Directed by Kat Coiro
Starring Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Maluma, John Bradley, Sarah Silverman and Chloe Coleman

I’ve gotta say, I had my doubts. When I saw the synopsis, took note of the genre, and checked out the pairing of lead actors in a romantic set-up, it all seemed terribly unlikely to work. 

 Well, Marry Me may very well go down as one of the most effortlessly enjoyable and easily likeable flicks to engage the big screen this year.

Self-made pop icon Kat Valdez (Jennifer Lopez) and music superstar Bastian (played by Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma in his first live-action feature film role) are the world’s most popular celebrity couple. In just a few moments, they will get married during a live performance in front of fans that’s going to be live streamed for millions around the world to be a part of. A few moments though are all it takes for everything to change. Right before committing to spending the rest of her life with her husband-to-be, Kat discovers that Bastian has been unfaithful. Right there and then, she spontaneously decides to instead marry Charlie (Owen Wilson), a complete stranger in the crowd.

Surprisingly, J.Lo and Owen Wilson have irresistible on-screen chemistry. That’s one arrangement in this marriage that worked better than I could have imagined. Another is the music. It’s not just some side self-promotional gig to forgettably fill in time or for J.Lo to flaunt. This is a genuine music-driven romantic comedy-drama with a few memorable tracks (On My Way and titular track Marry Me were my favourites) that enliven the experience you’ll find yourself singing to long after.

Some additional fun is had courtesy of Marry Me’s supporting cast. Moonfall actor and GOT star, John Bradley plays the celebrity couples’ manager who desperately tries to keep things from blowing out more than they do. Parker (Sarah Silverman) works with Charlie as a guidance counsellor who laps up his newfound fame. I especially liked impressive young actor Chloe Coleman’s (HBO series Big Little Lies) contributions as Lou, Charlie’s twelve-year-old daughter who is a student at the school he teaches at.

The one move that garners the most applause and appreciation from me is also what makes Marry Me as close to original, or less commonplace, compared to most in this genre. A reversal of roles. Here, we have the female lead who proactively pursues her male counterpart and often has the upper hand. They live polar opposite lifestyle’s and have very little personality traits in common yet watching Kat and Charlie awkwardly navigating their marriage at first sight left a smile permanently glued to my face.

Marry Me, this Valentine’s Day? Say yes!

Marry Me is showing in cinemas across Australia from February 10th.

Moviedoc thanks Universal Pictures for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

Follow on Twitter – Moviedoc / LIKE on Facebook – @moviedoc13 / Follow on Instagram – moviedoc_melbourne

©