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DVD Breakup at a Wedding
 Run time: 85 min Rating: 4.6 Genres: Comedy Director: Victor Quinaz Writers: Anna Martemucci, Philip Quinaz Stars: Philip Quinaz, Alison Fyhrie, Chris Manley |
| Storyline A videographer captures an engaged couple’s decision to proceed with a sham wedding after the bride calls off the ceremony and decides to break up with her partner, who secretly hopes that his surprise gift will ultimately change her mind. |
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| Details: Country: USA Release Date: 18 June 2013 (USA) |
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DVD Breakup at a Wedding
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3 comments
I finally got to watch "Breakup At A Wedding" last night, and highly recommend it. This, in spite of (or maybe because of, who knows?) my general distaste for 'wedding' movies. I had no idea what to expect, and was therefore very pleasantly surprised by the story, which is told with 'found' footage via the very ambitious videographer (Victor Quinaz/ Vic James -whose credits at the beginning of the movie remind me of the credits in the ultra-short "Bambi vs. Godzilla"). The only annoying element was the occasional 'shaky cam', but I can live with that. Apparently our erstwhile videographer has discovered the secret to perfecting wireless mics (which are notoriously fickle things), and that is what makes this story pop.
The cast will be familiar to anyone who has watched any of the "Periods" shorts- and Phil Quinaz ("Phil Havemeyer") takes his turn yet again as the tall, laid-back center of the action. His performance is wonderfully sweet and nuanced, and a great foil for his somewhat panic-stricken bride to be Alison Fyhrie ("Alison Jones") and the rest of the guests and family who are remarkably realistic and hilarious on their own.
One of the best scenes involves an ongoing battle for booze between the wedding party and a neighboring SF Cosplay convention, with a hilarious confrontation when things finally come to a head. And there is a wicked twist in the story that is worth the wait.
It is clear that making the dozen or so "Periods" shorts has honed the craft and talent of this wonderfully funny and sweet crew (tribe? motley pirate gang?) of filmmakers, actors, and writers. They've crafted a fun and funny little movie that manages to tell a great story without a lot of explosions, grotesque bathroom scenes (although there are some scenes in bathrooms!), or gunplay- which in this day and age, is a rare thing. I look forward to their next endeavor.
There are too many wedding movies, and found-footage films. However you won't feel labored by the familiarity here. Seems to have a British humor quality to it, following "The Office" type of humor, or a little of "Death at a Funeral".
The cast is quite good. Nobody is trying too hard to be funny, and there are laughs, and even when there isn't it seems to have a charm to it throughout. Don't know what the budget what, but it has tight editing, and good unknown (to me) soundtrack selections. Does not feel like an independent film, but a something of cable or theatrical. Indies are flooding the market, and this one as of this date is lost in that shuffle. Also I love the Drew Struzan "Police Academy" type poster.
I brought my whole family to this movie in its premiere week and we all hysterically laughed throughout the entire thing. My brother and I are still quoting many of the best lines (amazing cameos from various random New York improvisers and actors). I was even touched by the ending, which is a truly rare feat for any comedy made these days.
Solid acting, writing, directing, and cinematography — really, a well produced film all around, with a very original angle.
My only complaint is that it's not currently distributed in every single theater in the US… would love all my friends around the country to see this thing.
Can't wait to see more from these guys!!!