This summertime rom-com is a mouthwatering prospect indeed: the Frat Packs hippest stars Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn teamed up as fast-talking rogues; an always-welcome comedy turn from Christopher Walken; and a flamboyant cameo from the daddy of Frat himself, Will Ferrell. To quote Vaughn from Dodgeball: Im laughing already
As it is, Wedding Crashers doesnt quite live up to its promise, but through no fault of its off-the-wall cast. Sharing an easy chemistry and free of the usual joker/straight-guy dynamic, Wilson and Vaughn quip, riff and banter to hilarious effect. And both get their fair share of money moments the latters muggings are particularly hysterical in a raunchy dinner-party sequence.
That the lead characters' cocksure confidence extends to the movie itself is its biggest weakness. While Vaughn and Wilson are adept at loose-limbed improvisation, that doesnt disguise the fact that the material theyre funking up is pretty lazy. Sure, all Chris Walken has to do to score a laugh is narrow his reptilian eyes, but thats no reason not to give the man decent lines. In fact, the only supporting character who doesnt feel watered-down is Isla Fishers nutso nympho an unexpected, scene-stealing joy. Theres enough good-natured energy to compensate, but the wait for this years Dodgeball continues.
