When I see the name Drew Barrymore listed in the credits of a film, I am immediately compelled to watch said film. She stole my heart as Gertie, the little girl in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial back in 1982. She then played 2 other remarkable young ladies in 1984. First as the child of divorce in Irreconcilable Differences, and then as the frightening child that could start fires by simply using her mind, in Stephen Kings' Firestarter as Charlie. Despite her personal problems, she continued to make films. Drew plays a wonderfully believable romantic leading lady in her more recent films, Ever After (1998) and Never Been Kissed (1999). She was an amazingly agile (that chair will never be the same), feisty and fun-loving detective in Charlie's Angels (2000).

Despite the name Adam Sandler listed beside Drews' in The Wedding Singer (1998), I was still anxious to see this movie. Sandler had not impressed me in his earlier works (Mixed Nuts in 1994, Billy Madison in 1995, Happy Gilmore in 1996) as an actor that could successfully play the lead in a romantic film. Well, he pulled it off, and he pulled it off very well. As a matter of fact, he won the 1999 Blockbuster Entertainment Award as Favorite Actor in a comedy for his role in this film as Robbie Hart. Drew was nominated that same year as the Favorite Actress in a comedy for her role as Julia Sullivan.

Christine Taylor (The Craft - 1996) plays the role of Julias' sister, Holly Sullivan. She made me think of Marcia Brady, all perky and smiley, with quite a bit of slut mixed in. After a bit of research I discovered why Marcia Brady came to mind...Christine played Marcia in both The Brady Bunch Movie and A Very Brady Sequel, 1995/1996. For her role in The Wedding Singer she becomes more flamboyant and quite promiscuous, but still with a heart. Allen Covert (Happy Gilmore - 1996, Big Daddy - 1999, Anger Management - 2003) plays the role of Sammy, Robbies best friend. Sammy considers himself the consummate "ladies man" and attempts to hit on every woman he meets. He dresses in elaborate style, even down to his Michael Jackson look, when he dons one silver glove while attending an engagement party. Matthew Glave ("ER" TV Series as Dr. Dale Edson from 1996-2001) plays the role of Julias' fiance', Glenn Gulia. He's a real smarmy type with a huge ego and a desire to emulate the men of Miami Vice, wearing white linen suits.

Ellen Albertini Dow (Sister Act and Sister Act 2 -1992/1993, Patch Adams -1998) is the wonderfully sweet little old lady, Rosie, that takes singing lessons from Robbie and pays him with meatballs. She is one swinging Granny when she begins singing Rap...a very cute scene. Alexis Arquette (She's All That - 1999) is George Stitzer, a member of Robbies' band, and back-up singer. He is a Culture Clubs' Boy George imitation, down to the make-up and hair. Angela Featherstone (Con Air - 1997) plays the role of Linda, the girl that leaves Robbie standing at the altar. A very unlikeable character, to say the least. Even Robbies' little nephews tell her that she's a "B".

It surprised me that 2 of the members of the remaining cast that brought some of the most comedic scenes went uncredited. Bug-Eyed, Boogery looking Steve Buscemi, (Fargo - 1996, Con Air - 1997, and Armageddon - 1998) plays David, the drunken brother of the groom in the earliest scenes and the Wedding Singer himself in the final scenes. And a Saturday Night Alumni, Jon Lovitz, (Big - 1988, Coneheads - 1993) plays another Wedding Singer, Jimmie Moore. Jimmie has been "playing second fiddle" behind Robbie Hart and takes advantage of the situation when Robbie can no longer perform effectively. Their performances help to elevate this film to a "romantic comedy" rather than just a "romance".
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The Story

Robbie Hart is the most successful wedding singer in the community and is engaged to be married. His personality, more than his voice is what attracts people. Even after the disturbance of the drunken brother-of-the-groom at a wedding reception, Robbie is able to regain control and get everyone out on the dance floor to enjoy themselves. Also at this reception is a new waitress, Julia Sullivan. Her sister, Holly, got her the job and is showing her the ropes. Robbie and Julia meet during one of the Bands' breaks, as Robbie escorts a very nauseous young fellow outside. Julia is also on break. Robbie and Julia talk for a while before having to return to work.

Robbies' own wedding is scheduled for the following weekend, but Robbies' bride-to-be leaves him standing at the altar. Despondent and depressed, Robbie takes to his bed, wanting to just hide. His best friend, Sammy, encourages Robbie to go back to work. At his next assignment, another wedding reception, Robbie sings out of tune, with agony dripping from every word. After a verbal altercation with the Father-of-the-Bride, Robbie sings his own version of "Love Stinks" (J. Geils Band) and eventually winds up in the dumpster behind the reception hall.

Meanwhile, Julias' fiance, Glen, presents Julia with red roses and 2 airline tickets to Las Vegas to get married. Julia prefers a big wedding at home, though, and Glen concedes....leaving Julia to make all of the preparations. At the engagement party for Julia and Glen, Julie confides in Robbie that she needs help with finding the best florist, caterer, etc. Robbie has managed to become an expert in the wedding planning field, after attending so many of them. Robbie and Julia become closer and closer with all of the time that they spend together. They select a photographer, a cake, train Sammy to drive a limousine, and even wind up practicing a "proper" kiss for the wedding, and the big question is "tongue or no tongue". Julia says just a touch of tongue, but not "porno" tongue, only church tongue. The resulting kiss is a special one to both Julia and Robbie.

As the date for Julias' wedding draws closer, both she and Robbie begin to question the feelings that they are having. They both want to deny that something special is happening between them. I know that you can see the ending coming, but believe me, watching them reach that end is worth it, with a very touching final scene.

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Soundtrack
"99 Luftballons" by Nena
"Der Kommissar" by Falco
"You spin me round (Like a record)" by Dead or Alive
"Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang
"Somebody Kill Me" by Adam Sandler
"Til There Was You" by Ellen Dow
"Don't Stop Believin" By Journey
"Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" By Alexis Arquette
"White Wedding" by Billy Idol
"Pass the Dutchie" by Musical Youth
"Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure
"Holiday" by Adam Sandler
"Hold Me Now" by The Thompson Twins
"All Night Long (All Night)" by Lionel Richie
"It's All I Can Do" by The Cars
"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police
"Love Stinks" by Adam Sandler
"Too Shy" by Kajagoogoo
"That's All" by Adam Sandler
"Ladies Night" by Jon Lovitz
"Everyday I Write the Book" by Elvis Costello
"China Girl" by David Bowie
"Love My Way" by The Psychedelic Furs
"Do You Believe in Love" by Huey Lewis and the News
"Jam on It" by Newcleus
"You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates
"Blue Monday" by New Order
"Private Idaho" by The B-52's
"Miami Vice Theme" Written by Jan Hammer
"Money (That's What I Want)" by Flying Lizards
"Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Presidents of the United States of America
"Hungry Heart" by Bruce Springsteen
"How Soon Is Now" by The Smiths
"True" by Steve Buscemi

"I'll Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler and the words:
I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad, Carry you around when your arthritis is bad, All I wanna do is grow old with you. I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches, build you a fire if the furnace breaks. Oh it could be so nice, growin old with you. I'll miss you, kiss you, give you my coat when you are cold. Need you, feed you, I'll even let you hold the remote control. So let me do the dishes in the kitchen sink, Put you to bed when you've had too much to drink. Oh I could be the man to grow old with you. I wanna grow old with you.

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Final Thoughts

Wedding Singer has become one of my favorite romantic comedies. The story is predictable, it's true. But the sweetness and innocence that Drew Barrymore brings to her character....the soundtrack...the story itself, all make it an enjoyable film. Hope you like it as much as I do.











Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older