The Wedding Singer is one of my all time favourite films, so I just had to write an opinion on it here on Ciao, even though it came out a few years ago now!
The film is set in 1985, which is one of the main things I like about it, being a bit of an 80s child, and loving anything nostalgic relating to that decade. The central characters are Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) and Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore). Robbie is a singer who lives in his sister’s basement, and makes his living performing at wedding receptions. He loves everything about weddings and it has always been his dream to get married himself one day – a dream which is about to come true, as he is engaged to Linda and is marrying her next week. Julia has just started a job waitressing at the venue where most of the town’s receptions take place, and befriends Robbie. Julia is also engaged, to Glen, who is a stockbroker, a Miami Vice fan, and basically a bit of a bastard!
Robbie then gets jilted at the altar by Linda and falls into a deep depression, continuing to sing at weddings but sabotaging them as he can’t bear to see other people’s happiness. Through Julia’s friendship he gets back on his feet, and starts to sing at Bar Mitzvahs instead! Meanwhile, Julia is planning her own wedding, but Robbie, who by now is carrying a torch for Julia himself, sees Glen for what he is and decides he must stop the wedding by declaring his love for Julia. Unbeknown to him, Julia is also having doubts and has started to fall for Robbie.
A happy ending then? Well, not yet! A series of misunderstandings follow, and, thinking Robbie is back with Linda, Julia elopes to Las Vegas to marry Glen. Robbie follows her and eventually wins her heart – with the help of Billy Idol (as himself!) – by serenading her on the aeroplane!
On the face of this the film could be seen as sentimental and a little schmalzy. It is probably what might be described as a “gentle comedy” however are a few very funny moments which make it extremely enjoyable and entertaining, and even if you were someone who had just split up from a partner yourself you wouldn’t find the happy ending too depressing! It looks back affectionately at the 80s, without ridiculing them too much, and also has an excellent 80s soundtrack. In fact there are two CDs available, which are also worth a look.
Both the leading actors are great in this film and well suited to the parts they play. There are no other very well known names in the film (apart from the guest appearance by Billy Idol – looking a little older than he did in 1985, but hey – never mind!) The supporting cast are good too.
The Wedding Singer is a fantastic film comes unconditionally recommended from me!
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The plot is obvious, but KarenUK has a point. For people who watch films all the time a lot of plots are obvious, but my wife thinks I'm psychic as I know what's going to happen and she doesn't!
Pumpkin 09.05.2001 19:34
Thanks for the comment, although I don't really think it's a film where you need to worry about already knowing the plot, as it's obvious it's going to have a happy ending all along! Also, I've watched it about 10 times and always enjoy it!
KarenUK 09.05.2001 18:15
I think you need to warn people if you're going to give away the plot. Maybe put **SPOILER SPACE** beforehand so readers can skip these bits if they haven't seen the film yet.
Don't just think ofThe Wedding Singeras an Adam Sandler comedy--though it most certainly ... more
is that. But also think of it as the tip of the wave of the 1980s nostalgia craze that followed on the heels of the 1970s nostalgia craze. Set in the post-disco, n...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Don't just think ofThe Wedding Singeras an Adam Sandler comedy--though it most certainly ... more
is that. But also think of it as the tip of the wave of the 1980s nostalgia craze that followed on the heels of the 1970s nostalgia craze. Set in the post-disco, n...
Postage & Packaging: £2.69 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Don't just think ofThe Wedding Singeras an Adam Sandler comedy--though it most certainly ... more
is that. But also think of it as the tip of the wave of the 1980s nostalgia craze. Set in the post-disco, new wave era, the film tells the story of Robbie Hart (Sa...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Don't just think ofThe Wedding Singeras an Adam Sandler comedy--though it most certainly ... more
is that. But also think of it as the tip of the wave of the 1980s nostalgia craze that followed on the heels of the 1970s nostalgia craze. Set in the post-disco, n...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Great music you can sing along too (if your old enough) Funny script with lots of romance thrown in too. Disadvantages: Well if you didn't like the 80's music, then this may not appeal to you. You might be shocked at the dress sense, lol.
niclemamy 12.10.2001 (12.10.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Wedding Singer (DVD)
![The Wedding Singer [DVD] [1998]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78551374.jpg "The Wedding Singer [DVD] [1998]")
![The Wedding Singer [VHS] [1998]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/70679071.jpg "The Wedding Singer [VHS] [1998]")
![The Wedding Singer: Special Edition [1998] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78491756.jpg "The Wedding Singer: Special Edition [1998] [DVD]")
May 7th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
![The Wedding Singer [UMD Mini for PSP] [1998]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78515501.jpg)
