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Amazon.co.uk Review
When it was released in 1994 Four Weddings and a Funeral quickly became a huge international success, pulling in the kind of audiences most British films only dream of. It's proof that sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. In terms of plot, the title pretty much says it all. Revolving around… well, four weddings and a funeral (though not in that order), the film follows Hugh Grant's confirmed bachelor Charles as he falls for visiting American Carrie (Andy McDowell), whom he keeps bumping into at various functions.
But with this most basic of premises, screenwriter Richard Curtis has crafted a moving and thoughtful comedy about the perils of singledom and that ever-elusive search for true love. In the wrong hands, it could have been a horribly schmaltzy affair, but Curtis' script--crammed with great one-liners and beautifully judged characterisations--keeps things sharp and snappy, harking back to the sparkling Hollywood romantic comedies of the 1930s and 1940s. The supporting cast, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Simon Callow and Rowan Atkinson (who starred in the Curtis-scripted television show Blackadder) is first rate, at times almost too good--John Hannah's rendition of WH Auden's poem "Funeral Blues" over the coffin of his lover is so moving you think the film will struggle to re-establish its ineffably buoyant mood. But it does, thanks in no small part to Hugh Grant as the bumbling Charles (whose star-making performance compensates for a less-than-dazzling Andie MacDowell). Though it's hardly the fault of Curtis and his team, the success of the Four Weddings did have its downside, triggering a rash of inferior British romantic comedies. In fact, we had to wait until 1999's Notting Hill for another UK film to match its winning charm (scripted, again, by Curtis and also starring Grant). --Edward Lawrenson
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Four Weddings and a Funeral is an extremely funny film. If the opening sequence doesn't make you laugh, nothing will. And conversely, if Matthew's moving rendition of W. H. Auden's "Stop all the clocks. . ." poem doesn't leave you close to tears, then you must be truly hard-hearted. Unfortunately though, what could have been an excellent comedy has a major flaw.
Charles (Hugh Grant) is a likeable chap whose friends are all getting married, leaving him as a sort of perpetual Best Man. Then American Carrie (Andie MacDowell) enters the picture and causes Charles to reassess his thoughts on marriage. Grant has charisma in spades, but sadly MacDowell does not. In fact, she is perhaps one of the least charismatic actresses ever. Not only that, but the limit of her acting ability seems to be a toothpaste-advertisement-style smile. Fortunately the casting of Charles's motley collection of single friends is excellent, and one can't help thinking he would be better off marrying one of them.
The film is almost fly-on-the-wall in its style, which gives it realism and allows it to explore the relationships within the group of friends on an intimate and everyday level. Hence the subtle humour works better than, for example, Rowan Atkinson's very obvious laugh-line attempts as a preacher with a penchant for Spoonerisms.
As one character notes, weddings have a habit of blending together in the memory and the director has played on this, creating four weddings that are visually similar and yet distinct. And of one of them is particularly memorable for the fact that it doesn't actually include a marriage ceremony. At its conclusion the film shows that whilst marriage is a noble institution, it is not for everybody.
29 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
If you're wanting to buy 4 Weddings on DVD, my advice is buy this one. The picture has been remastered to a level which I didn't think was possible when viewing the old release - extremely impressive. Also the sound has been remastered in 5.1, which although doesn't exploit the rear speakers a lot is a DEFINITE improvement over the vanilla.
The extras, too, are impressive. You get an interesting group commentary by director Newell, Producer Kenworthy and writer Curtis. Also included are; 2 documentaries, TV promotions, good deleted scenes etc. There's also the short featurette which appeared on the original DVD - so you're not missing out by upgrading.
Because DVDs can be bought so cheaply nowadays, my advice is to spend the extra pound or two and buy this - it's worth a thousand more than the old release.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
Firstly i love this film and the film is a great 5 star treat. However if you are like me and looking to replace a DVD version you would like to know more about the transfer.If you buy this blu-ray import not only will you get a 1.33 version cutting off a great deal of the picture which was shot on 1.88 ratio. As the picture has been zoomed in it suffers from being grainy, and I can not believe in this day and age anyone would still be cropping pictures to fit a 4.3 screen?.Also no DTS just standard 5.1 sound. My advise is just wait for a UK release, sometimes imports can be good, and I am very surprised no one else has mention this transfer being not good.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent Blu-ray transfer
There's a nice improvement over the previous special edition DVD here. The picture is sharp & sound very good too. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Robert
Hugh Grant at his best
Still remains my favourite British comedy ever. The quality of the cast and wit are second to none. Sad, happy, funny, a little something for everyone. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Sham Mustafa
That This Was Nominated for a Best Picture Oscar Shows Just How...
***SPOILERS UNAVOIDABLE***
If you're a budding Anglophile then you're liable to fall for this charmless and, quite frankly, mean-spirited film. Read more
If you're a budding Anglophile then you're liable to fall for this charmless and, quite frankly, mean-spirited film. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Glovely
Great Film Shame about the Blu-Ray Transfer.
I have given this Blu-Ray three stars because it is an entertaining film. The blu-ray transfer itself however is ruined by the fact that there is a "hair" in the frame for the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by J. Cooke
A film that became a classic
Very good script and appropriate musical score. To watch it again and again. The perfect cast performing on a simple but well written story
Published 2 months ago by Ted
British Romantic Gem
Four weddings And A Funeral follows a single man called Charlie (Hugh Grant) and his experiences of love at four weddings and then a funeral. Read more
Published 2 months ago by movie maniac
Well-Loved Film Is Well Worth Having
"Four Weddings and a Funeral," (1994) a British romantic comedy/drama, caused something of a sensation upon its release. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Stephanie DePue
Funnier At The Time
Nice to see this old (18 years!) comedy get a rework on to Blu-Ray and the publishers have done a reasonable job, good picture and sound. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Northern Warrior
"...Damn Fine Filly..."
*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE FEBRUARY 2012 'BLU RAY' REISSUE ***
I recently reviewed the BLU RAY reissue of "Love Actually" - commenting on how beautiful the picture... Read more
I recently reviewed the BLU RAY reissue of "Love Actually" - commenting on how beautiful the picture... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mark Barry, Reckless Records, London
Bargin
Bargin DVD and a great nostalgic film.
Really good quality considering it was second hand and speedy postage.
Great purchase for a good price.
Really good quality considering it was second hand and speedy postage.
Great purchase for a good price.
Published 4 months ago by stickle vix
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