Instead of being known for her brilliant comedic timing, quick wit, and knockout good looks like her mother, Kate Hudsons name is synonymous with bad romantic comedies. Even though shes got the same physical genes as her mother, she did not inherit the gene that enables her to pick a good movie. Anne Hathaway however, has risen above both her awkward Disney roots as the star of The Princess Diaries and has risen above becoming tabloid fodder with her poor taste in men to recently star in the critically acclaimed Rachel Getting Married. But somehow, Hudson is able to drag Hathaway down the path of formulaic chick flicks with this years Bride Wars.
Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Liv (Kate Hudson) have been best friends since they were little girls. Their friendship began when they were children and just happened to both be at the Plaza hotel in New York City, while a lavish wedding was underway. The girls then realized their shared dream of having their weddings at the Plaza in June. When they are older, Emma and Liv get engaged a day apart and due to a scheduling conflict by their wedding planner (played by Candice Bergen), are forced to have their weddings on the same day, which crushes their dreams of being each others maid of honor. So begins the “Bride War”, where the gloves come off and the friendship of many years is instantly dissolved.
Emma and Liv plot to destroy the others wedding in ways that are unimaginable. Its impossible to like either of them and we end up wondering how their fiancés can stand being engaged to them, knowing that these are the ugly monsters hiding inside. Speaking of the fiancés, their chemistry added the likeability factor to the movie. Chris Pratt and Steve Howey play the two men engaged to these crazy women, and Id honestly rather watch an I Love You, Man style comedy about them than watch this movie. The other highlight is the lovely Kristen Johnston as Emmas stand in maid of honor.
Other than the few highlights by the supporting actors, there is nothing redeemable about this film. The women are horrible to each other, the plot is very standard and unsurprising, even down to the (not really a spoiler) tear-filled apology by both girls at the end. Bride Wars is something old, something blue, something tired, and something wed expect from Kate Hudson. Anne Hathaway, get out while you still can!
The Bride Wars Blu-Ray is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
Something Old, Something New, and What That’s Gonna Cost You – An optional version of the movie with pop up price tags and wedding trivia. Pretty clever.
Deleted Scenes – There are 7 of them, including an alternate opening with Candice Bergen. Total run time 7:04.
Improvisations – There are two of these. One is Amanda aka the Drunk Bride giving alternate versions of her big wedding speech. The other is Kate Hudson doing various accents in the scene where she gets into Tanhattan to sabotage Emma’s tan. The first one is NOT funny at all, and the second one just shows us that Hudson really does have some of her mother’s talent…somewhere in there. Total run time 2:47
Meet Me At The Plaza – This features actual employees of the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and they give us a tour of the reception halls and show some of the perks of having your wedding there. 6:47
The Perfect White Dress – Apparantly the only wedding dress to buy is a Vera Wang because this featurette is basically a Vera Wang ad. It gives the history of the Vera Wang brand and talks about the entire Vera Wang line. *gag* 4:37
In Character With Kate Hudson – This featurette is from Fox Movie Channel and is an interview with Kate Hudson as she talks about her character. 2:15
In Character With Anne Hathaway – same as above, only with Hathaway. 3:23
Man Den – The guys in the groom’s dressing room as they’re getting ready for the wedding. They really should have added this to the movie. 4:13
Maid Of Honor – This is a fake behind the scenes of the morning of the wedding and features Liv’s assistant running around and cursing a lot as he tries to finish everything on time. Not funny. 4:23
Amanda Cam – This unneccessary featurette follows around Amanda aka the Drunk Bride as she babbles. Again, not funny. 4:14
Fox on Blu-Ray – Previews for Marley and Me and The Pink Panther 2
Previews – I Love You Beth Cooper, My Life In Ruins, Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian, Fame
A DVD version and a digital copy round out this 3 disc set.
Watching the movie was annoying enough, but then I had to attempt to navigate the annoying Blu-Ray menu. The controls are backwards and sideways and way too confusing than they should be. And then the extras themselves just weren’t worth the time. Hearing about Bride Wars might fan your curiosity (how could it really be that bad?), but trust me, in the end, it’s just not worth it.
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20th Century Fox presents Bride Wars. Directed by: Gary Winick. Starring: Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Kristen Johnston, Candice Bergen. Written by: Greg DePaul, June Raphael, Casey Wilson, Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith. Running time: 89 minutes. Rating: PG. Released on DVD: April 28, 2009. Available at Amazon.com
