“My Beautiful Wedding”: A Sequel That Stumbles into Sex Comedy
Last spring, the romantic comedy “My Beautiful Disaster,” helmed by Jonathan Decker and Roger Kumble (producer and director of the “After” franchise), graced Russian screens. “My Beautiful Disaster” effectively filled the void left by the conclusion of Tessa and Hardin’s saga. Based on the “Beautiful Disaster” series by Jamie McGuire, the film delves into the tumultuous relationship between college freshman Abby (Virginia Gardner) and underground fight champion Travis (Dylan Sprouse). The premise, which could easily fit into the “After” universe (Sprouse even appeared in a sequel as a character named Travis), surprisingly didn’t lead to a crossover. Perhaps Kumble and Decker feared the wrath of the dedicated fanbase, the primary audience for these adaptations. The box office reflects this: “My Beautiful Disaster” barely surpassed $6 million worldwide, a stark contrast to the first “After” film’s $69 million in 2019. Despite this, a sequel, “My Beautiful Wedding,” based on the 2013 novel, was greenlit.
Dylan Sprouse as Travis Maddox in “My Beautiful Wedding”
Abby and Travis, along with their friends, venture to Las Vegas, where they indulge in alcohol-fueled revelry. The next morning brings a shocking revelation: in a blackout, the couple tied the knot. Instead of immediately seeking an annulment, they head to Mexico for a honeymoon filled with sexual escapades. Their relationship faces challenges, and the support of friends and wise adults helps them navigate their issues.
Virginia Gardner as Abby in “My Beautiful Wedding”
A Sex Comedy Revival Gone Wrong?
Hollywood’s recent attempts to revive the sex comedy genre have been largely unsuccessful. Jennifer Lawrence’s “No Hard Feelings” received a lukewarm reception, and “Anyone But You” with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell didn’t become a crowd-pleaser. “My Beautiful Disaster,” despite its clichés, was a relatively lighthearted film that didn’t glorify abuse or romanticize suffering. “My Beautiful Wedding” retains some of the original’s lightness but veers into sex comedy territory. Director Roger Kumble seems to draw inspiration from films like “The Hangover,” “EuroTrip,” and the “American Pie” series. In Mexico, Abby and Travis encounter awkward situations, including vomiting, nudity, and a search for a missing condom. Notably, the blatant product placement seen in “After” is absent.
Dylan Sprouse as Travis Maddox in “My Beautiful Wedding”
Archaic Humor and Missed Opportunities
The humor in “My Beautiful Wedding,” aside from a bizarre animated penis, relies on the characters’ stupidity and sexual tension. This approach feels outdated, reminiscent of 1950s comedies where any nudity was considered daring. In the 21st century, this type of sex comedy feels archaic and unsustainable. Kumble fails to strike a balance between funny adult content and vulgarity. “My Beautiful Wedding” feels like a dead-on-arrival, horny version of a Hallmark movie, destined for cheap streaming platforms.