Parents' Guide to Bride Hard

Much like a bridal ensemble, this comedy delivers something borrowed and something blue—plus something fabulously funny, which makes it feel like something new. Think of Bride Hard as Shotgun Wedding meets Bridesmaids: The concept might feel familiar, but the execution is anything but tired. It tosses tradition aside, delivering slapstick, sass, and spectacle.

Director Simon West ties the knot between the high-octane action he's known for and sharp comedy from a talented cast that really says "I do" to the bit. Sam arrives at the wedding without her spy gear, but when she has to jump into action, she cleverly turns items found at a wedding into weapons, creating action sequences that are inventive and outrageous. And the strong comedic actors in the supporting cast (including Da'Vine Joy Randolph as a bridesmaid who can't subdue her own sex appeal, Sherry Cola as Sam's friend at the spy agency, and Colleen Camp as the mother of the groom) pull laughs beyond punchlines: Their side glances, background gags, and under-the-breath mutterings leave room for discovery on a second viewing. The result of this union is a fast-paced romp that proves marrying action with comedy can be a match made in movie heaven.