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I’m unsure what to make of Prime Video’sYou’re Cordially Invited.This film has a fantastic pedigree behind it. First, Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon are two reliable comedy stars; this is the first film they have starred in together. They share excellent antagonistic chemistry.
Another factor isYou’re Cordially Invited’sdirector, Nicholas Stoller, who has made some of the best comedy movies of this century, includingForgetting Sarah Marshall,theNeighborsfranchise of films,and the unfairly underseen (and box office failure)Bros.
However, you have a likable comedy that is too recycled and plays it too safe for its good, never living up to itsWar of the Rosespremise. Albeit, aSaturday Night Live-esque version of such.
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You’re Cordially InvitedReview and Synopsis
The story follows Jim (Ferrell), a single father who lost his wife when his daughter, Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan), was a little girl. After experiencing empty nest syndrome for the better part of four years while Jenni was away at college, he learns that she is engaged to be married.
At the same time, a wealthy reality television show producer, Margot (Witherspoon), discovers that her baby sister, Never (Meredith Hagner), is engaged to her boyfriend, Dixon (a funny Jimmy Tatro). Never asks Margot to be her maid of honor and plan her wedding. So, what’s the problem between the two?
They both attempt to book a wedding venue on an island that can only accommodate one set of nuptials at a time. When Jim calls to book the big day, the owner passes away before completing the reservation—unbeknownst to Margot, who swoops in a few days later.
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You’re Cordially Invitedis Too Tepid and Timid
With the script from Stoller, what follows is a tepid and timid attempt involving both Jim and Margot. Both parties show up the day before the wedding, competing to secure the venue. Somehow, no one called ahead to confirm details days prior, which could have tipped off management.
There are some genuinely amusing moments inYou’re Cordially Invited, but only one will make you laugh out loud. That moment comes from a nonsensical scene with Ferrell’s Jim, who somehow manages to wrestle an alligator into the hotel. Admittedly, the execution is absurd but ultimately incoherent.
The other moments feel familiar. For example, Ferrell and Viswanathan’s characters singing a soft rock melody with sexual innuendo pales compared to better efforts, such as “Afternoon Delight” inArrested Development.Similarly, a handful of social media-style gags, like people falling into the water at inopportune times, fail to stand out.
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IsYou’re Cordially InvitedWorth Watching?
The fact is thatYou’re Cordially Invitedis too uneven, shifting between nonsensical and dark comedies. The problem is that Stoller’s film doesn’t execute either style particularly well. The latter feels like it has a faux sense of sharp, biting absurdity.
Additionally, the lack of logic in the overly silly moments detracts from the story and the humor—the film’s flimsy premise further compounds this issue. While Witherspoon and Ferrell share some genuine chemistry, their roles are one-note. You’ll also be reminded that this is nothing new for Ferrell.
You’re Cordially Invitedwill undoubtedly tickle some people’s funny bones, but without realizing how hackneyed the attempt is. If you are looking for something to stream to pass the time without high expectations, then by all means, say, “I do.”
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You canstream You’re Cordially Invited exclusively on Prime Video January 31st!
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M.N. Miller
Film & Television Critic
Articles Published :336
M.N. Miller is a film and television critic and a proud member of the Las Vegas Film Critic Society, Critics Choice Association, and a 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes/Tomato meter approved. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Mansfield University and a Master’s from Chamberlain University. However, he still puts on his pants one leg at a time, and that’s when he usually stumbles over. When not writing about film or television, he patiently waits for the next Pearl Jam album and chooses to pass the time by scratching his wife’s back on Sunday afternoons while she watches endless reruns of California Dreams. M.N. Miller was proclaimed the smartest reviewer alive by actor Jason Isaacs but chose to ignore his obvious sarcasm. you’re able to also find his work on Hidden Remote, InSession Film, Ready Steady Cut, Geek Vibes Nation, and Nerd Alert.
