A FILM TO MAKE YOU FORGET DODGEBALL EVER HAPPENED

By: B -- 7/25/05

Wedding Crashers marks Vince Vaughn’s continuance in basically playing himself in films, and I for one couldn’t be happier. In Crashers Vaughn is as close to perfect as he’s ever been, and here’s the better news: for the first time in a while, he chose a film that could have succeeded even without him.

Crashers boasts a sharp script, subtle directing and strong all-around acting, but the added presence of Vaughn catapulted Crashers into the funniest comedy I’ve seen this year. I haven’t yet decided if Crashers is as funny as Old School (I’ll have to see it at least one more time) but it’s certainly a better film overall.

In Crashers, Wilson and Vaughn play best pals who spend their summers crashing weddings to score single women. Wilson, the crasher with a half-soul, falls for a girl at a wedding (Rachel McAdams) and drags a bitter Vaughn along for a weekend trip with the girl’s family (including the father, played by Christopher Walken).

Hilarity ensues, mostly due to the tack-sharp dialogue between the two stars. Vaughn is all attitude and bravado, a commanding presence in every one of his scenes. Wilson offsets his negativity with an unabashed charm. Each actor has played his role numerous times before, but their comedic knack and had-to-be-improvised bickering gave their characters a unique spin.

To me, what set Crashers apart from the other comedies starring this regime (Vaughn, Wilson, Ferrell, Stiller, etc) was the bona-fide quality filmmaking. While at times over-the-top and crude, at the core of this film is a genuine romantic comedy.

The storyline is engaging (though the third act rather falls apart), the beach scenes visually impressive and the performances spot-on. Vaughn is amazing, Wilson is amazing, McAdams is amazing. Walken is… well, less creepy than usual, which is amazing in its own right. Even the soundtrack is great, featuring songs from Bloc Party, The Flaming Lips and Rilo Kiley.

David Dobkin’s subtle direction is also a highlight, especially with a sweet first act montage using a remix of “Shout.” It equally sets the tone and fills in the back story, and is easily the best part of the film.

Wedding Crashers is by no means flawless -- the third act is so-so at best -- but the strong story and top-notch performances make for a winner. Highly recommended.

POP RATING: 9

CRITICAL RATING: 7

B'S RATING: 8

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