The story is set in 1985, and both the scenery
and outfits are remarkably identical to the gaudy retro-fashion
of the anything too big and too bright, wild era known as the
80's. Throughout the film, elements in the screenplay good naturedly
pokes fun of the 1980's.
"The Wedding Singer" is a story about
a former rock'n'roll musician, Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler), who
is now struggling to make ends meet by being a singer at a banquet
hall, used for receptions for weddings, etc., and by teaching
voice lessons. While singing at a wedding reception gig, he
becomes friends with a young waitress, Julia Sullivan (Drew
Barrymore.). Both are engaged to the wrong people, but don't
know it. As they help each other in various ways, they gradually
discover each other, if only their miss-matched partners would
not get in the way.
The cast really shines through this inspired
screenplay, by the talented, humorous Tim Herlihy, who has also
written such films as Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore,& The
Water Boy.
The talented director of this humorously romantic
classic was Frank Coraci, who also directed Sandler in the film,
"The Water Boy."
Adam Sandler gives one of his funniest, endearing
performances as Robbie Hart, who becomes a good friend to Julia,
even helping her plan her wedding. While helping Barrymore plan
her wedding, Sandler discovers the true nature of her scumbag
fiance, Glen Gulia (Matthew Glave), while falling in love with
Barrymore himself.
Adam Sandler's comical portrayal as a singer
is really entertaining, as the positive, energetic entertainer,
ready to take charge, such as when a best man, David (Steve
Buscemi), is drunk during his unflattering toast to the bride
and groom. When his own beloved, Linda (Angela Featherstone),
dumps him because he isn't making it in the music business to
her satisfaction, his bitterness and anger carries over to his
singing gigs, producing some rather funny but squirmy moments,
as his dour mood takes over his act.
Drew Barrymore sparkles as a perky, sweet, naive
waitress, Julia Sullivan, who is a true friend and helps Robbie
when he is dumped by his fiancé, a devastating moment
in his life. The irony of it all is that Barrymore is about
to walk into a disaster by marrying a two-timing, self-obsessed
jerk.
Matthew Glave, as Glen Gulia, is very convincing
as the philandering, self-absorbed fiance, who isn't committed
just to Julia, as he really likes one night stands.
Billy Idol is in fine form in his cameo role,
near the end of the film.
Some of the best scenes by far are the various
fiancé scenes where both Robbie and Julia dealing with
self-centered jerks, the night club scene, Oh, and we can't
forget the memorable rap solo of an eighty-something grandma
who still knows how to get down and boogie!
How these two people finally realize and proclaim
their love for each other, despite the obstacles / misunderstandings
that stand in their way, makes a terrific, romantic, endearing
conclusion.
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