By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Reese Witherspoon ("Legally Blonde 3") and
Will Ferrell (TV's The Boys) strike comedy gold in their new rom-com,
"You're Cordially Invited," written and directed by
Nicholas Stoller ("Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising" and TV's "Platonic"), which debuts on
Prime Video Jan. 30.
It's surprising that these two comedic powerhouses haven't shared the screen together until now, especially considering their distinct comedic styles, which they play to perfection in this film. With Witherspoon's sharp wit and Ferrell's over-the-top charm, the duo creates an effortlessly entertaining dynamic. The movie is also bolstered by a talented supporting cast that includes hilarious cameos from Peyton Manning and Nick Jonas. Together, they all deliver a parade of laughs--and occasional cringes--throughout the film's 109-minute runtime.
Anyone who has planned, organized, or attended a wedding knows it can sometimes be a stressful experience. In "You're Cordially Invited," the chaos begins almost immediately.
Ferrell plays Jim, a widowed father eager to welcome his independent, college-aged daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan, "Thunderbolts") back home. Jim has gone all out to make her feel special. He cleaned the house, baked her favorite cookies, and even made a cake.
When Jenni arrives, she's not alone. With excitement, she drops the bombshell that she's marrying the guy the guy she brought named Oliver (Stony Blyden, TV's Goosebumps). Surprise, surprise.
After a few awkward moments as Jim processes the news, Jenni reveals that she wants to hold her wedding at the same picturesque lakeside property where Jim and her mother were married. Jim, trying to be a supportive dad, agrees, and the wheels are set in motion. He contacts the property's owner to book the venue, but after a brief conversation--during which the owner has an accident--Jim assumes the date is secured. However, it's not.
Enter Margot (Witherspoon), a successful Los Angeles television executive. Her younger sister Neve (Meredith Hagner, "TV's Bad Monkey") who is from Atlanta, is getting married to her longtime boyfriend Dixon (a funny Jimmy Tatro, "Action #19"). Neve wants Margot--who is estranged from the family--to help plan their wedding. Neve knows their Southern mother Flora (a terrific Celia Weston, "A Little Prayer") would disapprove of the wedding--not to mention the secret she's hiding. So, Margot springs into action, but winds up unknowingly booking the same date at the resort as Jim did. There is a sort of funny reason for the mistake.
When both families arrive at the inn and discover the error, the resort's new manager, Leslie (Jack McBrayer, "Unfrosted"), scrambles to find a solution. The logical choice? Have them share the property. On paper, it sounds reasonable--but it's really a disaster.
What follows is a series of increasingly absurd and hilarious moments: petty jealousies, family feuds, and plenty of physical comedy, including flying fists, cake mishaps, and even Ferrell sharing a bed with an alligator for laughs.
Most of the sight gags land, particularly the ones involving Leanne Morgan (TV’s "Leanne"). A singing duet with Ferrell and Witherspoon channeling Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton is also a standout.
Honestly, the film's lengthy post-credits sequence is just as enjoyable as the movie itself. "You're Cordially Invited" is simple, unadulterated fun. This is an invitation you shouldn't turn down.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the
Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"YOU'RE CORDIALLY INVITED"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.