By Emily-Rose Toohey
On 10 February, the Jennifer Lopez-starrer Marry Me was released in theatres for Valentine’s Day.
The romantic comedy follows a famous singer, Kat Valdez (portrayed by Lopez), and the artists’ plans to marry her equally famous fiancé during a televised concert viewed by millions of people.
However, on the night, it’s revealed that Kat’s future husband cheated on her with her assistant.
This prompts the singer to make a bold, irrational, jaw-dropping decision: marry a complete stranger instead.
As she stands on stage wearing a stunning silver dress, Kat looks out into the crowd and sees Charlie Gilbert (portrayed by Owen Wilson) holding a ‘marry me’ sign.
Of course, Charlie’s a Maths teacher stuck in a world before technology, who was dragged to the concert by his colleague (portrayed by Sarah Silverman) and his 12-year-old daughter (portrayed by Chloe Coleman).
The superstar sees him in the crowd holding the soon-to-be infamous sign and responds affirmatively.
In a surreal moment, the pair gets married on live TV.
Although this plot sounds plain silly (it is, but that’s beside the point), Marry Me is an absolute blast.
It’s an undeniably fun, charming, laughter-inducing popcorn movie, and viewers will have the best experience watching.
People yearning for the golden age of romantic comedies – the Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, and Meg Ryan films of the world – will be delighted by Marry Me.
Is the plot a little dumb?
Sure.
Is it unrealistic?
Definitely.
But isn’t that exactly what romantic comedies are all about?
We go to the movies for escapism and this is exactly why the genre is so beloved.
Studio released romcoms are a dying breed, and it’s a testament to Jennifer Lopez’s star power that this film was even made.
She’s undoubtedly a superstar, but it’s easy to forget that she’s also a movie star.
Marry Me serves as the perfect reminder.
The charisma and charm of both Lopez and Wilson shines despite their seemingly strange pairing.
In a way, Lopez feels like she’s playing herself: the intense media scrutiny regarding her relationships is reminiscent of the early 2000s tabloid frenzy and the 2021/2022 Ben Affleck reunion craze obsessing pop culture fanatics.
Overall, Marry Me is a perfect two hour escape from the often dullness of reality.
It’s no Notting Hill, but this reviewer is certainly grateful for its existence.
Thank you, Jennifer Lopez.
Marry Me is currently playing in theatres.
