Mother of the Bride is yet another easy going, harmless romantic comedy. That’s the issue, this film is so relaxed in its execution, it never even considers taking a risk. Flawed with mediocrity, this Netflix original isn’t going to win anyone over that is seeking even an ounce of rom-com originality. 

 

After hiding her relationship from her mother, Emma can’t hide it any longer after she becomes engaged. Emma, a social media influencer has everything prepared for her - nothing at the event isn’t a sponsorship of some kind. The bride-to-be’s mother, Lana is shocked and disgusted by the lack of her daughter’s personal touches on the upcoming proceedings. Not to mention, Emma’s fiancé happens to be the son of Will, the one that got away from a younger Lana. Naturally the parents must make amends and come to terms with their feelings to make this upcoming ceremony what dreams are made of. 

 

Brooke Shields is the titular mother of the bride and she unfortunately achieves being the least interesting component in the film. Benjamin Bratt as Will provides a much needed charm that the film is missing when the mother, daughter duo are sharing space. Miranda Cosgrove as Emma isn’t a bad choice, but she lacks any sincerity when she speaks to her mother. Sean Teale as RJ delivers similar levels of charm to his on-screen father and you completely understand in the minimal time we have with him, why Emma is so infatuated with him. Also it’s worth mentioning that the early 00s heartthrob Chad Michael Murray (Freaky Friday, A Cinderella Story) inexplicably appears in the film as Lana’s possible love interest and he pulses with charisma, something that is ever so lacking from our lead. 

 

The film attempts to implement a modern touch to the narrative with the influencer being a large focal point. Sadly, this idea starts to grind almost instantly, lacking any real depth beyond “that’ll be good for the brand” or “gotta keep the sponsors happy”. Surrounding these notes of irritation are common cliches of the genre being thrown in for good measure. This is the definition of a movie made by the standards of an algorithm.  

 

Mark Waters is a director best known for the absolute classic, Mean Girls but sadly after that his career quality plummeted. Mother of the Bride is certainly not the worst effort from Waters, that honor going to the horrific Vampire Academy, it’s just earns the honor of being a muted rom-com experience.