There are very few films in life that I, quite literally, watch every chance I get. "Four Weddings and a Funeral" is such a film.

Starring Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant, the film is about an English bachelor who keeps running into an American woman at weddings he attends. The two move from flirtation to lust to love throughout the film, and the finale is heartwarming, gentle and wonderful.

"Four Weddings and a Funeral" captured a Best Picture Oscar nomination in 1994 as sort of the "small, indie flick that proves we're cool" from the Academy. Many times, I would argue with the Academy about their selection, however, I wholeheartedly endorse this one.

The film is a simple film, with little razzle dazzle, no special effects and truly nothing of a unique nature. It is a character driven, story focused romantic comedy with touches of drama. The script by Richard Curtis is gentle and easygoing, and Mike Newell directs the film with a comfortable pace of comedy, drama, touch of slapstick and back again.

The film is seen often on late night television, and every time I flip on the television and see it there I find myself dropping everything I am doing to watch. I know the story and I can quote nearly every line, but I just can't help but watch the gentle romantic dance between MacDowell and Grant. It is a beautiful matching of minds and hearts. Likewise, the supporting performances of Kristin Scott Thomas, Simon Callow and Rowan Atkinson are perfectly blended into the scenery.

"Four Weddings and a Funeral" is a comfortable film. It doesn't require much energy or thought or preparation to view. It's sort of like sitting down to watch a video of old friends and the stories of their lives. It doesn't matter how many times you see it, you're always going to smile.

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic