Just your typical night out with a few gal pals brought me to watch "My Best Friend's Wedding". There really was no particular reason why we all wanted to watch it, except for the fact that its preview looked good. Besides, Julia Roberts is a household name nowadays, and practically everyone loves her...


Brief Plot Explanation
Julianne's (Julia Roberts) former flame, Michael (Dermot Mulroney), and current best friend for years,informs her that he is getting married and wishes for her to attend. When "Jules" (as she is frequently called in the movie) hears this, she is surprised to find herself extremely jealous and saddened at the same time. However, she quickly pushes these emotional feelings aside and decides that in order for her to win back Mike, she must become conniving and sneaky. In short, she "has three days to break up the wedding..."

Jules finally meets Mike after years of separation. They are elated to see each other again. However, this does not compare to Mike's fiancee, "Kimmy's" (Cameron Diaz), exploding joy she she expresses to meet Jules. She asks for Jules to be her maid of honor.

Jules quickly sees that Mike, a sports writer, and Kimmy, a rich, spritely college student at the University of Chicago, are deeply in love though it seems as though they are completely wrong for each other. Jules feels as though she is losing "her" Mike. The scheme to break them apart proves harder than Jules thinks, so she asks her gay friend and editor "George" (Rupert Everett) to come help her. He arrives, and Jules uses George to try to make Mike jealous. It works to an extent, but George must leave. Jules is desperate and frantic, so George gives her the parting advice to "do what you came here to do." She knows she must do "this", but does not want to.

Things begin to unravel, and eventually, her plans are revealed to both Kimmy and Mike. Mike seems unrealistically calm and understanding about it, whereas Kimmy is justly furious.


Overall Effectiveness
I think "My Best Friend's Wedding" is one of the better romantic comedies out there. It's not completely a chick flick, so I think guys will like that. Plus, Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz are in it, so they can't be too disappointed! Anyway, the introduction to the film is very creative. It has 3 bridesmaids and one bride singing and dancing in their gowns. I guess you can say it's cute, but nevertheless, unique. The acting is pretty good and there is a nice balance of emotional/pivotal moments and humor. the general setting appeared to provoke a happy and light feeling, so this would be a good movie to watch if you're in the mood for something not so serious. My feelings at the end of the movie were that it left me sufficiently satisfied in its ending. Basically, it left me a little sad, but happy at the same time...a good mixture if you ask me.


Themes
It seems to most people that romantic comedies serve mainly to entertain and I believe that this movie's main purpose was this. However, it did appear that the movie was trying to say that not everything lasts forever. People change, and therefore, so does life. It is a person's ability to adapt and move on with life that makes it worthwhile.


Who Is This For?
Anyone with a sense of humor. A Julia Roberts or Cameron Diaz fan. Any female. Males may be more turned off by it simply because of its genre as a romantic comedy, but I'd say that they would enjoy it too if they were to agree to sit down and watch it. Be prepared to be entertained. "My Best Friend's Wedding" doesn't really make you reflect on the finer points of life's intricacies (that is, unless if you have or are experiencing Jules' similar situation).

There is hardly any profanity, so kids 13 yrs old and up can watch it.

Just to let you know, "My Best Friend's Wedding" is pretty similar to "Sleepless in Seattle", "While You Were Sleeping", "When Harry Met Sally", and "You've Got Mail", so if you liked those movies, or those types of films, "My Best Friend's Wedding" is just for you!

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older
Special Effects: Well at least you can't see the strings