Classics: A Review of The Wedding Singer By Lauren Ennis

Even as the winter winds blow hearts everywhere are set aglow, signaling that Valentine's Day is upon us once again. In keeping with the holiday, this week I'll be turning the spotlight on one of modern cinema's most endearing and entertaining romantic comedies; 1998's The Wedding Singer. This joyride through 1980's New Jersey offers first class comedy while relating a love story that is sweeter than a box of drugstore candy. Warm your heart on a cold winter's night this Valentine's Day and curl up with The Wedding Singer.

The story begins with small town wedding singer Robbie Hart preparing for his impending nuptials. His dreams of marital bliss are quickly dashed, however, when his fiancée leaves him jilted at the altar. Despite his best efforts he spirals into a depression that threatens to end his career until his co-worker, Julia, enlists him to help her plan her wedding. As the planning gets underway it becomes obvious to everyone except them that the pair are perfect for each other. When he learns that Julia's fiancée is unfaithful, Robbie becomes determined to tell her how he really feels. It's then up to Robbie and his friends to stop the wedding and save the day.

The Wedding Singer is that rarest of films; a romantic comedy that evokes laughter and sentiment in equal measure. While the film delivers plenty of Adam Sandler's signature slapstick it infuses even its most absurd moments with an unexpected tenderness and sincerity. Similarly, the film aptly balances the racy humor typical of the genre with the essential wholesomeness of its leading couple. Although the characters showcase outrageous behavior, the emotions and situations that they are coping with are all too familiar. As a result, viewers will be hard pressed not to root for Robbie and Julia finding their happy ending regardless of what shenanigans they face along the way. As an additional bonus the film also makes the most of its 1985 setting by paying loving homage to all things '80's to uproarious effect. For a romantic comedy that is certain to have you laughing and get your toes tapping hit the dance floor with Robbie and Julia in The Wedding Singer.

The film transports viewers back to the awesome '80's thanks to the work of its cast. Angela Featherstone is the ultimate 80's bad girl as Robbie's equal parts sultry and selfish fiancée, Linda. Matthew Glave would fit right in on Gordon Gekko's Wall Street as Julia's philandering stock broker fiancée, Glenn. Allen Covert is riotous in his macho turn as Robbie's best friend, limo driver Sammy. Alexis Arquette nearly steals the show as Robbie's Boy George obsessed backup singer, George. Christine Taylor infuses her role as Julia's sexy cousin, Holly, with a humor and charm that is nothing short of infectious. Drew Barrymore sheds her wild child persona and exudes girl next door wholesomeness in her beguiling turn as Julia. Adam Sandler lends what is arguably is best performance as loveable but lovelorn Robbie. Together the two form one of modern cinema's most endearing couples, showcasing a sparkling chemistry that lights up the screen.

The Wedding Singer contains all the romance of a wedding ceremony and the fun of the reception party. The by turns hilarious and heartfelt script and expert comedic performances is guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts. For a romantic comedy to grow old with join Robbie and Julia in The Wedding Singer.

And that is what they call 'church tongue'