The Big Wedding

The Big Wedding is a 2013 American satirical romantic comedy film written and directed by Jeffrey Blitz. The movie stars Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heigl, and Amanda Seyfried in pivotal roles. The story revolves around Don and Ellie Griffin, played by Robert De Niro and Diane Keaton, a long-divorced couple that has been separated for over two decades. The story picks up several years after Don and Ellie's separation, and their family is still dealing with the consequences of their divorce. The Griffins have a daughter, Lyla, played by Amanda Seyfried, who is a free-spirited artist, and a son, Alejandro, played by Ben Barnes. Alejandro, who was adopted by the Griffins as an infant, is set to get married to Missy, played by Katherine Heigl, in a Catholic ceremony. However, things take a sudden turn when Alejandro's ultra-conservative Catholic biological mother, Judith Bellafonte, played by Robin Williams, unexpectedly arrives from Colombia, much to the surprise of the entire family. Judith's arrival poses a challenge to the Griffins' plans, as she is fiercely devout and wants to make sure that the wedding ceremony is performed as per the Catholic traditions. The family is initially resistant to Judith's demands, fearing that her presence could ruin the entire ceremony. However, with the wedding date just around the corner, Don and Ellie decide to make a deal with Alejandro to pretend to still be married, for the sake of the wedding and to avoid embarrassment in front of their guests. As the wedding planning gets underway, the Griffins find themselves forced to confront their past, present, and future. Don and Ellie have to pretend to be a loving couple, which becomes increasingly difficult for them as they go through a series of humorous misadventures. They attend counseling sessions with their son and his fiancée, and are bombarded with awkward questions and situations that they did not expect to face. As the day of the wedding approaches, the Griffins' charade begins to unravel, and their past begins to surface. Old rivalries, repressed emotions, and long-forgotten memories come back to haunt them, making it increasingly difficult for them to keep up the act. Don's new business partner, a smooth-talking entrepreneur played by Topher Grace, becomes a source of tension for Don, as he tries to convince him to invest in his new venture. Ellie's current boyfriend, a charming and laid-back artist named Beano, played by Ed Begley Jr., becomes the subject of jokes among the family members, as they try to understand the nature of their complicated relationship. At the same time, Alejandro's mother's arrival brings back a lot of memories for Don and Ellie, forcing them to confront the choices they made in their past and the implications they have on their present. As the wedding day arrives, the tension builds up, and the Griffins are put to the test. The family members are forced to confront the harsh realities of their past, their current situation, and their future aspirations. The wedding ceremony becomes a turning point for the Griffins, as they are forced to make some difficult decisions and face the consequences of their actions. The supporting cast, including Adam DeVine, Ann Morgan Guilbert, and Susan Sarandon, add to the humor and charm of the movie. The chemistry between the lead actors is undeniable, which makes the movie a joy to watch. The Big Wedding is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy of errors that explores the complexities of family relationships and the challenges that come with growing older. Ultimately, the movie ends on a hopeful note, as the Griffins learn to come to terms with their past and their present. They realize that they are not as young as they used to be, and that they have to make the most of the time they have with each other. The ending is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and acceptance, which is a central theme of the movie. In conclusion, The Big Wedding is a beautifully crafted comedy that explores the complexities of family relationships and the challenges that come with growing older. The movie is full of laughs, memorable characters, and heartwarming moments that make it a must-watch. With a talented cast and a clever script, The Big Wedding is a comedy that will keep you entertained and leave you feeling uplifted.