MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING (1997) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Julia Roberts | Dermot Mulroney

The hosts observe that Julia Roberts' inherent charm and likability are crucial to the film's success. Her character, Julianne, engages in 'despicable' and 'heinous evil' actions to sabotage a wedding, yet the audience still roots for her or at least understands her motivations. This highlights how strong casting can overcome morally ambiguous character writing.

The hosts state, 'I feel like only Julia Roberts could have done this role because like some of the things she's doing is really despicable, but Julia Roberts is so likable that she's able to overpower her horrible actions, you know. So, you still like her anyway.' (21:37) and 'The fact that the movie is able to recover your main character from all of that is remarkable.' (59:24)

Cameron Diaz's character, Kimmy, is portrayed as genuinely kind, thoughtful, welcoming, and without significant flaws. This challenges the typical rom-com trope where the rival love interest is often made unlikable to justify the protagonist's actions. Kimmy's perfection makes Julianne's attempts to sabotage her more morally complex and difficult for the audience.

The hosts note, 'I thought for sure Cameron Diaz was going to turn out to be horrible or something.' (57:17) and 'She's such a nice person and she was so charming and so thoughtful and so welcoming... She wasn't that jealous type that is like threatened, at least not outwardly.' (58:32). They add, 'The only thing you can be angry about is how nice she is. It's just like how annoyingly perfect.' (59:03)

The hosts are surprised by the film's ending, where Julianne does not 'win' the guy and Michael marries Kimmy. This departure from the typical rom-com formula is praised for its realism and impact, making the film more memorable and less predictable.

Jabby states, 'I did not know this was going to be like a tearjerker ending. I thought this was going to be happy cuz they end up like blinking eventually.' (47:47) and Brandon adds, 'I was impressed that the movie went this direction because usually they don't. Usually they'll find a way to make the characters end up together.' (1:04:54)

Rupert Everett's character, George, is identified as the best character in the movie. He consistently provides wise advice, comedic relief, and a moral compass for Julianne, often articulating the audience's own thoughts about her actions.

Brandon says, 'Best character in the movie for me was Stephen.' (56:42) and Jabby clarifies, 'George. Yeah. I mean, he was just delightful. He had all the right lines. He had all the right words of wisdom. He was had very savvy advice. He was charming. He had the he's he he had everyone singing at the restaurant.' (56:46). They also mention, 'He's he's he's constantly consistently the voice of reason throughout the film.' (1:06:14)

The hosts discuss a specific directorial choice during a tense conversation between Michael and Julianne. A specialty lens was used to keep both characters in focus in a two-shot, allowing the audience to simultaneously observe Michael's visible upset and Julianne's real-time reaction and internal conflict as her 'diabolical plan' unfolds.

Brandon explains, 'Instead of giving you one person to focus on, which is what it technically should have been, they used a specialty lens that split the frame so you have them both in focus.' (1:00:57). He continues, 'And it allows you the opportunity to see him getting visibly upset and her in real time kind of like reacting to all of this stuff.' (1:01:13)