As a child of the ’80s, I have to say that these films hold a special place in my heart. Each one has a unique charm and a certain nostalgic appeal that transcends time.
Before the turn of the new millennium, there was an optimistic naivety about the world that now seems to be a relic of the past. This positive ambience made the ‘80s and ’90s a golden era for charming, heartwarming comedies in Hollywood. It’s no wonder then, that some of the funniest classics from the film industry originated during this time.
In the realm of comedy, wedding films are especially entertaining. They often feature bossy parents, squabbling relatives, exes harboring resentment, surprising encounters, and brides with an attitude. These scenarios provide a wealth of opportunities for side-splitting situations. Here’s a list of 10 top comedies from the ’80s and ’90s that capture the charm of these delightful eras if you’d like to watch them.
10 Father of the Bride (1991)
In this modern adaptation titled “Father of the Bride“, the renowned comedian Steve Martin takes center stage. Known for his vast repertoire of hilarious films, some gems might have slipped past fans’ notice. Here, he brings to life a comically overprotective father figure to Annie (Kimbery Williams). The wedding she is preparing for is fraught with an unending sequence of amusing hardships.
Steve Martin Stands up to Original in Father of the Bride
As a devoted fan, I’d say Martin, famed for his recent team-up with Disney sensation Selena Gomez in Netflix’s “Only Murder in the Building,” seems remarkably relatable as wedding jitters cause him to unravel over trivial annoyances, such as a perplexing hot dog bun dilemma. The movie benefits immensely from the skillful hand of co-producer Nancy Meyers, who previously guided Lindsay Lohan in the legendary remake of “The Parent Trap.
9 My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
In this delightful story, Julia Roberts, who became beloved in the ’90s for her role as the charming Vivian in ‘Pretty Woman’, takes the lead. This tale centers around a prearranged marriage agreement that goes awry. You know, like those jokingly made pacts among friends to marry each other if they’re still single at a certain age? Well, ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ dives into the chaos that ensues when one friend gets engaged, while the other suddenly realizes she has been in love with him all along.
Strong Script Carries My Best Friend’s Wedding
The movie’s standout feature has been universally recognized as its well-crafted script, which some critics have described as “sharp and witty.” The combination of clever writing with outstanding comedic acting, notably from Rupert Everett, played a significant role in Roberts’ successful comeback, making the film one of her finest.
8 Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Hugh Grant, famous for his role in the beloved modern Christmas film “Love Actually,” stars as a repeatedly unsuccessful groom-to-be in a movie that shares some resemblance with Katherine Heigl’s cherished wedding classic “27 Dresses.” Caught in a pattern of dating British individuals who always seem to elude long-term relationships, his love is put to the test when he finds himself smitten by an American journalist visiting the country. This new romance encourages him to ponder taking that significant step towards commitment.
Fast Pace and Strong Jokes Make Hugh Grant Rom-Com Shine
UK reviewer John Miller found the movie to be swift-paced and filled with hilarious moments, while Miami critic Rene Jordan commended director Mike Newell for skillfully highlighting a diverse cast of more than 20 characters. Despite being somewhat foreseeable, “Four Weddings” keeps viewers amused from beginning to end.
7 Working Girl (1988)
The story revolves around an industrious and clever secretary, portrayed by Melanie Griffith, who often finds herself overlooked at work. Matters become more complicated when her superior, Sigourney Weaver’s character “Katharine Parker,” tries to seize credit for Tess’ innovative business concept. The humor intensifies as Tess inadvertently gatecrashes a wedding and secretly meets Katharine’s boyfriend, Jack, in the process.
Working Girl Is Unrealistic, But Uplifting
Critics argue that some spectators found the conclusion, where the boss who steals ideas is dismissed while the unacknowledged worker is justly compensated, to be overly simplistic and reminiscent of a cartoon. However, the film garnered an 83% rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics, with many lauding its optimistic mood and accurate portrayal of ’80s aesthetics, particularly hairstyles. The wedding-crash scene is also commended, particularly for Jack’s humorous dance with a stranger.
6 Runaway Bride (1999)
In a nostalgic revisit, Runaway Bride showcases once more the captivating relationship dynamics between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, a decade after they initially ignited screens with their passionate chemistry. This time, Roberts’ character Maggie Carpenter is notorious for fleeing weddings, causing Ike distress by jumping on a passing FedEx truck to elope from the nuptial location. Their reunion occurs when Maggie comprehends that what she truly desired was an intimate, personal wedding instead of a grand spectacle.
Runaway Bride Is Easy-to-Watch Fluff With Great Cinematography
This movie is perfect when you’re looking for something easy and fun to watch without requiring much mental effort. Despite some critics finding the plot overly straightforward, numerous viewers enjoy it precisely because of that simplicity, not forgetting the amusing moments scattered throughout. The cinematography deserves recognition too, particularly the stunning opening scene where Roberts rides a horse in a wedding dress.
5 Betsy’s Wedding (1990)
In my perspective as a fan, Director Alan Alda’s film “Betsy’s Wedding” features the legendary Molly Ringwald, a beloved figure from ’80s teen movies who astonishingly declined a highly coveted role. She teams up with Joey Bishop in this hilarious story about parents, myself included, who often find themselves swept away by the excitement of meticulously planning an extravagant wedding for their precious children.
Catharine O’Hara’s Snarky Delivery Makes the Movie
The movie revolves around an extravagant wedding for a well-off couple, which some may find detached from everyday life and has been labeled as a depiction of “elite white individuals’ issues.” Yet, it offers amusement, notably with Catherine O’Hara’s sharp portrayal of the memorable line, “You’re a rat, Oscar. It’s a good thing we never had children. You probably would have eaten them!
4 Mystic Pizza (1988)
The movie titled “Mystic Pizza” marked Julia Roberts’ initial success and established her as a comedy star. This film is set in a quaint Connecticut town and chronicles the humorous misadventures of three young women working as pizza servers. The storyline includes two weddings, one of which features Lili Taylor’s character, “Jojo,” comically fainting due to her apprehension about commitment.
Mystic Pizza Is Rewatchably Heartwarming
Mystic Pizza is a well-crafted family movie that unfortunately seems to have slipped from the memory of contemporary audiences. The script showcases a strong female perspective, and the setting evokes a genuine New England atmosphere that leaves viewers feeling like they’re right there. Curious fans can even visit the real-life pizzeria bearing the same name that served as the film’s inspiration.
3 The Wedding Singer (1998)
In this entertaining movie, the charming Drew Barrymore teams up with the hilarious Adam Sandler. Their characters are Frank, a musician, and Julia, a server, who are each set to wed someone else before an unexpected turn of events brings them into each other’s lives. Movie enthusiasts might find it intriguing that the screenplay was fine-tuned by Carrie Fisher, renowned for her role in “Star Wars.” Over six months, she worked diligently to enhance the intelligence and romance of the female characters.
Likeable Characters Make the Wedding Singer Work
The movie is unique in Adam Sandler’s extensive comedy film career due to its emotional depth, although it leans a bit towards sentimentality compared to some of his other productions. A critic from Rotten Tomatoes admitted that despite its overabundance of sweetness, they couldn’t help but root for the two main actors.
2 Sixteen Candles (1984)
16 Candles, often hailed as one of Molly Ringwald’s finest performances, is a ’80s classic that continues to resonate with teenagers today. The story, centering around Ringwald’s character Sam, unfolds as her sweet sixteen turns sour when her parents overlook the occasion amidst the chaos of her older sister’s wedding preparations, and she struggles to win over her crush. Throughout the film, there are numerous comedic twists and typical high school shenanigans, leaving viewers on edge to find out if Sam eventually gets her birthday wish granted.
Sixteen Candles Is Great for Its Self-Aware Campiness
As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that unlike some of John Hughes’ masterpieces like The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles stands out for its unpretentious charm. Yet, it’s crucial not to be blinded by the film’s engaging narrative and entertainment value. The portrayal of Gedde Watanabe’s character, Long Duk Dong, raises concerns about stereotyping Asian characters, which is a lesson Hollywood needs to learn from – striving for better representation in future productions.
1 The Princess Bride (1987)
Any rundown of iconic ’80s comedies wouldn’t be whole without mentioning “The Princess Bride,” a timeless and cherished film that grows more delightful with each viewing. The movie features Robin Wright, formerly of “House of Cards,” as the captivating Princess Buttercup alongside Cary Elwes, who portrays Westley, a farmhand embarking on a journey to win the heart of his beloved princess.
The Princess Bride’s Otherworldly Timelessness Is Key to Its Longevity
The movie’s fantasy backdrop ensures it doesn’t feel dated, and the humor relies more on situations than time-specific references, creating an immersive escape from everyday life. Plus, there’s physical comedy like Westley comically rolling down a slope. Director Rob Reiner masterfully blends these aspects, resulting in a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences.
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2024-10-28 00:02