Movie: The Wedding Plan
My Rating: 3 stars
I enjoy a wholesome religious comedy from time to time. Now, I’m not talking about films like those Christian movies that are not-so-secretly trying to proselytize to viewers. I can’t stand anything too preachy. And, I’m not talking about mainstream movies that have been scrubbed of any possibly offensive material for a “family” audience. When I say “religious comedy,” I mean movies that derive their humor from the crazy, frequently comedic positions a person is put in because of their adherence to a certain religious doctrine. This isn’t making fun of those religions. In fact, most of this type of movie is made by members of the religion in question, and it’s their attempt to poke a little fun at themselves and some of the farcical situations they may find themselves in because of their lifestyle. I can’t stand humorless people or content. So, I’m always happy to celebrate people who are willing to embrace life’s absurdities. And, this movie really is a silly one.
Michal wants to get married. And, she’s also a very religious, Orthodox Jew living in Jerusalem. She’s done waiting around for the right man to come along. The match-makers aren’t having any luck with her case. And clearly, none of her own efforts to find a husband have been working either. So, she’s decided to let God take over the whole mess. She sets a date for her wedding, books a venue, buys a dress, and pays for all the food and flowers. She trusts that God will deliver her a groom at the right time and place. It’s a ridiculous premise, and the comedy gets pretty silly along the way to the altar. This movie definitely falls right into that genre of comedy with a crazy (but loveable) female protagonist who can’t help but getting in her own way. This movie is lighthearted and fun, and the inherently tragic nature of this kind of character doesn’t bring the mood down too much.
This is a pretty cute movie. It’s nothing too special—nothing I’d go out of my way to see. I kinda just stumbled across it, myself. But, it was enjoyable nonetheless. And, it’s the kind of “romantic comedy” that won’t send you into diabetic shock. But at its heart, it’s pretty fluffy and insubstantial. So, if this movie sounds right up your alley, go ahead and rent it. I think you’ll really like it. But for everyone else, you won’t be missing out on very much if you decide to skip it.