Four Weddings And A Funeral [1994]

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
When it was released in 1994 Four Weddings and a Funeral quickly became a huge international success, pulling in the kind of audiences most British films only dream of. It's proof that sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. In terms of plot, the title pretty much says it all. Revolving around… well, four weddings and a funeral (though not in that order), the film follows Hugh Grant's confirmed bachelor Charles as he falls for visiting American Carrie (Andy McDowell), whom he keeps bumping into at various functions.

But with this most basic of premises, screenwriter Richard Curtis has crafted a moving and thoughtful comedy about the perils of singledom and that ever-elusive search for true love. In the wrong hands, it could have been a horribly schmaltzy affair, but Curtis' script--crammed with great one-liners and beautifully judged characterisations--keeps things sharp and snappy, harking back to the sparkling Hollywood romantic comedies of the 1930s and 1940s. The supporting cast, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Simon Callow and Rowan Atkinson (who starred in the Curtis-scripted television show Blackadder) is first rate, at times almost too good--John Hannah's rendition of WH Auden's poem "Funeral Blues" over the coffin of his lover is so moving you think the film will struggle to re-establish its ineffably buoyant mood. But it does, thanks in no small part to Hugh Grant as the bumbling Charles (whose star-making performance compensates for a less-than-dazzling Andie MacDowell). Though it's hardly the fault of Curtis and his team, the success of the Four Weddings did have its downside, triggering a rash of inferior British romantic comedies. In fact, we had to wait until 1999's Notting Hill for another UK film to match its winning charm (scripted, again, by Curtis and also starring Grant). --Edward Lawrenson

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Customer reviews

review by: chris date: 2008-09-23 rating:
A classic fun movie
The classic movie
they swear like troopers in the first 5 minutes
not for small ears

after that its damn good classic stuff

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review by: date: 2007-10-21 rating:
More wooden than Epping Forest
Very entertaining stuff, a (mostly) superb cast and an absolutely cracking script.
The whole thing is let down by Andie MacDowell. WHY does this woman get work? She couldn't act if she had a gun to her head. Her delivery of the line "Is it still raining? I hadn't noticed" is so cringemakingly bad it's hilarious. In fact her entire performance is utterly dire. It'd be a 4* film if it had a different female lead. Anyone would do. Lily Savage would have been preferable, really.

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review by: SRW date: 2007-09-19 rating:
LAUGH AND CRY
What a great film. The cast gel really well and you almost feel like one of the gang as you grow to love them all.

Hugh Grant is at his bumbling best and it's laughs all the way. I really recommend seeing the film if you haven't already.

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review by: GINA PACINO date: 2007-09-15 rating:
Five Stars and a Big Cheer !!!
Nearly every British film that EVER comes out is always given the title 'BEST BRITISH FILM EVER MADE', it's embarrassing! Imagine if every American film that came out was tagged with 'Best American film ever made', so why do we Brits do it ? Most of the time, they are not the Best British Film Ever made!!! We do make great films but we do not need to put a tag on the film!!

HOWEVER...Four Weddings and a Funeral definately deserves the title of 'One of the Best British films ever made'.

It is so beautifully written. The cast are absolutely brilliant. So many classic funny lines. John Hannah's speech at the funeral is outstanding. Hugh Grant is so loveable. Simon Callow (loved him in 'Chance in a Million') dancing at the Scottish wedding is so funny. There are so many funny things to mention. When Hugh is stuck in the cupboard whilst the bride and groom are getting 'jiggy' is hilarious!!

I was so sad to hear that Charlotte Coleman (Scarlett) a very talented actress, sadly passed away so young, and I loved her character in the film. I think every Actor/Actress who appeared in the film or anyone involved with this film should be so proud. In the future, people will still be talking about this film. There is nothing fake about it. It's a film about love, its many forms, and how it will find you!!

It's a truly 'feel good factor' film. Richard Curtis put pen to paper and wrote a beautiful classic comedy that will be loved always. Thank you Mr Curtis.





review by: date: 2007-09-01 rating:
Trite, tiny little film
This predictable light romantic comedy, relying on an overglossed upmarket view of romantic England impressing the Yanks was also predictable in the huge success it had. Written by a nob who'd probably sell his granny for the success he craves, (but was never going to have to) it is dire in its simplicity and its lightness. Has nothing at all about it of the style or uniqueness of Britain's best comedies, romantic or otherwise. It is more a modern misuse of the genre. It was more Harpers and Queen with laughs, it was that self conscious of its image. Its dipping into the working class funeral scene to try and give itself some depth as well just didn't work with me, as it seemed to do with others. It was just so blatantly a 'look at me America' picture, I wanted to knock its perfect teeth out. I'll waste no more words on this trifle.

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Video . DVD & VHS . Categories . Comedy . All Comedy
Video . DVD & VHS . Categories . Comedy . Romantic
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Video . DVD & VHS . Refinements . Release Date (feature_three_browse-bin) . 1990 - 1999
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