The Wedding Ringer, celebrating its 10th anniversary from its release on Jan. 16, 2015, is a raucous and surprisingly heartwarming comedy that delivers plenty of laughs.
Kevin Hart and Josh Gad share undeniable on-screen chemistry as Jimmy Callahan, the owner of a company that provides fake best men for friendless grooms and Doug Harris, a socially awkward groom-to-be.
Kevin Hart and Josh Gad in The Wedding Ringer (Photo/Sony Pictures)
Doug needs a “Golden Tux” (seven groomsmen) to match with his fiancee Gretchen Palmer’s (Kaley Cuoco) bridesmaids, which has never been done before. Jimmy agrees to do it for $50,000, all expenses paid.
The film thrives on its witty dialogue, physical comedy, and the unexpected bromance that blossoms between Doug and Jimmy.
The supporting cast includes Cloris Leachman, Mimi Rogers, Ken Howard, Whitney Cummings and Jeff Ross.
Retired NFL stars Joe Namath, John Riggins and Ed “Too Tall” Jones made cameos as themselves.
While predictable at times, The Wedding Ringer effectively balances humor with genuine emotion, exploring themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and the importance of finding your own tribe.
Reception for The Wedding Ringer
The Wedding Ringer grossed $24 million on its opening weekend, placing third behind American Sniper ($107.2 million) starring Bradley Cooper and directed by Clint Eastwood, and Paddington ($25.5 million) and ahead of Taken 3 ($17.1 million in its second weekend) starring Liam Neeson.
The film would gross $79.8 million in its theatrical run.
Richard Roeper gave the film one and a half our of four stars in his review, saying The Wedding Ringer had a “cockamamie premise.”
Christy Lemire gave the film two out of four stars in her review, saying “The Wedding Ringer is vaguely more tolerable than you might expect – enjoyable, even, in sporadic bursts.”
Justin Chang said in his Variety review: “sub-“Hangover” hijinks feel like over-the-top distractions from an otherwise predictably earnest tale of a big-hearted loner in need of some bromance en route to the altar.”
Legacy
The Wedding Ringer is a fun and entertaining comedy that is sure to provide plenty of laughs. It’s a perfect choice for a lighthearted movie night with friends and family.
