My Best Friend’s Wedding, released in theaters on June 20, 1997, is a refreshingly unconventional and endlessly entertaining film that brilliantly subverts genre tropes, delivering a smart, funny, and surprisingly poignant look at love, friendship, and missed opportunities. Starring the effervescent Julia Roberts, alongside Dermot Mulroney and Cameron Diaz, the movie stands out for its sharp script and compelling performances.
The story centers on Julianne Potter (Roberts), a successful New York food critic who, on the cusp of her 28th birthday, realizes she’s madly in love with her best friend, Michael O’Neal (Mulroney). Their long-standing pact to marry each other if they’re both single by 28 suddenly becomes terrifyingly real when Michael calls to announce he’s getting married – in four days – to a bright, sweet, and incredibly wealthy young woman named Kimmy Wallace (Diaz).
Determined to break up the wedding and win Michael back, Julianne flies to Chicago and embarks on a desperate, often hilarious, and increasingly misguided mission to sabotage the nuptials. Her conniving efforts are observed and occasionally aided by her gay editor and confidant, George Downes (Rupert Everett), who offers blunt advice and much-needed comedic support.
Roberts delivers a fearless and unforgettable performance as Julianne. She embraces her character’s flawed, often unlikable, but ultimately relatable desperation, making Julianne a refreshingly complicated rom-com lead.
Mulroney (The Wedding Date) is charming and affable as Michael, perfectly embodying the man caught between two very different women.
Diaz is a revelation as Kimmy, radiating genuine sweetness and optimism, which makes Julianne’s attempts at sabotage even more uncomfortable and funny.
Everett steals every scene he’s in as George, providing the film’s moral compass, sharpest wit, and a truly iconic karaoke moment.
Philip Bosco as and M. Emmett Walsh contribute solid supporting turns.
Director P.J. Hogan orchestrates the film with a confident hand, expertly balancing the comedic chaos with moments of genuine emotional vulnerability.
The screenplay, by Ronald Bass, is exceptionally witty and intelligent, filled with memorable dialogue and surprising narrative turns that consistently defy romantic comedy conventions. The film’s brilliance lies in its willingness to let its protagonist be imperfect and to explore the bittersweet reality that sometimes, you don’t get the happy ending you planned for.
The Chicago setting adds a vibrant backdrop, and the musical numbers, particularly the “I Say A Little Prayer” scene, are pure joy.
Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney in My Best Friend’s Wedding (Photo/Tri-Star Pictures)
Reception for My Best Friend’s Wedding
My Best Friend’s Wedding grossed $21.7 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind Batman & Robin ($42.9 million).
The film would gross $299.3 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
My Best Friend’s Wedding is a sparkling, unconventional, and truly satisfying romantic comedy that challenges expectations while delivering endless laughs and a heartfelt message. It’s a testament to its brilliant cast, smart script, and the courage to tell a love story that’s as messy and complicated as real life.
