Shotgun Wedding Review

Shotgun Wedding, directed by Jason Moore, is a rom-com/action hybrid that delivers moments of hilarity and chaos but ultimately struggles to maintain a cohesive tone. With Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel leading the charge, the film promises a destination wedding turned survival story, complete with pirates, family drama, and explosive hijinks. While it has its share of laughs, thanks to a standout performance by Jennifer Coolidge, Shotgun Wedding falls short of becoming a rom-com classic.

The story centers on Darcy (Lopez) and Tom (Duhamel), a couple hosting their dream destination wedding on a remote island in the Philippines. Tensions run high as Darcy’s cold feet and Tom’s obsessive attention to wedding details come to a head. However, their personal drama is soon overshadowed when a group of pirates takes their entire wedding party hostage. What follows is a wild and often absurd series of events as Darcy and Tom are forced to put their differences aside to save their friends and family.

Lopez and Duhamel are both seasoned rom-com veterans, but their chemistry in this film is inconsistent. Lopez brings her usual charm and physicality to the role, excelling in both comedic and action sequences. Duhamel, while likable, doesn’t quite match her energy, and their relationship arc feels rushed. The film’s attempts to reconcile their differences in a 90-minute runtime leave their romantic connection feeling underdeveloped.

Jennifer Coolidge, however, steals the show as Tom’s hilariously offbeat mother, Carol. Her deadpan humor and perfectly timed one-liners elevate every scene she’s in, providing much-needed comic relief. Whether reloading a gun or delivering absurdly inappropriate quips, Coolidge brings a level of joy and spontaneity that the rest of the film often lacks. Supporting players like Lenny Kravitz, Sonia Braga, and Cheech Marin add flavor to the ensemble, though their characters are underwritten and serve more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

The film’s blend of genres is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the action scenes — though often ridiculous and laden with CGI — are entertaining in their over-the-top execution. Sequences involving zip lines, golf carts, and improvised weapons add a level of unpredictability that keeps the pace moving. On the other hand, the tonal shifts between action, comedy, and romance can be jarring. The stakes of the pirate invasion are never fully convincing, and the lack of real danger undermines the emotional weight of the story.

Visually, the film makes the most of its tropical setting, with lush beaches and luxury resorts providing a stunning backdrop. However, the location serves more as eye candy than a meaningful part of the narrative. The humor, while occasionally sharp, is uneven, relying heavily on slapstick and one-liners that don’t always land.

Despite its flaws, Shotgun Wedding has a certain charm that makes it an enjoyable watch, particularly in a group setting. Its self-awareness and willingness to embrace absurdity make it a solid choice for a fun movie night with friends. It doesn’t reinvent the rom-com or action genres, but it offers enough laughs and spectacle to keep viewers entertained.

For those looking for a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Shotgun Wedding delivers a mix of lighthearted humor and chaotic adventure. While it’s far from perfect, the chemistry of its cast — especially Coolidge’s comedic brilliance — makes it worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to be anything more than a frothy, popcorn flick.