OK for kids 12+
Wedding comedy amuses but has inconsistent messages.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this comedy, while mildly amusing and generally age-appropriate for older tweens (who are sure to want to see it), plays up stereotypes about women with its emphasis on shopping, consumerism, and conflict between friends. The main characters are fairly two dimensional, and they seem much more caught up in having the perfect wedding than in having a strong marriage. That said, the language is mild ("ass" and the like), and the sexuality is on the milder side (kisses, a brief glimpse at a bra and panties as a character changes) -- though a bachelorette party scene includes shirtless male strippers. There is a notable amount of drinking (tequila shots, especially), and prominently featured brands include the Plaza Hotel, Apple, Tiffany, and Vera Wang.
- Families can talk about how the movie portrays its two main characters -- why do they make their weddings into such a big deal? Why can't they just have two separate ceremonies in different places?
- What did trying to have a dream wedding cost Emma and Liv --emotionally and financially? Is it a good message to send girls thateveryone "deserves" a fancy wedding at the Plaza? Why are weddings sucha big deal in general?
- What role does the media play in making us think that the wedding is as important as the marriage?
- Parents, talk with your tweens about what a wedding really signifies --and what happens after the big day. The bachelorette party scene mightalso prompt a discussion about stripping. What's the appeal? Why doesit play such a prominent role in movies/TV shows about bachelor andbachelorette parties?
The good stuff
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Messages: Best friends seem more interested in their wedding days than in their actual marriages, and they let wedding planning get in the way of their friendship.
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Role models: The main characters are fairly two-dimensional and definitely play up gender stereotypes related to shopping and consumerism.
What to watch for
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Violence: A quick pushing and shoving fight between the two brides.
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Sex: A couple of scenes of the actresses in hot pants or bras. Several kisses between the engaged couples, who live together and are seen sleeping/cuddling in bed. Male strippers (all shirtless) are shown in the bachelorette party scene.
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Language: "Mother Eff" (not the whole word, just "Eff"), plus some insults like "jerk," "ass," etc.
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Consumerism: Brands featured include Apple (several Macs and iPods), Tiffany, Vera Wang, The Knot magazine, Bloomingdale's, and Dolce & Gabbana. It's also practically a commercial for The Plaza Hotel.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink alcohol at various wedding receptions, and the brides-to-be and their friends get drunk on tequila shots at their bachelorette party. One character seems to be tipsy most of the time.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Bridezilla at it's best by pittsburghs
I just saw the movie about an hour ago. I found it a funny film. If you ever seen Bridezilla this movie nails it. Women are crazy when it comes to their special day. They do not care who they hurt in the process as long as their day is the best. I like both actresses and felt they truly played the part.
5
Bride Wars by Sarbear87
I must say this movie was an ADORABLE "best friends" movie. Lots of laughs and tears of happiness. LOVED IT!
4
Don't believe the critics' reviews by sunbunnykjl03
So I saw this movie last night, despite all the bad reviews from everybody, and I ended up really enjoying the movie. I thought it was hilarious, touching at times, and in the end came to a very satisfying resolution. The bottom line is, when people are planning a wedding, they get crazy (I would know, mine is in less than two months), and I thought Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway did a great job. My fiancee also enjoyed it, and agreed, it's supposed to be about two crazy women planning weddings. If you're searching for something with a deep-rooted meaning, this may not be for you, but if you take the movie for what it's supposed to be, which is almost a satire with a happy ending, you'll love it. I would give it a must go rating, but I only do that for epics!!!
5
Bride Wars by mothra4522
I loved it..I laughed..I cried..Not a Chick Flick..Guys would enjoy it too. Laugh out loud comedy. Go See It..Don't OVER-ANALYZE like the Critics who need to justify their jobs..Just Enjoy this Feel Good Movie for what it is...ENTERTAINMENT..
5
Bride wars rock by truelove0189
If you go see this movie it will having you laughing, crying, and wanting to hug you best friend. I would recomend this as a great friend date for any group of girls. Also I manage to take my boyfriend to see it he liked it he thought it was funny how the women get back at each other. I think it is a must go see for any woman as either a friend date of just a date.
4
Most girls can relate to some part of this movie by woozabelle
Really funny, very cute chick flick.
4
Ladies, see this movie with your best friend by Krista0221
Very enjoyable! This is a very funny movie but more focused on the relationship of best "girlfriends" than about weddings. The ultimate chick flick for a perfect Saturday with your best friend after cocktails!
Sidenote: Re: other comments- of course it is predictable, it's a movie featuring a wedding.. guess what someone gets married.
3
Which girl are you? by heartswriting99
Let's put it this way: I went with two college friends. One is a total sap/romantic/girly girl. The other is really funny and sweet, but kind of a tomboy. I sat between them, which was appropriate because I'm kind of the happy medium between the two. Near the end, the girly girl was wiping away tears and the tomboy was asleep. I don't think I laughed once and I found it predictable, but it was tolerable. Kind of like a Lifetime movie with an A-list cast.
Moral of the story: if you think you fall into any of these categories, choose accordingly. If you're like me, wait for DVD.
3
My nieces loved it! by iffoundpleasereturn
Took the kiddo's to this, and they left planning their grand wedding. Oh, to be a kid again. Movie is about what you would expect.
5
Wasnt sure at first, but loved it after i saw it by Addicted2Movies116
I didnt watn to see this movie when a group of friends said they were going to see it, but i went anyways, and i must say i loved it, it is one of my top movies for this winter. definatly worth the money.