'Runaway Bride' is a Romance With a Point

“Runaway Bride” is a love story for people who aren’t interested in love stories. Maggie Carpenter is not the average girl looking for love, in fact she runs from it. She has jilted three men at the altar and is engaged to yet another love-struck man.

"Runaway Bride" Poster

Ike Graham is a reporter from New York City whose specialty is writing about the flaws of women. He finds Maggie’s love life interesting and decides to make her out as a man-eater. Ike fabricates a few details in his article about Maggie and gets fired for it.

Under the impression that his article about the infamous heart-breaker can salvage his career, he goes to meet Maggie. He bets his journalism career on his presumption that Maggie will once again get cold feet.

Maggie and Ike Arguing

Maggie is furious that Ike is making news out of her reputation and strives to prove him wrong. She allows Ike to follow her around as she prepares for the wedding in exchange for a large payment. He accepts, gambling to regain employment.

Naturally, they grow fond of each other as a result of spending so much time together. She breaks her fiancée’s heart and plans a wedding with Ike.

Maggie and IkeTogether

Although they are sincerely crazy about each other, Maggie bails on Ike at the altar. She discovers that her fear of marriage stems from an uncertainty about her identity. She admits, “When I was walking down the aisle, I was walking toward somebody who didn't have any idea who I really was. And it was only half the other person's fault, because I had done everything to convince him that I was exactly what he wanted.” Maggie must learn who she is before she can have a thriving relationship.

The lesson in “Runaway Bride” rings true; a person cannot learn to love someone else unless they love themselves. 

Julia Roberts

The advice presented in the film is imperative in romance; however, some of the lines and acting were cheesy and cliché. 

Julia Roberts played Maggie Carpenter, who was charmingly quirky. Christopher Meloni performed the part of Coach Bob Kelly, her hopeful fiancé.  Richard Gere fit into the role of the man she falls in love with.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere was more attractive while he was still picking on Julia Roberts’s character and before he got predictably cheesy. 

“Runaway Bride” is ranked as a 4 out of 5 film. This movie is fitting for a date or watching with friends, because even though it’s romantic, it is also comical.

'My Best Friend's Wedding' is Flawless

One of my favorite movies, “My Best Friend’s Wedding” is an ingenious story.

Made in 1997, the film features Julia Roberts, Durmot Melroney, Cameron Diaz, and Rupert Everett.

"My Best Friend's Wedding"

Roberts made her character (Julianne Potter) loveable, despite her maniacal schemes, through her great acting. Mike, her long-time best friend whom she is in love with, is played by Durmot Melroney. Melroney made his character overly friendly and uniquely alluring. Everett played Julianne’s new best friend, George. He served as comedic relief and the ultimate comforter. Diaz plays Mike’s fiancé, Kimberly, who is “irritatingly perfect”. 

Julianne, Kimberly, and Mike

Julianne is on a mission to split up the wedding between her best friend of nine years, Mike, and his surprise romance, Kimberly. Julianne is used to being “the woman” in Mike’s life and wants to keep it that way.

Mike has fallen in love with the typical debutante, which is unlike him. Julianne is sure that she is the right girl for him.

Julianne and Mike

George stirs Julianne to make Mike hate Kimberly. She tries to pick out Kimberly’s flaws, but discovers that she and Mike are determined to make it work.

Julianne and George

Under pressure from a time crunch and fierce emotions, Julianne turns to desperate measures. She tries to frame Kimberly’s father by writing an e-mail to get Mike fired from his dream job. The e-mail gets sent accidentally and everything unravels.

Julianne tells Mike the truth and that he must choose between her and Kimberly.
 

Of course, I won’t reveal the ending because I really think this movie is a must-see. 

“My Best Friend’s Wedding” is suspenseful, emotional, and sprinkled with humor. Although the music and fashion is outdated, the story is timeless. This movie rightfully receives a rating of a perfect 5 because it is a great story of making mistakes right and moving on.