Roberts, Diaz, and the screenwriter all slam homers.
My Best Friend's Wedding is that movie.
As far as romantic movies go, there just hasn't been that much in the theaters. Addicted to Love was creepy spying and plotting on mutual loved ones. Even if you go back to Roberts' star-making vehicle Pretty Woman and its weird premise--small-time hooker and dashingly handsome corporate raider, you realize that even her star-making vehicle leaves a lot to be desired.
That changes with Wedding. Ronald Bass, the screenwriter, has fashioned a script that is a thing to behold:
Roberts finds out her best bud from college whom she had a mad, short affair (and whom swore to marry each other if they found no other by when they clicked over to 28) finds she that he's about to tie the knot. Roberts decides to use the four days to break up the wedding. since she must have him for herself. Meanwhile, Diaz is the oh-so perfect rich coed fiance. Mulroney is the object of both women's affections. Everett plays Roberts' gay bud.
Roberts is called upon to perform a tour de force and she nails it. Many times she does subtle changes in her expressions and slight shifts of inflections which speak volumes. She's a master at the making-something-performed-over-and-over-for-the-camera look completely extemporaneous. Such as her meeting Mulroney at the airport.
Diaz is no slouch either. While I enjoyed the eye candy factor with her performance in The Mask, it was no great shakes. Here she has to hold her own against Roberts and is up to the task. The shift in her acting during the kareoke bar sequence from terrified to capable is something to behold.
Everett has to pretend that he's not gay and nails many great lines. Meanwhile, Mulroney is the cypher of the four. His dialogue and resulting acting are the least impressive of the group.
The ending of Wedding goes a path that you don't quite expect. Not a Hollywood copout, not a treacly mishmash, and not slathered with bittersweetness either. Mr. Bass deserves an Academy Award nomination for this screenplay. If he doesn't receive it (not "win" as those moronic movie ads blare in March), then a crime will have been committed.
The movie is damn near perfect and is such a breath of fresh air compared to the explosion-fest happening at all the other screens.
Movie's suitability for: