Starring two ’90s favorites in Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder, this is the kind of rom-com we thought would always be drowning in 20 years ago but has largely been in short supply this decade. Alas, we didn’t know how good we had it. Like those much-missed cinematic relics, “Destination Wedding” is built around a pair of likable stars who bounce off one another for a couple of hours, moving from meet-cute to will-they-or-won’t-they to a (probably) happy ending. But unlike most of the ’90s most-loved romance movies, this one features a truly biting sense of humor where the could-be couple’s sparring might actually draw blood. And I’m here for all of it.
When Lindsay (Ryder) and Frank (Reeves) meet at an airport gate, it’s annoyance at first sight. She thinks he’s rude and arrogant, while he finds her annoying and neurotic. But they aren’t just on the same flight: they’re guests at a … destination wedding, causing them to share space on a small plane, the backseat of a car on their way to the venue, and at the event itself. They trade insults, expressing their dislike for everything around them, including each other. However, misery loves company – and maybe, eventually, each other – giving Lindsay and Frank common ground while everyone around them is celebrating in the background.
“Destination Wedding” gets by on the charm of its two stars – and it has to. Other actors are credited on the film, but the movie focuses solely on Ryder’s Lindsay and Reeves’ Frank. No one else gets a line, and we only see them interact with each other in long takes from cinematographer Giorgio Scali, who takes full advantage of the sunlit California wine country and these attractive stars. Most of why the film works is due to the actors and our knowledge of and love for them. Lindsay and Frank are the worst, but the stars bring such charm to their roles that we laugh and keep coming back for more rather than cringe or walk away.
In addition to movies like “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton,” writer-director Victor Levin worked on “Mad About You” and “Mad Men.” “Destination Wedding” combines the sensibilities of those two shows, mixing the blithe back-and-forth of the NBC comedy with the acid of the AMC period drama. The filmmaker really relies on the chemistry between Reeves and Ryder, devoting most of the script to character-building witty banter rather than on real motivation for the romance that grows between Lindsay and Frank. There’s not much in the way of plot, but that’s not what we’re here for. Instead, there’s plenty of literal LOL lines, with Reeves given more dialogue than he’s had in what seems like decades. The patter between the pair is fast and furious, with a real sense of enjoyable mean-spiritedness.
Lindsay and Frank are a bitter pair, who work better as on-screen entertainment than your table mates at a reception. If you only like your love stories on the sweeter side, you might want to stick to the Hallmark Channel. “Destination Wedding” is bitter, bubbly and ultimately refreshing, the Aperol Spritz to your sickly sweet Amaretto Sour. [B-]
