You’re Cordially Invited’ Review: Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon

Amazon Prime Video’s new big budget romantic comedy is predictable. But with Reese Witherspoon returning to the genre and Will Ferrell doing his thing, there is some chemistry and laughter. There is even a hilarious moment between Ferrell and a non-cooperative alligator, which is why comedies are best seen in a group. This is a streaming-only movie, despite the stars and genre. It’s a much more enjoyable date movie to watch during Valentine’s Day than the horror or action Valentine’s movies the studios are planning this year. You’re Cordially Invited won’t make you forget My Best Friend’s Wedding or Bridesmaids anytime soon but it’ll be fine, even though the ‘R’-rating seems a bit harsh.

The story is straightforward, but Nicholas Stoller, the writer/director (Neighbors; Forgetting Sarah Marshall; Get Him to The Greek), is talented enough to let his stars take over. The location, located 75 miles east from Atlanta at Lake Oconee is a place of old-world charm. The Palmetto Inn can only host one wedding a weekend. Two weddings are accidentally booked by accident. No one, not even hotel clerk Leslie, (Jack McBrayer as Paul Lynde), realized it. Margot and Jim arrive at the front desk simultaneously, but because Margot has the only credit card, she is given priority. After a few minutes, however, she feels sorry for Jim and his family, and agrees to share space with them. The beautiful boat dock at the lake will be the anchor of both weddings.

It’s not easy for Jim to get revenge when he overhears Margot saying bad things about him and his family. He sets in motion a little revenge that makes Jenni’s wedding go overtime. Then he does something else that spirals out of control, when Margot’s entire wedding plan ends up in the water after the dock sinks and everyone is on it. The story is a series of misunderstandings, and the characters are constantly in a state of confusion. However, the human element never gets lost.

Ferrell shows Jim a real love and affection for his daughter when they sing ‘Islands in the Stream,’ karaoke style together after a sudden rainstorm forces them both inside the lodge. While he isn’t happy with Oliver’s (Stony blyden), Jenni’s dim fiancee he still wants her to be happy. Even when he nearly ruins the entire thing. Witherspoon, a member of a very southern family, is an outcast because she moved to L.A. where she became a successful producer of reality shows. The rest of her family remained in Atlanta. She’s largely estranged her mother, the uncompromising mother of the family (a fantastic Celia Weston), as well as another sister Gwyneth, played by comedian Leanne Morgan, who has spot-on deadpan comedy timing, and distant brother Colton, played by Rory Scovel. The tension is palpable, but Jim and Margot are also learning about their family dynamics and, yes, even a budding romance for themselves.
Keyla Monterrose Kejia does a great job as a bridesmaid. There are many complications and that alligator. The manager of the commercial theater where I saw this film told me that he felt it should have been released in theaters. The film should have been released theatrically, but I think it will do well on Amazon’s streaming platform. This is the case for many romantic comedies. Witherspoon in great form and Ferrell at his best, You’re cordially invited reminds us that this is what comedy theaters used to be about.
Producers are Stoller, Conor Welch, Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Ferrell, and Jessica Elbaum.

Title:

You’re Cordially Invited

Distributor: Prime Video
Release Date: Steaming now on Amazon
Director-Screenwriter: Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell, Geraldine Viswanathan, Merdith Hagner, Jimmy Tatro, Stony Blyden, Leanne Morgan, Jack McBrayer, Rory Scovel, Keyla Monterroso Kejia, Ramona Young, Celia Weston, Fortune Feimster
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hr and 49 min