Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Forgettable sequel has sex, drinking, stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Beautiful Wedding
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BEAUTIFUL WEDDING—the sequel to Beautiful Disaster—starts the morning after 19-year-old Abby Abernathy (Virginia Gardner) wins six figures at poker but also apparently marries her boyfriend, Travis Maddox (Dylan Sprouse), in Las Vegas. Abby, Travis, his cousin Shep (Austin North), and Abby's best friend America (Libe Barer) are so hungover that they can't remember anything, but they find photos and a marriage license. To both celebrate their "honeymoon" and escape the clutches of vengeful Vegas criminal Benny (Rob Estes), the foursome flee to a private resort in Mexico, where they're greeted by solicitous hotel manager Sancho (Steven Bauer). Abby asks Travis to consider the pros and cons of staying married (and having a post-elopement ceremony and reception) or getting their quickie marriage annulled. Meanwhile, Mer and Shep battle their own disappointing discoveries.
Is It Any Good?
This sequel is neither romantic nor funny; instead, it borders on being culturally insensitive and alpha-male toxic. While the After and Kissing Booth book-to-movie series have proven that there's an audience for edgier, racier-than-YA adaptations, Beautiful Wedding is relatively plotless and once again highlights how possessive the love interest is, even when it's her choice to take off her bikini at a topless beach. And though Sprouse and Gardner have a decent amount of chemistry, the script by writer-director Roger Kumble has them either fighting or falling into bed most of the time.
One of the movie's most eye-rolling aspects is how stereotypically Mexico is depicted. Newlyweds have their honeymoon sex interrupted by a mariachi band playing "La Cucaracha," engage in a lucha libre fight, and visit a deadly rooster fight. Other cringe-inducing elements include two Mexican women who show up only to take off their tops, flirt with, and literally growl at Travis. Ultimately, not much happens in this movie except for unnecessary jealousy and drama to delay the inevitable walk down the aisle (technically for a second time). And in the end, this chaotic sequel is a reminder that sometimes one movie is enough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the representations in Beautiful Wedding. How does the movie depict Mexico and Mexicans? Did you notice any stereotypes?
For those familiar with the book the movie is based on, what did the film change about the plot, characters, and setting? Why do you think the filmmakers made those changes?
The source books have been criticized for glamorizing alpha-male, toxic, and unhealthy behavior toward women. Do you think the movie addressed those issues, or does Travis and Abby's relationship have cause for concern?
The author of the Beautiful book series is controversial due to her extreme political views and potentially offensive commentary on social media. How does an author's personal behavior impact their work? Should a moviegoer be informed that they're supporting a creator they might fundamentally disagree with, or do you think perception of art and artist should remain separate?
Discuss the movie's references to "diversity" and "empowerment," "culturally inappropriate B.S.," and gay relationships? Are those ideas treated as a joke? Why is that problematic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 24, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 13, 2024
- Cast : Dylan Sprouse , Virginia Gardner , Austin North , Libe Barer
- Director : Roger Kumble
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Voltage Pictures
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, nudity, and language throughout
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate