Wedding Crashers (2005)

2.5 out of 4

Starring: Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Isla Fisher, Christopher Walken, Jane Seymour

Director: David Dobkin

Time: 119 mins

Viewed: Mega Movies at Brunswick Square, East Brunswick, New Jersey

Supposedly raunchy comedy a la American Pie and it sequels is actually quite mild, following the travails of two lawyers (Wilson and Vaughn) who regularly crash weddings to pick up love-struck women. The trouble begins when Wilson falls for Claire Cleary (McAdams), the daughter of a powerful politician (Walken), while Vaughn tries to fend off her libidinous sister Gloria (former Australian soap star Fisher). Sporadically funny first half (with most of the antics involving Vaughn) is almost dragged into tedium for the final hour as the film tries to resolve the romantic portion of its plot; Vaughn's motormouth, a bright, jovial tone, and rising star McAdams' luminous performance save it from being below average.

(c) Joe Wong (31 July 2005)