License to Wed

November 6, 2007

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 91 min Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

License to Wed is a pretty darn generic romantic comedy, but it’s got Robin Williams in it and he’s actually funny this time. Plus, it’s got John Krasinski basically playing the same role as he does on The Office (he’s Jim.) So while you won’t get anything original or genre busting from this movie, you will laugh and have a good time.

Ben (John Krasinski) and Sadie (Mandy Moore) are getting married and Sadie wants to do it in the church she grew up in with Reverend Frank (Williams) performing the service. No problem, but Reverend Frank requires all new couples to undergo a marriage prep course before he’ll allow them to get married in his church. The course stresses communication, trust.. you know, the usual things. The catch is that if the couple fails the course for any reason Frank gets to call off the wedding. It’s a 3 month course.. but due to scheduling, they have to do it in three weeks. Nothing like cramming!

First requirement, no sex! Imagine this… you’re engaged to Mandy Moore and you’ve just been told that you can’t have sex for the next three weeks. Obviously, this causes Ben great stress. Next up is a series of counseling sessions, some with other couples, some one-on-one, and some with the three of them. In addition to the stress build up from the no sex rule and the stress caused by all the counseling, add in the stress of planning a big wedding in only 3 weeks. It’s romantic comedy gold I tell ya!

So what makes this movie deserve 4 stars? First up, Robin Williams gets to be funny and seeing him talk about sex with Sadie in front of Ben was quite amusing. Next, the choir boy (John Flitter ) is damn funny every time he’s on screen. Also, playing “spot cast members from The Office” provided some amusement. And lastly, it makes a GREAT date movie.

Guys over drinking beers? Don’t pull this one out.. you’ll get punched. But if you managed to get a date over.. use this as a secret weapon. However, normal warnings apply.. you are watching a movie about a wedding after all.

Posted by John | Filed Under 4 Stars, Christine Taylor, Comedy, DVD, John Krasinski, Mandy Moore, PG-13, Robin Williams, Roxanne Hart