Nobody does a romantic comedy quite like Gary Marshall. The man has literally created a name for himself as one of the few men who can make you cry while making female-centric stories that are supposed to be comedies. Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries, and of course, Runaway Bride are just a few of these examples. Runaway Bride is unique, it reunited Richard Gere and Julia Roberts together under Marshall’s direction, for another go at their classic romantic antics!
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The Movie Review
Runaway Bride follows the romantic escapades of Maggie Carpenter, a woman notorious for leaving numerous grooms at the altar. When cynical journalist Ike Graham hears about her latest wedding cancellation, he sees a story and travels to the small town to expose her as a commitment-phobic fraud.
As Ike spends more time with Maggie, he starts to question his assumptions and begins to understand the complexities of love and relationships.
The writing in Runaway Bride strikes a balance between the comedic and the heartfelt, making sure to make joking a big part of the film but also to make things feel tender when it needs to.
The screenplay by Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott delivers some genuinely funny and charming dialogue, capturing the wit and banter between the two leads.
Director Garry Marshall infuses the film with his signature lighthearted touch, making the film feel very entertaining to watch. However, the film suffers from predictability, following a formulaic structure that robs it of some surprises and originality.
The Characters
The chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is undeniably electric in Runaway Bride, much like their previous collaboration in Pretty Woman.
Roberts effortlessly portrays Maggie’s vulnerability and charm, capturing the character’s transformation throughout the film. Gere’s portrayal of Ike brings a mix of cynicism and eventual tenderness, although at times his character feels more like a vehicle for exposition than a fully realized individual.
The supporting cast, including Joan Cusack and Hector Elizondo, bring additional humor and depth to the story.
The Visuals
Runaway Bride fails to take advantage of its picturesque setting in the small town of Hale, Maryland. The cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh never really showcases the true beauty of the countryside and fails to create a visually appealing backdrop for this romantic story.
The production design during the wedding sequences does seem lavish and colorful, though. It adds to the film’s appeal, but then you have most of the other sequences feeling overly stylized, bordering on clichéd. It simply takes away from the authenticity the film could have achieved.
The Music
The film’s soundtrack features a mix of classic and contemporary pop songs that complement the romantic atmosphere. The catchy tunes and romantic ballads heighten the emotional beats of the story, helping to create a sense of nostalgia.
The standout track is the theme song, It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) by R.E.M., which captures the essence of Maggie’s emotional journey. It’s a decent collection of songs, but the film lacks a good original soundtrack to really hit the home run with its melodies.
Verdict
While I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy Runaway Bride, there are so many aspects of filmmaking here that simply take you out of it. The film benefits from the strong performances of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, both of whom have chemistry to die for.
However, when it comes to the production design during most of the film, it feels too over the top. Not to mention, the cinematography fails to utilize the setting to its maximum potential. It’s a bit of a letdown, but nothing can stop you from enjoying this film, it’s too heartfelt and fun.
