You’re Cordially Invited Review : A wedding chaos that's both sweet and humorous

Story: Jim is horrified to learn that his daughter's wedding venue has been double-booked—with another bride whose wedding is being managed by her sister, Margot. Chaos ensues, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps.

Review: ‘You’re Cordially Invited’ leans heavily on clichés, aiming to pack in as many gags as possible—some landing perfectly, others missing the mark. The film fully embraces its over-the-top style, staying true to its goal of delivering lighthearted entertainment, and for the most part, it succeeds. The story follows Jim (Will Ferrell), a doting father to Jenni, who is initially devastated by her engagement to Oliver (Stony Blyden) but eventually comes to terms with it. Together, they choose the same wedding venue where Jim once married his late wife. However, upon arrival, Jim is horrified to discover that the venue has been double-booked. The other bride, Neve (Meredith Hagner), has her wedding orchestrated by her controlling sister Margot (Reese Witherspoon), a high-powered TV executive. What unfolds is a series of unexpected and hilarious clashes as Jim and Margot go head-to-head, each determined to come out on top.

This comedy delivers laughs through its exploration of family dynamics, blending humour with emotion for a mostly satisfying outcome. Ferrell and Witherspoon turn in strong performances, backed by a solid supporting cast. The battle of wits between Jim and Margot keeps things engaging, though it starts to wear thin as the film drags it out almost to the very end. The climax leans heavily into melodrama, feeling somewhat out of sync with the film’s overall tone. While the dialogues are sharp and cheeky, it’s Ferrell’s impeccable comic timing that truly lands the laughs—something Witherspoon’s character struggles to match.

Will Ferrell shines as Jim, the father of the bride, delivering chuckles with his impeccable comic timing. His goofy antics help salvage the film, though a weak screenplay holds him back from going all out—a missed opportunity given the film’s tone. Reese Witherspoon delivers a solid performance, particularly in the early scenes where she embodies a commanding TV executive. She effectively portrays the disconnect between her character and her family due to her professional success. Geraldine Viswanathan gets a sizable role as Jenni, but it lacks depth. Surprisingly, it’s Witherspoon’s on-screen siblings—Rory Scovel as Colton and Leanne Morgan as Gwyneth—who bring the most laughs, offering strong comedic support to Ferrell. Director Nicholas Stoller maintains a steady balance between humour and emotion, ensuring the film retains its casual and relaxed tone.

‘You’re Cordially Invited’ had the potential to be a standout comedy, and a stronger embrace of slapstick could have elevated its humour. While the crocodile sequence isn’t particularly hilarious, it still manages to amuse. The film takes an emotional turn in the climax when Jenni leaves the wedding venue, prompting Margot’s family to join Jim to bring her back—a moment that adds some depth, even if it feels somewhat predictable. Despite its messy and imperfect execution, the film remains an easy, lighthearted watch that delivers on its primary goal: entertainment. Its charm lies in its willingness to be playful and unpolished, making for an enjoyable, if not entirely memorable, viewing experience.