'Wars' more of a frolic

Bride Wars

By CAINE GARDNER

Film Critic

Once in a great while, a billed "chick flick" comes though with much more substance than any viewer could hope for. It makes one contemplate the intricacies of the universe and possibly question one's own existence. Bride Wars is not the film.

The film zeroes in on its target audience with the accuracy of a laser, but offers little more. The good news is that's what makes this film work. It's a perfect movie to grab the girls, pour a little bubbly and hunker down on the sofa for some laughs.

Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Liv (Kate Hudson) have been best friends since childhood and share one common dream -- June weddings at the Plaza Hotel. The duo has played out the scenario thousands of times in their minds, but what happens when that dream turns into a nightmare?

After learning that their weddings have been booked on the same day, Emma and Liv embark on a journey of sabotage that includes chocolates, hair dye and tanning spray. As their special day rapidly approaches, one finally begins to accept who she truly is, while the other must put her dream on hold.

Bride Wars begins and ends strong, but suffers from a lagging middle act. The film is reserved to riding the comedic hijinks to advance the story, giving the two leads little to do in the meantime. The film also struggles with campy, packaged dialog at times, which jolts the viewer out of the film and dissipates the illusion.

Hudson and Hathaway are essentially one in the same in their craft. Both are able to throw down powerhouse dramatic performances when needed and are not afraid to go after it when comedy comes knocking at their door. Their ability to throw themselves so effortlessly and willingly into their characters is why they are at the top of their game.

The supporting cast is wonderful, with the exception of Candice Bergen. I've always been a fan of Bergen, but she gives a lifeless performance to a character that should have been and could have been much more flamboyant and believable. It's only at the end that we actually are able to see the character.

The Bride Wars release keeps in step and delivers very little in the way of extra features on its single disk DVD release. There are three deleted scenes and a featurette that is essentially a Vera Wang advertisement. On the other hand, the Blu-ray release has a multitude of behind the scenes special goodies, as well as a DVD and digital copy of the film.

Final Cut: Definitely a wonderful film for the female viewer, the film doesn't translate well to their male counterparts. A perfect movie for a night with the girls or for the fellas to impress their significant other with their selection at the video store. And remember guys, you don't alter Bride Wars to fit you; you alter yourself to fit Bride Wars.

3 out of 5 stars

Bride Wars

Starring: Kate Hudson, Anna Hathaway, Candice Bergen

Director: Gary Winick

Writer: Casey Wilson, June Raphael (screenplay), Greg de Paul (story)

MPAA Rating: PG for suggestive content, language and some rude behavior

Single Disk DVD

* Three deleted scenes

* The Perfect White Dress -- Vera Wang featurette

Available now on DVD and Blu-ray