NEW YORK (OSV News) – Despite being billed as a romantic comedy, "You're Cordially Invited" (Amazon MGM) showcases more spite than genuine love. Throw in a heavy dose of off-color dialogue – as well as some wayward values – and the upshot is a mirthless, even dispiriting, experience.
Doting widowed father Jim (Will Ferrell) is determined to provide a magical wedding day for his daughter, Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan), despite his misgivings about her fiance, Oliver (Stony Blyden). Reality TV producer Margot (Reese Witherspoon) is equally resolved to see to it that her sister Neve's (Meredith Hagner) nuptials, which she's been asked to plan, be flawless.
Unfortunately for all concerned, the two marriages have accidentally been double booked at a small island venue that can only handle a single such event at a time. Although Jim and Margot initially reach a compromise, their truce rapidly breaks down, leading to mutual acrimony and nasty pranking.
The humor, apparently, is supposed to derive from the spectacle of just how much can go wrong before and after vows are exchanged. But writer-director Nicholas Stoller's script inspires neither laughs nor, in its serious interludes, any interest in the lives of its characters.
Some of the ostensible comedy reveals a debased or at least frivolous view of human sexuality. Thus, while he is never seen plying his trade, Neve's gentle groom, Dixon (Jimmy Tatro), is identified as a stripper. And a scene in which Jim and Jenni resolve not to keep secrets from each other anymore finds Dad recounting an aberrant adventure he had previously concealed.
Additionally, the wrap-up puts a positive spin on one couple's decision to postpone their ceremony in favor of continuing to live together. That's yet another reason for sensible viewers to send their regrets.
The film contains cohabitation, an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, brief irreverent humor, some coarse sexual gags, several uses of profanity, numerous milder oaths, frequent rough terms and much crude and crass language. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.