kath_henderson

There seems to be a throng of Wedding based films recently. After Bridesmaids but it could've been Four Weddings and a Funeral that really started the trend. Whatever the root it seems both Hollywood and Britain are enamoured by the sheer social minefield that it causes. The worst of human beings are exposed in this high stress scenario, the glamour and need to show the guests a fabulous time tend to overwhelm the fact that this is, at the end, an expression of love between two people. Which should be the easiest thing in the world but is just... not...

Even though every single idea that could surround the central theme of the wedding has been explored, especially the Hen/Stag Parties, this film tries find a unique idea the Best Man making a Wedding Video as a gift to his brother, the Groom. In doing so he records the build up to one of the most stressful experiences the poor Bride has ever endured. The Brides Mother taking a lot of creative control in the matter causing much vitriol between the Bride and Groom.

It's a very predictable affair. But there's a lot enjoyable aspects. I personally found the visibility of the camera refreshing, knowing a character was in control of gave the actors the chance to really react to the absurdity of the situation and also feel the embarrassment of it being captured. It added a layer to the proceedings which was fun to watch, plus Rufus Howard's character trying to be creative and shoot as much as possible, plus the microphone man, Matt Berry, causing arguments and writing songs. The decadence of the Mother of the Bride was always a good mine for comedy too. But it's all subjective really and how much experience you have with weddings. Of course everyone will find humour in different jokes.

I thought the acting was particularly good. Rufus Hound, who I've never really considered as a Leading Man, or even an actor, having only seen him on panel shows, was really quite good. The man can definitely act and he really sold the emotional beats along with the comedy. Lucy Punch is always fantastic and completely underrated for some reason. Harriet Walters was fabulous as the Mother and Robert Webb was perfectly lovely as the nervous Groom.

There's nothing remotely surprising but there's a lot to be enjoyed. It's well acted, got a few funny bits and still manages to strive for a unique thread even though we know the ending by a mile off. It's the journey though, hanging around with these perfectly lovely characters and watching a wedding you're damn well pleased you won't be involved with.

I was quite surprised at how much I sincerely enjoyed this film. Thinking I was wandering into quite a serious film about the female condition in Victorian Times I quickly realised it was a sharp witted rom-com about the characters inventing new ideas in Victorian Times.

I really enjoyed the interplay of the characters, who were all played very well by the actors who seemed to be having a lot of fun. The period setting was very realistic and beautifully realised. The story, although slight, had enough meaning behind it to make the experience a satisfying one and thoroughly enjoyable.

There were a few quibbles with the realistic attitudes of the Victorian Era, but the sense of innocence about the matter made it all very charming. The fact that the doctors administering their treatments to the women insisted that it was all very medical and there were no gratification from the act was endearing. Even with the smiles of sheer delight the women displayed upon the completion, no, it was all very professional.

I believe that's the attitude that encapsulates the film. Near the end the story veers into women's rights and tries very hard to ensure that people are left feeling the indignation those women who fought for our rights felt. But at the end of the day that wasn't what this film will be remembered for. It's all about the sheer pleasure of watching actors enjoying themselves, a fun storyline built for laughs in a well realised environment rarely used for such. It was fun, light and left you smiling. I highly recommend it.

We were all waiting for the return of Futurama as it was cruelly cancelled, we got the films and we got some reprieve in that but what we really wanted was a new series. And here it is. Finally. But the first few episodes have been hit and miss and this has left a few disheartened, I can't see how anyone would feel that way after watching this episode though.

Futurama's most important quality is that it can tug the heartstrings as well as cause a good old fashioned belly laugh. This episode has both of these qualities and the ending, like most really great episodes in this series, was able to be emotionally satisfying without being to saccharine, it felt honest and sweet and I loved it.

Although I was surprised that the two characters to cause such an emotional response were Bender and Hermes but that was the joy of the episode really, developing both characters to an extent and making it enjoyable (because everyone knows an episode with Bender focus is awesome).

What really surprised me about this episode (apart from the ending which I refuse to spoil) is the look at mortality. This episode looks from Bender's point of view as he realises (to his utter shock) that he is in fact mortal and therefore at one point will die. He asks the questions that you do when you realise this, "Why was I brought on to this planet only to die?", it's so tragic and heartbreaking, one particular scene in which he actually breaks down doesn't feel forced at all and actually purely emotional (once more without being uncomfortable). Of course he learns the lesson we all do which is that life is precious and although it ends we have to learn to experience and enjoy it for it's faults, Hermes actually helps him with this, as I previously said I was shocked how much I really liked Hermes in this episode.

So yes, to those disheartened by the new material released by Futurama, watch this episode and have your faith restored.