Rachel Getting Married - Movie Review

Rachel Getting Married (R) 114 minutes C+
Rachel marries the guy from TV on the Radio

Starring Anne Hathaway, Tunde Adebimpe, Bill Irwin, Anna Deavere Smith, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Debra Winger

Director Jonathan Demme somewhat successfully captures the humanistic essence of his characters in his latest film Rachel Getting Married. There are times during the film when he masterfully captures real emotion within a realistic family dynamic. But during other times the film is hollow and a little contrived. Perhaps there are one too many musical scenes, and the hippy dippy, ethnic jambalaya theme feels like he's trying too hard.

That being said, I do like the interracial aspect of the film, and Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt) and Sydney's (Tunde Adebimpe) relationship is one that I found myself admiring throughout. But this film is all about Kym (Anne Hathaway), she has been in and out of rehab for the last 10 years and she's home on a day pass or weekend pass (it's not real clear) to attend her sister's wedding.

The family is on edge because Kym is a loose cannon, and she also brings the unforgotten/unforgiven baggage of accidentally killing her little brother during a drugged out haze (pre-rehab). At times I thought that Kym's family was being too hard on her, after all, she carries the burden of guilt as well as being considered the "f*cked up daughter". But then again, living with someone like Kym who has lied time and time again to get what she wants/attention has to be very emotionally taxing.

I applaud the film for cleverly melding sad introspection with the promise of happiness and hope, but ultimately the film feels slightly unsatisfying because no one and nothing really changes from the beginning to the end. I sensed that if there is a sequel (Rachel Getting Divorced), this would be the same exact film with less music.
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Bonus DVD Review
27 Dresses (PG-13) 107 minutes C
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride

(DVD Release Date - April 29, 2008)
Starring Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Ed Burns, Melora Hardin, and Judy Greer

I don't expect much from films like this, but sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised. The only surprising thing about this film is that there are actually some funny moments. The film is very very predictable, but fairly entertaining. Don't waste your money renting this film, pop some popcorn, fetch a frosty beverage, and watch this one on cable.