The Stream: Some contrived plot devices and an annoying narrator attempt to derail what is otherwise delightful.

The Big Screen: The great cast chemistry brings the laughs throughout the chaos.

The Final Bill: A sweet, funny romantic comedy about chance and taking chances altogether proves irresistible.

Trip Fontaine
Director: Dean Craig
Writers: Dean Craig (screenplay), Francis Nief (Based upon the motion picture “Plan de table” by) | 1 more credit »
Stars: Sam Claflin, Olivia Munn, Freida Pinto | See full cast & crew »
Genre: Comedy
Rating: TV-MA for language and some drug use
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Venue: Netflix

While weddings are joyous occasions, they also are a swirling cesspool of heightened emotions. The happy couple wants everything to be perfect. Will he or she still say yes? Certain guests are on the prowl for a fleeting conquest. Others get lost in the romance, and some are just barley making it through all the lovesick madness. The Netflix original movie, Love Wedding Repeat, allows the chaos of one special wedding day to highlight the aspects of chance in love. What are the chances this movie is worth the time?

Directed by Dean Craig, Love Wedding Repeat is a British romantic comedy that takes place at the wedding of Hayley (Eleanor Tomlinson) and her Italian beau, Roberto (Tiziano Caputo) in a beautiful Italian villa. Hayley’s brother, Jack (Sam Claflin, Hunger Games) is tasked with making sure it all goes off without a hitch – and many hitches there will be. The opening scene shows the audience that Jack had missed his chance at a romantic connection with an American friend of Hayley’s, Dina (Olivia Munn) ,3 years prior. What are the chances Jack and Dina reconnect at Hayley’s wedding? It’s a romantic comedy, so you know what the chances are. This movie is clever though in all of the non-annoying, not-completely-contrived obstacles that pop up throughout this wedding, including vengeful exes, misplaced sedatives, ever changing place cards, and talkative friend in an inexplicable kilt.

A romantic comedy that takes place in one setting really depends on a cast that has chemistry. This cast has very good chemistry. Sam Claflin is quite charming as the harried brother of the bride. He juggles each new fire with aplomb. There is a Hugh Grant-esque quality about Claflin’s performance here. There’s comic neurosis in him, but it never feels out of balance. Olivia Munn doesn’t have much to do other than to show up and be beautiful. She is luminous. The first shot of Munn at the wedding is all the proof you need for why this guy has crushed on this woman for 3 years. Each of the other cast members has good moments to shine. The running jokes throughout work, and there’s a sweetness that brings all of the chaos that’s swirling together nicely.

If I have any issues with Love Wedding Repeat, it would be that the narration gives away too much. There is a neat twist that happens that I feel the narration forecasts from the very beginning. It would be better if the moral tale that the narrator speaks of is more subtly presented – especially because the rest of the screenplay does a good enough job depicting its theme.  

Ultimately, Love Wedding Repeat is a must watch for anyone who needs to be reminded to seize the day, especially when it comes to opportunities for love. Also, this movie is a funny escape that feels like it just flies by. If you are looking for a clever, British comedy or something romantic and light, you can’t go wrong in watching Love Wedding Repeat on Netflix this weekend. Grab that big box of fresh popcorn and turn this one on right now.