Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Movie!
Review: Fans of Hugh Grant will enjoy this very funny and touching British comedy about a group of close British friends who go through life-changing events (marriages, funerals) together. The very engaging cast includes Kristin Scott Thomas, Andie MacDowell, and Grant, who plays his usual charmer with much stammering and eyelid-fluttering.
Rating: 
Summary: Some good moments, but doesn't all come together
Review: This movie raised Hugh Grant to stardom, at least in North America'; watching his performance, it's easy to see why. He's his typical likeable self - self-effacing, witty, bashful, and fun, all at the same time. It's a little more difficult to see why this film was nominated for best picture - it's only a good, not a great, movie. There are parts that are brilliant, but something is missing to tie the pieces together.Most glaring is the existence and motivation for Andie McDowell's character - why is she at these weddings? She can jets an incredible distance to come, yet seems to be unknown and is ignored by the wedding guests. It doesn't help that the character itself is two-dimensional and acts solely at the whim of the screenplay. Grant is left alone to carry the narrative forward on his own, but this time has virtually no help from the supporting characters, each of which has too little screen time to develop any personality. The inevitable comparison to the more recent "Notting Hill" hurts 4 Weddings. "Hill" has fewer characters, but they are better developed (and likeable), much to its advantage. Having said that, Grant's performance alone is worth the price of admission, and there are some good laughs. The DVD itself is terrible - the picture and sound are fine, but there are no extras whatsoever. Surely a film that was nominated for best picture (and one for which Grant won a Golden Globe) deserves better treatment than this.
Rating: 
Summary: 4 ½ stars ------ "The Funeral Blues"
Review: A very beautifully told tale of British marital angst that only occasionally falters. The performances are all very good - no faltering there. And the inclusion of Auden's poem "Funeral Blues" and the reading John Hannah (I think that is the actor's name) gives it are superb. The only real drawback to the story involves the development of Andie MacDowell's character. Her character is too unevenly drawn. A long --------- very long, excruciatingly long --------- courtship would be the only way to go with someone as flighty and mixed up as her character is in this movie. Other than that, it is a very clever and interesting film.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful, Witty and Genuine Comedy
Review: Hugh Grant shines and Andie McDowell is incandescent in this Oscar nominated tale of a bumbling English fellow, his friends, the mysterious woman he continues to encounter at various events, and in the end, a relationship that is truly written in the stars. The comedy is deft, meaning not overwhelming, but contributes to the story in gentle, effective ways. And the "funeral" of the title is a powerful scene as it celebrates the life of one friend who unexpectedly dies in the course of the proceedings. That scene has been celebrated also for popularizing WH Auden's superb poem "Stop the Clocks" a raging masterpiece that offers affection, solace and condolence in a way few works have ever done since. In it, the character speaks Waugh's tragic words "He was my north, my south, my east and west My working week and my sunday best My moon, my midnight, my talk, my song I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong." A splendid note of sadness in an otherwise delicious romantic comedy.
Rating:
Summary: Back up if you have to...
Review:
...just be sure to hit the right ramp. This movie is a blast, not least because it has no big soundtrack. Hugh Grant is just a pretty boy, but this is right in his range, and no one can beat him there. The gossip scene at one of the receptions is one of those I like to watch over and over. Andie M is remarkable and seductive. This movie breaks and mends hearts. One of the few times I've liked a movie recommended by someone at work. No chase scenes, just quiet comedy that will cut you up. Buy it, I'm not messin' with you. ....
Rating:
Summary: Great supporting characters, puzzling story
Review: It is worth it to watch this for the wonderful, warm portrayals of Gareth and Matthew, the zingy Scarlett, the brittle but brilliant Fiona. But what an odd storyline. We're supposed to believe that Charles truly loves Carrie. Er, what for? The character Fiona has a one-word dismissal of Carrie that should have stopped the action right there. Interestingly, Fiona, for all her bad luck in her love life, is the best judge of character, with the most insight, in the film. She alone of the main characters knows that Matthew and Gareth are in a couple and is comfortable commenting on it, she alone has the courage to criticize the woman (who turns out to be a jerk)that Charles initially plans to marry. When the writers went to so much work to show us that Fiona knows people and then expects us to suspend that knowledge it is difficult to root for Carrie and Charles as a couple. Reviewer after reviewer blames Andie for making Carrie bland and uninspiring. I think it is the fault of the writers. We don't know what Carrie does for a living, what her family is like (except for a brief speech she makes at her own wedding--no interaction, just the actress talking--again), anything about her except that she is a pretty tease (to be polite about it). In contrast, we know that Charles is devoted to his brother, that he has remorse about past relationships, that he can live with a woman without sleeping with her but wants a real relationship. "Carrie" never had a chance, no matter who played her. So, three stars for the subplots, none for the silly main plot, leaving us with an enjoyable but not great movie.
Rating:
Summary: Very Best Romantic Comedy
Review: "Four Weddings and a Funeral" may not be the greatest movie in the history, but it surely is the best modern romantic comedy I ever saw. The only film that can possibly surpass this delightful one is, perhaps, "When Harry Met Sally ..." Maybe tied. Hugh Grant has starred in many films since then, but his best role is still Charles of this film, who unwittingly finds his love in Carrie, an open-hearted American played by beautiful Andie MacDowell at his friend's wedding. One miatake is, he foolishly couldn't realize it before he let her go after one-night stand. But as the number of ceremony goes up (including one funeral), he gradually comes to notice that he threw away the best thing in his life. And while he is wondering what to do, friends around him start to search for their real love, including his own brother David, his timid friend Tom, Tom's sister Fiona, and Charles's eccentric roommate Scarlet. But where should Charles go? Going back to his countless ex-girlfriends? Or, Carrie? But she got already married. To be honest, a little abrupt ending of the film damages an entire movie's strength a bit, but all comedies have to pay the price to end the show within an appointed hour. What is incredibly splendid about "Four Weddings" is that the characters are all so lively and sparkling with witty dialogue that you think they are not acting at all. Actually, on top of Hugh Grant, many actors are still associated with the roles in this film even if they got more populality after this film; Kristin Scott Thomas is later to be nominated Oscar for her turn in "English Patient," but she will be remembered as deliciously aristocratic Fiona. John Hannah made his name popular through the Hollywood blockbuster series of "Mummy," but still he is kind-hearted Matthew to those who have seen him recite W H Auden (most touching moment) in "Four Weddings." This is that kind of film that changes the cast's life. It happens once in your lifetime. With this great ensemble cast, we have fantastic script by Richard Curtis, filled with funny lines uttered by completely believable characters. He does not fail to take great care of minor characters, and give them equally good moments. Look how Serena, in love with handsome David who is hearing impaired, learns sign. Trying to impress him, she mixes up "nice" with "mice," but, you know, when boys and girls are in love. nothing can stop them from understanding each other. Cute. Brilliantly written, "Four Weddings" is a superb model of romantic comedy. If you like this type of movie, you surely will fall in love with it; and if you're not, your mind will be changed just like mine (I didn't expected much from it, so I didn't go to theater until the last day). And the film never forgets the sad side of life as the title implies. Sad thing is one of the cast Charlotte Coleman, who played most unconventional bridesmaid Scarlett, has passed away recently. She is terrific.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Film
Review: The immensely popular movie holds up well over time. This did much to propel Hugh Grant into superstardom; and Andie McDowell is lovely as the ever elusive love object. Funny, diverting but perhaps not a lot of depth, this is an enjoyable rainy day movie to make you smile.
Rating:
Summary: A Comedy of Love and Romance
Review: The effects of personal want, need, love and desire on the friendships of a circle of eclectic individuals is examined with a spot of humor in the witty, clever and oh-so-British comedy of love, romance and finding that special someone, "Four Weddings and a Funeral," directed by Mike Newell. Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell head a delightful ensemble cast in this story of a group of long-time friends, all single, who watch and participate over a period of months as one by one those amongst them step up at last to the altar. Of them all, Charles (Grant) seems the most likely-- and at the same time the least likely-- to be next. Young, handsome and charismatic, Charles has no problem developing a relationship (he's had a number, in fact, as we learn in one particularly hilarious scene), but sustaining one is seemingly beyond his grasp. Until, at the wedding of one of his friends, he meets Carrie (MacDowell), an American, and she quickly enchants him. It is not the end of the story, however; for Charles, Carrie and the audience, it's only-- as they say-- the beginning. Set in contemporary England, one of the aspects of this film that makes it so engaging is the propriety with which the humor is presented. Refreshingly subtle, there's more of Noel Coward than Tom Green or Rob Schneider to it; a matter of manners, mores and innuendo taking precedence over gross-out, in-your-face, shock schlock humor. And though Grant and MacDowell are at the forefront of the piece, Newell does an excellent job of developing all of the characters, succinctly supplying enough detail to each individual to give the film some depth and dimension, without having to actually go too deep. He never lets you forget that first and foremost, this is a comedy. There's some insight provided, but this is not an in-depth commentary on human nature, though there are some overtones and implications in that direction (Charles is always late to the weddings, for example; perhaps a subconscious denial of the impending nuptials?). Most importantly, the characterizations are rich, and the story is involving and presented with an even flow that allows you to effortlessly be swept away with it. Certain actors make a career out of playing a variation of the same character in film after film, striving for that definitive portrayal. W.C. Fields played the hen-pecked husband in a number of films, finally perfecting that particular character in the person of Harold Bissonette in "It's A Gift." For Hugh Grant, it's the retiring, somewhat self-conscious and stammering, eyelid fluttering charmer, of which he's done a variation in such films as "Sense and Sensibility," "The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill, But Came Down A Mountain," Notting Hill" and "Mickey Blue Eyes." But Charles is his definitive portrayal of that character, the one in which he achieves the balance and honesty that makes the character so believable. It's a good bit of work by Grant, and definitely one of his most memorable performances. Andie MacDowell, meanwhile, gives a rather composed performance as Carrie, the quiet American with a reserved bluntness who captivates Charles. MacDowell brings a sense of quietude to the role that is sensuously seductive, which lends credibility to Charles' infatuation with her. It's a role for which MacDowell is perfectly suited, as it allows her to play effectively to her naturally calm demeanor and exquisite beauty and femininity. In a part that has to be an actor's dream, Simon Callow is absolutely exuberant as Gareth, one of the fixtures of Charles' circle of friends. More than just an effervescent character, Gareth is something of the conscience of the film, laughing away and laying bare any and all pretense or hypocrisy like a modern day flesh-and-blood Spirit of Christmas Present. It's a character that gives needed balance and perspective to the film, and he's wonderfully played by Callow. Also turning in especially noteworthy performances are John Hannah as Matthew; Kristin Scott Thomas, who is quite alluring as Fiona; James Fleet as Tom, a character very reminiscent of his Hugo in the TV series "The Vicar of Dibley," (and very effective here); Charlotte Coleman, memorable in the role of Scarlett; and Rowan Atkinson as the hapless Father Gerald. Rounding out the supporting cast are David Bower (David), Timothy Walker (Angus), Sara Crowe (Laura), Anna Chancellor (Henrietta), Simon Kunz (John), David Haig (Bernard), Sophie Thompson (Lydia Jane) and Corin Redgrave (Hamish). There's enough twists and turns along the way to keep this film unpredictable, including one scene near the end that initially seems so mean-spirited that it may have you biting your fist and crying, "Oh, NO!" But, not to worry, Newell provides an instant resolution consistent with the rest of the film, and it not only works but gets a good laugh to boot. Entertaining, pleasant and funny, "Four Weddings and a Funeral" makes for a satisfying, feel-good cinematic experience that just seems so wonderfully civilized amid the seemingly endless rancor abounding in our world today. It's what's known as the magic of the movies.
Rating:
Summary: Outrageously twisted humor - a masterpiece
Review: Some of the reviewers bothered by particular lines don't seem to be cognizant of their satirical nature. This is not a romantic comedy. It is a satirical jab at romantic comedy. Yes, sometimes the satire is a bit subtle, but Andie McDowell's over-acting is quite obviously intentional and not to be taken as seriously as some apparently humorless viewers have chosen to. I searched the internet recently for other roles of Charlotte Coleman, only to find she died about a month ago of a sudden asthma attack. She was in her prime as an actress. Her role in this film is memorable, and she will be missed.
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