The new Netflix rom-com, “Mother of the Bride”, starring Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove, is an uninspired and awkward film that fails to deliver. The movie is plagued by painfully inane dialogue, which is delivered in a stiff and unnatural manner by the cast. The characters feel like robots, and the film’s attempts at humor are strained and cringe-worthy.
The story centers around Emma, who is getting married, and her mother, Lana, who discovers that the groom’s father, Will, is her long-lost love. The film’s attempts to explore this complicated history are hindered by a lack of chemistry between the leads, making their moments of vulnerability and emotional connection feel forced.
The dialogue is clunky and unnatural, with characters speaking in awkward, stilted lines that feel like they were written by a high school student. The jokes and gags are also forced, and the film’s attempts at humor are met with crickets. Even the usually reliable Brooke Shields can’t salvage the film’s laughable attempts at comedy.
A Still From Mother of the Bride (Via IMDB)
Visually, the film is also a letdown. The bright, overlit settings and flat visuals make the film feel like a commercial for a prescription medication. The picturesque locations are drained of their charm, making the film feel like a dull, soulless exercise in mediocrity.
Despite some occasional moments of fun, courtesy of Shields’ efforts to break through the poor dialogue, “Mother of the Bride” is a disappointing and unremarkable film. It’s a shame, as the premise has potential, but the execution falls flat. If you’re looking for a genuinely enjoyable rom-com, there are better options available on Netflix.
