The wedding bells are ringing, but so are the alarm bells in the latest comedy “You’re Cordially Invited,” starring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon. Directed by Nicholas Stoller (Neighbors, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), the film attempts to revive the now-rare big-screen comedy, blending elements of classic wedding films like Father of the Bride and Wedding Crashers with a fresh dose of chaos.
Two Weddings, One Venue, and a Whole Lot of Trouble
Premiering exclusively on Prime Video, You’re Cordially Invited introduces Jim (Will Ferrell), a devoted single father, and Margot (Reese Witherspoon), a high-powered reality TV executive. Jim, still grieving his late wife, is overly attached to his daughter, Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan), who returns home engaged to her fiancé (Stony Blyden). Determined to create the perfect wedding for Jenni, Jim books a venue on a remote Georgia island, where he once shared memories with his wife.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Margot struggles with family tensions, particularly with her judgmental mother (Celia Weston) and her younger sister (Meredith Hagner), who is also planning a wedding. Margot decides to take full control of her sister’s big day, determined to prove herself in the process.
However, when both wedding parties arrive on the island, a booking mishap turns their celebrations into an unexpected showdown. Due to the untimely death of the inn’s owner, the venue has been double-booked, forcing Jim and Margot to either share the location—or go to war.
Comedy and Chaos Ensue
At first, the two reluctant co-hosts attempt to make peace, but their clashing personalities quickly escalate into all-out sabotage. Jim, the doting and slightly clueless dad, finds himself pitted against Margot, the fierce and overachieving sister. The rival wedding groups—Jim’s Southern family and Margot’s cosmopolitan crowd—add to the mix, leading to laugh-out-loud moments, culture clashes, and unexpected friendships.
Jack McBrayer (as the venue’s apologetic new manager) delivers an endearing performance, while a star-studded supporting cast—including Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Rory Scovel, Leanne Morgan, Peyton Manning, and Nick Jonas (in a hilarious pastor cameo)—keeps the energy high.
A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Romp
While You’re Cordially Invited aims to capture the spirit of early 2000s comedies, it occasionally struggles with pacing. The film’s biggest flaw lies in its predictable plot, as every twist feels engineered to serve its central wedding feud. Unlike Stoller’s best works, which allow humor to arise organically, much of the film’s conflict feels contrived rather than naturally evolving.
That said, Ferrell delivers his signature brand of lovable, clueless dad comedy, channeling his past roles from Saturday Night Live to Daddy’s Home. Meanwhile, Witherspoon brings her usual charm, anchoring the film’s emotional core. One of the more surprising elements is its emphasis on family dynamics, shifting focus away from over-the-top wedding hijinks to exploring themes of honesty and personal growth.
Final Verdict
While not quite on par with Ferrell’s Wedding Crashers or Witherspoon’s Legally Blonde, You’re Cordially Invited is a fun, feel-good comedy that offers enough laughs to justify an RSVP. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, star-studded escape, this Prime Video exclusive is worth the watch—just don’t expect a cinematic masterpiece.Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
You’re Cordially Invited is rated R for language and some sexual references. The film runs 109 minutes and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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- Paraluman P. Funtanilla#molongui-disabled-link
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla#molongui-disabled-link
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