Marry Me
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Maluma
Directed By: Kat Coiro
Rated: PG-13
Let’s face it, we’re in a rom-com drought. Besides the frequent Netflix originals, it’s not all that often that a theatrical romantic comedy with A-Listers these days. I yearn for the simpler times when films like 13 Going on 30, You’ve Got Mail, and Jerry Maguire could make a dent in the box office. It used to be a real event to have a night out with the latest romantic comedy. Now most of them are immediately dumped on a streaming service with little to no fanfare.
Marry Me tries to save us from our rom-com drought. The film debuted in theaters and on the streaming service Peacock just in time for Valentine’s Day. (Exactly when we need the romcom the most!) What is the film about?
Superstar Kat Valdez (Jennifer Lopez, basically playing herself) is set to marry singer Bastian live on stage in a packed New York concert. Shock ensues when a video emerges of Bastian cheating on Kat with her assistant! (The drama of it all.) in the crowd, Kat spots a fan with a sign that says “Marry Me.” She AGREES when reading the sign. Holding the sign is single dad Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson), a humble man who did not plan on getting married that evening. Through an absolutely crazy twist of events, he was holding his friend’s sign (Sarah Silverman as the classic rom-com sidekick). Shenanigans ensue and Charlie says WWHDD
(What Would Hilary Duff Do?) And thinks to himself Why not take a crazy chance. So Charlie and Kat get married on stage.
First of all, let’s talk about this plot for a second. I love a far-fetched romantic comedy plot as much as the next person. I love getting swept away in a fantasy world! But can you imagine going to a concert and being told Jennifer Lopez was going to be marrying a famous singer, only to see her marry Owen Wilson midway through said event? *Wow* That right there is crazier than a road lizard. I would simply never stop talking about it.
So how does Marry Me compare to other films in the genre?
It’s a standard middle-of-the-road romantic comedy. It’s a pleasant watch with stereotypical beats throughout the script. You can see some plot points coming from a mile away. There are your typical montages and yes there is an airport scene. I do have to say there is a nice familiarity here that brings you back to the rom-coms of the early 2000s. Even if it is predictable.
Say what you will about Jennifer Lopez but she has time and time again tried to keep the romantic comedy genre afloat. From the Wedding Planner to Maid in Manhattan to the recent Second Act. Her character is so close to reality here that at times this feels like a vanity project. She’s a singer/dancer/brand ambassador who has been married multiple times. Lopez performs multiple songs for the film. The character may be named Kat but it feels like the story of J.Lo.
The film succeeds with the push and pull of Kat and Charlie. Charlie is an average Joe thrust into the spotlight while Kat gets a taste of the real world. It’s a story we’ve seen before yet watching their relationship bloom is sweet. They’re from opposite worlds yet find common ground together.
Marry Me is a film with plenty of stereotypical moments, but it makes for a pleasant watch that will make you miss the days of classic romantic comedies.
My Rating: 6/10