k," "bang," "muff," "hell," "ass," "crap," "oh my God," and one "c--t."
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Consumerism: Brands notably shown or mentioned include Alfa Romeo, Mac, Cartier, the Plaza, and more.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Don and Father Moinighan discuss going through AA together and how hard it is to stay on the wagon. On the wedding day, Don gets drunk and starts spouting off inappropriate comments. Adults are shown having drinks throughout the wedding weekend at dinners and receptions. Lyla tries to smoke in a hospital but is stopped.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
The Big Wedding by akshipps
This is a good "Adult," comedy. The dialogue is catchy and fast paced. The situations are adult, funny, and entertaining. The polish and professionalism of the actors is great. There are many views of relationships and family interaction from an open minded point of view. The over-all theme is that we take "tradition" way too seriously.
4
Good for a fun movie by Sulli9
Despite the critics, we really enjoyed the movie.....if you going in knowing you won't have to analyze, or solve a mystery then it's a fun movie.....and sometimes that's all we need!
5
Wow!!!! by safelock2215
My wife and I just saw this very entertaining movie. It was so awesome and my stomach hurts from all the laughing. It was a great movie....It's a MUST SEE in my book....
3
It was OK by rinfantino
I was a little disappointed, especially since the cast is top notch. I don't know why big name actors think they have to drop the F-bomb every ten words to have an impact. They are above that. Once or twice gets the message across.
I would watch again on video.
2
What A Shame! by bill2startover
How could such a stellar cast of actors end up in such a trite and formulaic movie? It is boring, VERY predictable, has a weak plot, lacks originality, is stupid, and is an insult to the audience, such as Topher Grace's character. How absurd!
There have been countless wedding comedies. Therefore, any producers and directors that attempt another must make it an exceptional and unique attempt. This was a total bust. I never laughed and I almost fell asleep, and it was a morning show!
This is a Lifetime movie disguised as something else. To see Mr. DeNiro go from Silver Linings Playbook to this is sad. And Ms. Keaton - always dressed in the same style in every movie makes you completely unbelievable.
Wait for it to go on cable!
4
Great cast a little confusing. by shelleyarts
I am a romantic comedy person so this review is a little biased. I enjoyed the laughs and the cast very much. How can you go wrong with such an all star collection of actors? The story was a little confusing at first, too many mothers but after you figured that out you could sit back and enjoy the show. The movie is for adults, kids would be bored with this presentation. I'd go so far as to say many young adults might not enjoy this as well. The laughs were constant and the story was light so I found it entertaining and a pleasant way to spend a Sat. night. Go see it!
4
The Big Wedding by jan1941
I really enjoyed the movie, get cast and lots of laughs. A few parts of not so nice language, but all in all it was a great movie. Loved it!
2
THE BIG WEDDING! by 021090
Just saw "The Big Wedding"....WORST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN...PERIOD...STAY HOME AND SAVE YOUR MONEY....I truly felt sorry for having such great actors read such a flat, predictable, not funny boring script....what a complete waste of talent.
3
The Big Wedding by BON-TOM-214
Not very good. I was disappointed with the entire movie. And the language was
not necessary. On a scale of 1-10, I would give it a 5.
5
Funny as hell by ozman8
This movie kept me laughing from beginning to end. There were some very adult words but funny, funny, funny, Don't believe people that so no it was Great and very intertaining.