Four Weddings and a Funeral - R

Sexy, funny, British romantic comedy at its finest.

Rating: R for language, and for some sexuality. Studio: Providence Entertainment Directed By: Mike Newell Cast: Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell Running Time: 117 minutes Release Date: 03/09/1994 Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents should know that this film revolves around the (dys)functional relationships of a man and his single, married, gay, and straight friends. It shows incidents of casual sex and somewhat graphically depicts and describes sexual relationships. Even though comedic, many women are negatively portrayed as emotionally unstable, dependent, and dying to marry. The film also includes a string of profanities as the hero--Charles--responds to his inability to attend events in a timely manner. His foul language seems funny and endearing, rather than problematic.

Families who do watch this movie may want to discuss emotinal commitment issues and what dating is really like.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kelly Kessler

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL chronicles the tale of the roundabout--and seemingly fated--courtship of Charles (Hugh Grant) and Carrie (Andie MacDowell). The story examines the need for finding love and the challenge of keeping love. Set in various weddings of friends and acquaintances, the film frames Charles's lackluster love life through the romantic (and sometimes tragic) celebrations of others. Always a groomsman and never a groom, he habitually disrupts the ceremonies through his lateness, irresponsibility, and all around bad luck. Ultimately, Charles must make tough decisions about what he thinks he should want and what he truly desires.

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL marks one of the early high points in Hugh Grant's romantic comedy oeuvre. As in films such as Notting Hill and Two Weeks Notice, he portrays an irresistible flake with the perfect amount of English sheepishness. The film includes stellar supporting performances from Simon Callow (A Room With a View, Shakespeare in Love, Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient) and Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean, Johnny English). Overall, the film sports a fantastic supporting cast. Like many Grant romantic comedies, the limelight is generously shared with a bevy of quirky supporting actors. FOUR WEDDINGS AND FUNERAL is a fine example of English romantic comedy.

Families who enjoy farcical romantic comedies will also like Bridget Jones' Diary, About a Boy, and High Fidelity.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Repeated sexual banter, extended scene of someone trapped in a room while two people have loud and goofy sex, indiscriminate sex, and drunken lasciviousness.
Violence No violence except an occasional slap on the face by a scorned woman.
Language Not much, but starts off with "f--k" early (and frequently, in that scene).
Message
	Social Behavior Although this film does show the pains of a man who cannot maintain a meaningful relationship, as well as a touching gay relationship, it also depicts many people who enter into sex lightly.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Much drinking at wedding receptions which leads to outlandish behavior and sexual escapades.