Running Time: 107 minutes
This feature from Amazon MGM Studios will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video on January 30th.
First, let me begin by making it clear that Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon are wonderful comedic talents who have starred in a variety of hilarious pictures. But, when you’ve appeared in as many titles as they have, not all the movies can be winners. You’re Cordially Invited has an amusing concept. In fact, it took me a bit of time afterward during the drive home to figure out why this effort didn’t work, but by the time I returned home, I did come up with a theory as to why so few of the jokes landed.
The story follows two families. The first features an overly doting and widower Jim (Will Ferrell) who unexpectedly learns that his daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan) has accepted a marriage proposal. At the same time, workaholic reality TV producer Margot (Reese Witherspoon) learns that her younger sister Neve (Meredith Hagner) is also going to tie the knot. Both decide on a scenic Georgia island resort with sentimental significance as the preferred wedding site. But due to a bizarre tragedy, the two parties are accidentally booked on the very same weekend. As they arrive, Jim and Jenni butt heads, but try to work out a schedule to squeeze both nuptials in. However, the two soon turn against one another and try to disrupt each other’s groups over the course of the weekend.
As mentioned, the two stars and many supporting cast members are funny and do manage to eke out a couple of laughs from the material. Jim’s reaction to Jenni’s announcement results in an amusing accident and the tragedy that causes the mix-up is darkly funny. When stressed, Margot and Jim occasionally snap into brief, swear-laden tirades that entertainingly contrast their professional demeanor. And, after one nasty exchange on a dance floor, Jim’s less-than-mysterious exit from the area results in the film’s funniest bit of physical comedy.
But there’s little else that earns even a smile. Many of the characters scream at each other, pout and generally act petty around each other, which hardly makes them relatable. The wedding venue can’t be altered for either party, so after the initial conflict there is nothing to gain or lose, except in the blunt and forced attempts to sabotage each other’s nuptials. All those involved have to continually make the poorest decisions and lash out in the worst ways possible in order for the story to progress. And thus, their strange behavior on display isn’t relatable or funny, just bizarre.
This movie could have been a very effective dark satire. The families being portrayed are wealthy, and if it had focused on the months leading up to the ceremony with the two groups battling over winning the piece of real estate, the nastiness would have elevated in a more convincing and dramatic manner. Humor could have been derived out of ego-driven parties obsessing over appearances and details, potentially ruining their own lives and causing a chaotic, disastrous final event for all parties. It could have been hilarious to witness.
Despite Jim and Jenni’s erratic, impulsive behavior in this story (as well as that of some of the supporting characters), we’re actually supposed to like them all. In between the acts of sabotage, there are numerous heartfelt conversations between family members. Despite all the trouble and bickering, all come to realize that despite their differences, everyone loves each other. When these moments are wedged in between over-the-top scenarios, the end result feels phony and preposterous.
Yes, the cast are talented enough to deliver a handful of chuckles amidst the fracas, but You’re Cordially Invited is a generally disastrous affair. It wants to deliver slapstick laughs and shocks while providing warmth and sentimentality, and doesn’t manage to succeed. Those involved will certainly go on to better projects in the future, so viewers would be well advised to take a pass on this particular event.