"Bride Wars" - What Went Wrong

Last weekend I was being a slug and watching Bride Wars on one of my handful of cable channels.  Even though I own it on DVD.  Don't judge either statement.


I like Kate Hudson.  She seems like a cool chick, someone you could hang out with, have a drink with and kick back with.  Truth be told, I'm jealous of that hippie vibe she gives off - - laid back, easygoing, hair that always looks good, pretty skin.


So . . . Bride Wars should be good, with Kate's presence, despite the name (not a fan) and yet it doesn't quite reach its potential for two main reasons.


The first should be fairly obvious if you've seen the film because it's a relatively large plot hole.  The characters of Liv and Emma go to see wedding planner extraordinaire Marion and are told there are three openings in the month of June at the exclusive Plaza, two on the same day and one a couple of weeks later.  Liv is going to take one of the days and Emma the other.  All is fine and good.  However, Marion's not so intrepid assistant mixes up the dates and gives Liv and Emma the same day.  If you're a man you may not think it's that big of a deal but for these two best friends, each of whom wants the other to be their maid of honor, this is a nightmare.  Marion tells the besties this and suggests that one of them change their date (with the next available June date being three years in the future) since the other available date was given to a third bride. 


And herein lies the first problem.  Since this was a technical/computer entry foul up, why wouldn't Marion tell the third bride that date was not available but this other June date is?  Someone as in demand and well respected as Marion is supposed to be surely would have no problem doing just that, rather than simpering to Liv and Emma about the mix up and how she can't possibly share the third bride's name with them due to confidentiality (while also having binders with brides' names on them located on a shelf in full view of everyone walking in but that's another issue.)   Candice Bergen, who plays Marion, has probably never simpered a day in her life.  If this was a 1930s screwball comedy, it would be believable but for today?  Hmmmm . . .

Of course if Marion had done that, the movie would have been over because there would have been no conflict.  So what should have happened?   Why not have only one date available in June at the Plaza from the start?  Liv and Emma could have reserved it together and then tried to figure out who would get it - - coin toss, house of cards, arm wrestling, rock, paper, scissors, whatever.  They could have discussed the double wedding scenario and then could have acted like crazy women.


And that leads me to the second issue with the story.  Liv and Emma are lifelong friends, absolute besties.  The thought that these two would immediately begin backstabbing each other and going to lengths such as tampering with hair dye, spray tans and pregnancy rumors is farfetched, even if we suspend reality for the enjoyment of entertainment.  Wouldn't it have made more sense to have the two of them be frenemies or roommates or something like that, in order to somewhat explain why they went absolutely BSC on each other? 


I know some women hate this movie with a passion, mainly because they feel it makes women in general look petty and unhinged when it comes to getting married.  Look, this is pure entertainment and I hardly take it as a course in reality.  Have you ever seen the show Bridezillas?  There are truly people out there that lose all capacity for reasoning and logic when planning a wedding.


That said,  Bride Wars does have entertaining spots (Kristen Johnston is hilarious in a supporting role) if you look past the plot hole.   I liked  Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada (anything with Meryl Streep is gold) but didn't care for her as much here.  Let me correct that - - her character didn't resonate quite as well with me.   The film overall does have some cute and funny moments and it's not a terrible way to spend two hours of your time. 


Any opinions from those who have seen Bride Wars?