Authenticity missing from ‘License to Wed'
Authenticity missing from 'License to Wed'

Published: July 3, 2007

John Krasinski ("The Office”) and Mandy Moore ("American Dreamz”) have sparks between them as an about-to-be-married couple in "License to Wed,” but the film's portrayal of their struggles in a prenuptial class doesn't hit home.

"License to Wed” follows newly engaged Ben Murphy (Krasinski) and his fiancee, Sadie Jones (Moore).

Sadie has always wanted to get married at her family church, St. Augustine. To make that happen, they've got to get through a marriage-prep course led by the Rev. Frank (Robin Williams). Making matters worse, the only available slot at the church for the next two years is in just three weeks (due to a cancellation), so Ben and Sadie have to barrel through the Rev. Frank's "foolproof” course in record time.

While the Rev. Frank is mostly likable, Williams drags the comedy around with a little too much vigor. After hitting Ben in the nose with a baseball, Frank spends an uncomfortable few minutes parodying TV televangelists with an extended "healing” sequence. Moments such as that are likely to annoy believers and be so cliched as to be unfunny to anyone else.

Following in Frank's footsteps is the choir boy (Josh Flitter), Frank's underage right-hand man who bugs the lovebirds' apartment so Frank can make sure Ben and Sadie aren't having sex (a key rule of Frank's course).

Upping the ante, the Rev. Frank gives the couple twin robot babies — which resemble Edward G. Robinson — to get a preview of what it's like to be a parent. The robots — put on "meltdown” setting by the choir boy — scream, pee and poo through Ben and Sadie's wedding registry process, putting the two near a breakdown.

As the wedding date nears, Ben and Sadie's relationship continues to deteriorate. Ben blames the Rev. Frank for the problems the couple is going through, but Sadie remains a believer in the course.

"License to Wed” takes an interesting premise, a marriage-prep course, and raises the stakes. Unfortunately, the film feels removed from reality — the difficulties feel forced and lack authenticity.

What does feel real is the chemistry between Moore and Krasinski. Watching "Wed,” one wishes the pair were cast in another, wittier comedy.

Despite the best efforts of the leads, "License to Wed” never quite makes it over the threshold.

— Matthew Price