Shotgun Wedding review: A mildly entertaining yet predictable popcorn film starring Jennifer Lopez

2.5/5

Story: Tom (Josh Duhamel), a former baseball player, is desperate to organise the perfect destination wedding on an island in the Philippines. His fiancé, Darcy, is worried that the event may be a little too extravagant for her taste. But on the day of the wedding, pirates hijack the ceremony and take the guests hostage demanding a $45 million ransom.

Review: The setting, tone, and overall aesthetic of Shotgun Wedding would give one the sense that they have already watched the film less than a year ago. This would certainly be the case if one were to have the misfortune of watching The Lost City, starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum. The essence of both films is nearly identical — two veteran Hollywood leading ladies and their relatively lesser-known co-stars essaying characters who are stuck on an island fending off armed goons, whilst introspecting their relationships. Even the technical aspects, such as sound and visuals in both films are identical to the point where it can be likened to how Marvel Cinematic Universe films have almost been templatised.

To the film’s credit, it does not lull its audience into a slow slumber. The narrative is fast-paced and does not attempt to juxtapose unnecessary melodrama, and its primary focus is on the imperfections of a perfect marriage. This particular theme is explored through the relationship of the protagonists as well the marriages of their parents. The subtext, quite surprisingly, is not shoehorned into the narrative despite a flurry of action sequences. The action sequences themselves do not feature anything to wax lyrical about, but it is mildly entertaining. The sequences where Tom and Darcy fight off the armed pirates through unconventional means, and through sheer dumb luck, contribute to some of the positives in an otherwise predictable story.

The standout performance in the film is by the iconic Jennifer Coolidge, who essays the role of Tom’s mother. The actress, who recently bagged a Golden Globe for her role in the hit TV series The White Lotus, is simply perfect in her portrayal of an overzealous and opinionated mother. Meanwhile, 53-year-old Jennifer Lopez, who does not look a day over 30, has decent chemistry with her co-star Josh Duhamel. However, both their characters are shackled as a result of being excessively reliant on familiar tropes.

The film’s third act features a few surprising twists and turns. But it lacks the conviction to carry the weight of the climax. There are a few motifs, such as Darcy arming herself with a shotgun in a heavily altered wedding gown, designed to position Lopez as a convincing action star. Fans of Brooklyn Nine-Nine will immediately recognise this motif from an episode where Melissa Fumero’s character, Detective Amy Santiago, chases down a criminal and makes an arrest in a wedding gown. It was also more recently adopted by Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn in The Suicide Squad and even by Joey King in The Princess. However, Jennifer Lopez is unable to pull off this look convincingly as the narrative restricts her from being engaged in high-intensity action sequences. It ends up being utilised for comedic effect instead.

Verdict: Shotgun Wedding is a mash-up of several tropes and offers a few bright moments to keep one engaged. But the predictable storyline and uninspired visuals relegate it to nothing more than a popcorn film. Despite the best efforts of the film's lead stars they fail to keep the audience invested in their complicated relationship. However, Jennifer Coolidge’s remarkable comic timing renders this action comedy watchable.

Shotgun Wedding is releasing exclusively on Lionsgate Play in India on 27th January, 2023.