Tag: meredith hagner

YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED – Review

Margot (Reese Witherspoon) and Jim (Will Ferrell) in YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson/Prime Video

Now that we’re shaking off the ice and snow (at least for a few days), is it too early to think about weddings, or even movie weddings? Sure, they’re always a ripe setting for romance and drama, though for the last couple of decades, it’s proven to be a perfect backdrop for comedy, from the FATHER OF THE BRIDE reboots to BRIDE WARS, the BEST MAN series, and, of course, BRIDESMAIDS. which often concern the ceremony itself and the long “prep”. Well, for this new flick we get two wedding parties, but the big focus isn’t on the couple, but rather on two relatives of the brides. And it’s the first pairing of two movie comedy vets. It’s a rare mix of a “rom-com” icon and a fellow from the slapstick “fratboy” genre. Hmmm, it seemed to work when Adam Sandler teamed with Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Aniston for several movies. Now audiences can find out if this duo generates some sparks and laughs as their fans get word that YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED.


We first meet the male half of this new comic “power couple” as Jim (Will Ferrell) prepares his cozy cottage for a visit from his only child, his adored (now graduated from college) daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan). He has taken pride in his role of “girl dad” since the passing of his wife several years ago (even baking a welcome cake and cookies). His “snuggle-bug” finally arrives, though she’s brought along her old pal Oliver (Stony Blyden). But that’s not the biggest surprise: the two are engaged. Once Jim regains his senses he insists on booking the spot where he was married, a quaint little resort off the Georgia coast, Palmetto Island. The resort’s elderly matriarch takes his call and says she’ll pencil them in on the first weekend in June. And no need for a credit card number, he’s considered family. All is set, until fate steps in. Meanwhile, in LA, TV producer Margot (Reese Witherspoon) gets an unexpected visit from her much-loved “kid sister” Neve (Meredith Hanger). She then stuns Margot with her engagement news to hunky Dixson (Jimmy Tatro). Neve’s rather nervous since no one else in the family knows that Dixon’s an “exotic dancer” and that she’s already pregnant. Although Margot’s estranged from their straight=laced judgemental mother and their siblings, she’ll plan the nuptials, which will take place near the home of their much-missed Grandma, the same Palmetto Isle, in June, natch’. It turns out that a major management ‘shake-up” at the resort took place between Jim and Margot’s reservation calls. The arrival of both wedding parties to the island is just the start of the comedy chaos, which becomes more complicated when the new manager Leslie (Jack McBrayer) begrudgingly agrees to host both over that sunny weekend (though he insists that the facilities only have the space of one wedding). Ah, but what could go wrong? Well, with ‘big sis” Margot and “big daddy” Jim trying to make everything perfect, what do you think?

Oh, this unorthodox pairing works surprisingly well thanks to the welcome comedy return of Ms. Witherspoon after spending much of the last few years on some dramatic streaming shows (limited and series). She gives Margot an aggressive but still engaging “take charge” quality which explains her success with some insipid-looking reality/game shows (“Is It Dead?”). Plus she’s a passionate “mama bear’ to her “lil’ sis” despite her resentment toward their other “kin”. Witherspoon gives us access to the hurt, but driven Margot. Plus, she’s always a perfect “straight-woman” to Ferrell’s passive-aggressive, too “in touch with his feelings” Jim, tapping into the “softer”, less” in your face” roles in the DADDY’S HOME flicks and GET HARD (not to mention the hysterical Lifetime parody “A Deadly Adoption”). Ferrell also adds a funny exasperation to his delivery as his plans begin to collapse while dealing with the “generation gap’ of Jinni’s pals. But he’s also adept at physical schtick whether Jim is styling hair, crooning an inappropriate pop tune, or wrestling a gator. Their brides also give terrific comedy performances. Viswanathan literally throws herself into the role of Jinni, a nice follow-up to her work last year in the quirky DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS ( and “stealing” BLOCKERS), enduring lots of ‘bonkers brutality” (get her some “combat pay”) or just rolling her eyes at her papa. And Sanger rebounds from the dopey VACATION FRIENDS flicks, making Neve a strong comic partner to Margot, while not allowing herself to be pushed around as she valiantly tries to “hide that bump”. The film also benefits from some terrific vets of stand-up comedy, specifically Leanne Morgan as the “no filter’ sister Gwyneth and Rory Scovel as clueless bro Colton. Unfortunately the wonderful Fortune Feimster is given little to do as the resort’s “boat captain”, though McBrayer is very funny as the prim and proper Leslie as is Keyla Monterroso Mejia as Jinni “hard-partying” maid of honor.


They’re all “clicking” under the guidance of another comedy movie vet, writer/director Nicholas Stoller, bouncing back from BROS after scoring with the NEIGHBORS flicks. He keeps the film running along at a brisk pace, although it feels a bit worn by its 109-minute runtime. perhaps some of the family angst, especially with Margot’s family dynamics, could’ve been trimmed along with the operatic warbling on the soundtrack. But on the plus, Stoller squeezes in some choice satiric jabs at over-produced TV, the “artistry” of DJ-ing, and social media “buzzwords’ (nice they clear up the overuse of “gaslight”). And Stoller doesn’t allow the comic cast to go too “over the top”, though the “gator ‘razzling” (it’s on the poster) seems to be from a more cartoonish Ferrell flick form a dozen years ago. And many of the “misunderstandings’ are too “telegraphed” to have real impact, other than to generate more conflict and calamity. But the resort locale is quite lovely, adding to the baffling decision not to send this out to the multiplex (the same thing happened with several Amazon movies last year). That’s not up for debate, as the streamers hope to lure lots of new subscribers with the welcoming main title phrasing of YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED.

3 Out of 4

YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED is now streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video

VACATION FRIENDS 2 – Review

So, is it too late for a quick “vacay”? Sure, most of the schools are back in session, but since Labor Day is only next weekend, why not? And how about bringing along that wild and crazy couple you met a couple of years ago? Well, that could be trouble, though the main character in this comedy sequel believes he has everything under control. Yeah…right. So just what kind of chaos awaits in the Carribean for that quirky quartet (actually a sextet this time) in VACATION FRIENDS 2? Aside from lots of frequent flyer miles, of course.


This farce actually begins in an airport terminal as Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and his wife Emily (Yvonne Orji) leave their plane from Chicago to get their connecting flight to the Caribbean. Oh, and they’re meeting up with the wild and wacky Ron (John Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hanger). And they’re bringing along baby Marcus with his new “manny”, former hotel staffer Maurillio (Carlos Santos). All seems to be going smoothly with Marcus’ master plan. They’re all staying in a plush suite in a fancy resort run by a Korean company. Ron and his crew have a return flight after five days, as they believe that Marcus and Emily need some “alone time” to work on their own offspring. Aha! Marcus just needs them gone in order to meet with the reps from the hotel and get a construction contract for their new deluxe resort in the Windy City. And once they land, all is well until Marcus spots the company reps led by the snippy Yeon (Ronny Chieng) near the pool. It turns out that their boss, Mrs. Kim, needs to push up the meeting…to the day after tomorrow. Marcus thinks he can control his pals at a big “get-together” that evening. And then there’s a “party crasher”…Kyla’s widowed papa Reese (Steve Buscemi), just sprung from San Quentin. Whoa! What was he doing there? And what is he doing here? Of course, he’s getting the foursome into lots of trouble in a search for missing drug loot. Certainly everything can be resolved before the big sales pitch meeting. Oh, that optimistic Marcus…

Oh, and he’s a constant “straight man” in this follow-up once more, squandering the sharp comedic talent of Mr. Howery, who deserves to be more than just the literal “butt” of so many silly slapstick gags (as in makes me want to…). When will his skills match the material, ala’ GET OUT? And Cena is the affable “lunkhead”, though not as aggressively dim as the Peacemaker of the DCEU. Yes, he’s giving every dopey punchline more energy than they deserve, but the character is less focused this time. Speaking of energy, Ms. Hanger’s enthusiastic reciting of flat jokes could power a small town. Such dedication is to be rewarded, but her efforts can’t make the abrasive Kyla more tolerable as she displays almost no impulse control. Who’d want to be anywhere near this offensive potty-mouthed “party girl”? Escaping with some dignity is the dazzling Orji, who is given a rather tepid subplot as she constantly reprimands her hubby. Santos is also putting his best foot forward, though his Maurillio seems wildly out of place as he tends to the baby while looking to “score”. As for the VF “newbies”, Chieng is a sneering boorish foe for Marcus, channeling lots of his surly mojo from his role in M3GAN. And the superb character actor Buscemi is under-utilized as the skeevy conman who is used to “break down” Ron’s sunny persona. His Reese’s main mission is to bring in the explosive mayhem.

Well, at least the locales are pretty, with Hawaii subbing for the Caribbean. For this trip, returning director Clay Tarver worked on the script solo. There’s the old expression about “too many cooks”, well this script “stew” cries out for a few more chiefs. The comic set pieces just fall flat and quickly devolve into shouting matches with jump cuts to try and ‘sell” the manic frenzy, all abetted by a music score that tries hard to be amusing. I’ll admit to a couple of mildly entertaining “bits” in the first installment, but the cliches and clunky dialogue (who talks like Kyla) just make this an endurance test for your patience. So, for the love of movies will someone confiscate their passport to prevent a “hat trick” after the vapid VACATION FRIENDS 2?

.5 Out of 4

VACATION FRIENDS 2 is now streaming exclusively on Hulu

VACATION FRIENDS – Review

So, aside from the upcoming three-day holiday weekend, you’re ready to get your nose back on the ole’ grindstone, set aside those getaway pictures, and settle back into the colder months on the job or at school, or maybe both. Right? Well, this weekend’s new comedy doesn’t think that the outta’ town (or country) fun is quite over. It’s an exploration and for some of us (I’ll admit it) an explanation of the two-word catchphrase for the acquaintances you start while enjoying a recess from your regular life. And if they wouldn’t mesh with your friends back home, well, as that ad line says, “What happens (or who you hang with) in Vegas (or anyplace), stays in (that place)”. Of course, that’s not the case with this comic quartet of VACATION FRIENDS.

Hard-working Chicago construction company owner Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) is really psyched about the Mexico getaway with longtime girlfriend Emily (Yvonne Orji). Ah, but more than rest and relaxation is on his mind. Marcus is planning on proposing to Emily once they arrive at their four-star spa/resort. Now, the ride from the airport should’ve been a harbinger of things to come. Actually, that hint was the view as they observed a muscle-bound doofus driving a jet ski, recklessly speeding atop the water, while a blonde bimbo hangs on with one arm around his “eight pack” and the other arm working a vape device no doubt filled with local “herbs”. And yes, things go rapidly downhill as their booked room is utterly trashed due to a leaky ceiling. Heading back to the lobby and finding out that no other rooms are available, Marcus forges ahead with his plan and drops to one knee. A nearby couple is stunned by the site. After the “Yes!!”, Ron (John Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hagner) introduce themselves and impulsively invite the newly engaged couple to share their massive presidential suite. After some hesitation, Marcus reluctantly agrees and the two couples become “tied at the hip” “vacay pals” over the next few days. The quartet over-indulges in all manner of legal and illegal substances leading to a cliffside beach wedding ritual presided over by a local shaman, with Ron drafted as Best Man. Then things get even weirder and wilder hastening a quick return to the states. But not after Marcus promises to invite their new BFFs to their Atlanta wedding later. Cut to actually seven months later as a nervous Marcus tries to make amends with Emily’s wealthy family (they can’t stand him) at a pre-wedding dinner at her pop’s swanky country club. But the festivities are halted when a truck crashes through the fence. Surprise, it’s Ron and Kyla! Oh, and their unannounced destructive arrival is just the first of many shocks and surprises in store over the weekend for the already stressed-out Marcus.

The biggest “draw” for this flick is probably the busiest actor this past movie season (should we dub him “Mr. Summer 2021), John Cena as the aggressively gregarious knuckleheaded Ron. Yup, he’s a big doofus, but thankfully not a heavily armed and dangerous one like his last role as “The Peacemaker” in THE SUICIDE SQUAD. Cena plays him with the sweet-natured enthusiasm of an un-housebroken puppy. Even as the script hits a clunky, Cena attacks it with a grinning zeal. His energy level is matched by bouncy and blonde Hagner who imbues Kyla, often an annoying and abrasive “woo” girl, with a kind heart, though she’s really running her relationship (equal parts sweet and tough). And when Hagner puts on her “pout”, you know that some serious you-know-what’s goin’ down. And much of that’s directed at Marcus, who’s given an everyman attitude by Howery, though more sober and stoic than his Buddy in the big hit FREE GUY. Yes, he’s the straightest of straight men, but Howery still gets to deliver some scathing “burns’ almost under his breath. All this makes his gradual descent into explosive meltdowns truly epic. Plus there’s believable chemistry with his partner, Orji, as the incredibly patient and understanding Emily. She’s a staple partner for the often timid Marcus as she gently nudges him into action.

It’s quite an appealing foursome, so it’s tragic that they aren’t given stronger material. The cobbled-together script, credited to five, really, five writers lurches from one tired set-up and premise in search of THE HANGOVER style belly-laughs. Or at least a knowing chuckle at painfully awkward wedding situations. But it’s far removed from that trilogy, or even the MEET THE PARENTS flicks. Most of the supporting players in the wedding party are cardboard cliches (just why did Marcus punch Emily’s brother and when is the jerk gonna’ get over it). Cena’s destructive stunts have little repercussions (much as his role in F9 a couple of months ago), and many of his comic antics make little sense (the golf game fiasco). And please, Mr. Howery let’s avoid any more “tripping out” scenes for a while. In BAD TRIP he hallucinated in a grocery store and here he does the same during a “fox search” (don’t ask) and deals with an animal puppet that wouldn’t scare a toddler. It was an interesting idea to do a racial “flip” (in past films the minority couple would loosen up the stiff uptight white folks), but the concept wears thin as the film stumbles along to the happy (I was ecstatic it was over) fade-out. First-time feature director Clay Tarver does his best to let the jokes flow, but most of them don’t “stick the landing”. You just may need another “vacay” after spending time with these VACATION FRIENDS.

1 Out of 4

VACATION FRIENDS streams exclusively on Hulu beginning on Friday, August 27, 2021

Watch The NSFW Red-Band Trailer For VACATION FRIENDS Stars John Cena And Lil Rel Howery

The brand new trailer and poster are here for 20th Century Studios’ “Vacation Friends,” debuting August 27 streaming globally as a Hulu Original in the U.S. and a Star Original on Star on Disney+ in select international markets. The film stars John Cena (“F9,” “The Suicide Squad”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out,”  “Judas and the Black Messiah”), Yvonne Orji (“Insecure,” “Night School”), Meredith Hagner (“Search Party,” “Palm Springs”), Robert Wisdom (“The Alienist,” “Ballers”), Andrew Bachelor (“The Babysitter,” “Holidate”) and Lynn Whitfield (“Greenleaf,” “Madea’s Family Reunion”).

“Vacation Friends” is 20th Century Studios’ first film to have a global release on the Hulu and Disney+ streaming platforms.

In this raw and raunchy comedy, straight-laced Marcus and Emily (Howery, Orji) are befriended by wild, thrill-seeking partiers Ron and Kyla (Cena, Hagner) at a resort in Mexico.  Living in the moment, the usually level-headed couple lets loose to enjoy a week of uninhibited fun and debauchery with their new “vacation friends.” Months after their walk on the wild side, Marcus and Emily are horrified when Ron and Kyla show up uninvited at their wedding, creating chaos and proving that what happens on vacation, doesn’t necessarily stay on vacation.

Directed by Clay Tarver (“Silicon Valley”), “Vacation Friends” was written by Tom Mullen & Tim Mullen and Clay Tarver and Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley.  The producers are Todd Garner (“Tag,” “Playing with Fire”) and Timothy M. Bourne (“Love, Simon,” “The Hate U Give”), with Steve Pink and Sean Robins serving as executive producers.

The film will also be available in Latin America as part of the new Star+ direct-to-consumer service launching on August 31st in the region.

(L-R): Lil Rel Howery as Marcus, Meredith Hagner as Kyla, John Cena as Ron and Yvonne Orji as Emily in 20th Century Studios’ VACATION FRIENDS, exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2021 20th Century Studios.  All Rights Reserved.