You’re Cordially Invited Synopsis: When two weddings are accidentally booked on the same day at the same venue, a hilarious battle of determination between the father of the bride and sister of the other bride ensues. They chaotically go head-to-head as they stop at nothing to uphold an unforgettable celebration for their loved ones.
Thanks to the unfortunate timing of an employee’s death, two weddings are accidentally double-booked at the same isolated venue. The two very different families are then forced to co-exist on their big day.
I won’t lie, I was excited for this movie, even if I thought the romantic pairing of Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon was a bit odd. But as unlikely pairings had impressed me in the past, I was more than willing to give it a chance. Will Ferrell plays Jim, the uptight, overly involved father of the bride with his signature manic energy, while Reese Witherspoon leans into her Southern charm as Margo, an ambitious TV producer and sister of the bride. Directed by Nicholas Stoller and starring two comedic legends, You’re Cordially Invited held a lot of potential for a genuinely funny and romantic movie, but unfortunately, the execution falls short.
Even with its cozy, romantic setting and a few spirited performances from the supporting cast – Leanne Morgan was the movie’s MVP for me – the movie struggles to establish a steady comedic rhythm. Scenes seem to meander or drag, missing opportunities for proper character development and more inventive humor. Ferrell has a few charming moments, but mostly feels like he’s just phoning it in, while Witherspoon tries to add some life to a role that doesn’t give her much to work with. Their chemistry flickers here and there but never fully ignites.
But the lack of chemistry between Reese and Will isn’t the movie’s biggest problem. What could have been a heartfelt story about family dynamics and unexpected connections ends up getting lost in a script that never actually takes the time to explore these themes. Instead, it just bounces from one chaotic moment to the next, and there’s not a lot of emotional payoff. Even the film’s resolution is rushed, concluded in a way that feels unearned, given the messy road it took to get there.
I will say that despite the lack of romantic tension, I did enjoy the chaotic, escalating feud between Jim and Margo. There are some laughs to be had, but I just wish the movie had focused a little bit more on developing this enemies-to-lovers angle than focusing so much on sitcom-y gags that fall flat and border on absurd. For example, there is an entire sequence featuring an alligator that requires an impossible suspension of disbelief.
In the end, I found You’re Cordially Invited to be a disappointment. It’s a film with the star power and a setup designed to be successful, but instead it lacked the wit and chemistry needed to make it so. Instead, it’s the kind of movie that you may enjoy on a lazy Sunday, but it’s ultimately forgettable.
Watched: 02.15.2025
Notable Song: Islands in the Stream
