Damn Those Wedding Bells

"Wedding Bells" follows the uproar in an Italian family that is triggered by the preparations for the daughter's wedding. Meanwhile, the girl's brothers have romantic tempests of their own. The eldest son, played by Tony Calabretta, is pitted against his Mother, played by Linda Sorenson (two time Genie award winner), in an on-going battle for control of Anthony's love life. The presence of Geraldine Doucet among them strengthens an already strong cast. Director Sean Sandler, who recently won the American Film Award for Best Feature Film, mixes different media to create a new experience. The infusion of theater and film clips, short spoofs that depicted Anthony's fantasies on a lowered screen, brings innovation to a somewhat tired scene. The set was meticulously detailed thanks to Jean-Claude Olivier, costuming was by Anthony Braithwaite and lighting by Kathryn Cleveland. All this talent together provided a seamless existence to hang one's suspended disbelief. Unfortunately, this reviewer was not so drawn in to the 'lovable Italian family' motif. The heavy-handed 'feel good sit-com' take did nothing to engage my love of drama but the rest of the audience was having a great time. Go when you are in the mood for a good laugh and over-the-top antics with slap stick echoes.