Marry Me: Ode to a dying genre!

ONE of the modern cinematic tragedies of our time is that Marvel has become so domineering.

THEY have made it almost impossible to think that there are other genres producing quality products. Since the release of “Ironman” (2008), the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has unleashed a total of 27 films, a figure that will expand to 30 by the end of the year.

Likewise, they have grossed an estimated US$25 billion at the box office.

Through the streaming service Disney+,

Marvel has already started making inroads in television and only the Lord knows where they will be in the next 10 years.

Technology has played its part in Marvel’s ascendancy as the secrecy surrounding every project has only heightened its demand.

Fan theories, leaked shoots, and post or end credits have become fashionable and dominate the conversation on the internet.

So, imagine my surprise when I came across a non-Marvel project that I actually enjoyed during the Easter weekend.

There was something nostalgic about “Marry Me”, the new Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson romantic comedy, which is an ode to a dying genre that I once revered.

Lopez stars as Kat Valdez, a pop star who decides to exchange vows with her fiancée Bastian (Maluma) during the launch of their new single “Marry Me”.

The wedding, which is more of a publicity stunt, goes horribly wrong when a video leaks of Bastian’s infidelity.

Valdez decides to immediately switch the narrative and picks out a member of the audience, Charlie Gilbert (Wilson). The two get hitched live on television. The rest of the film revolves around these two opposites getting to know each other and falling in love.

Granted, it is a rather ridiculous premise but one saved only by the unmatchable charm and chemistry of its two leads.

There are plenty of laughs from Sarah Silverman and some great original songs from Lopez.

Yes, in addition to the rom-com, “Marry Me” is also a musical.

It is like “Notting Hill” meets “Les Misérables” but only without the melodrama, death and depressing themes.

Much like Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in “Notting Hill”, part of the film’s charm lies in the huge contrast in the lifestyle and presentation of its stars.

Lopez’s Valdez is a world-renowned Latin singer who happens to be engaged to another equally talented and famous singer, Bastian.

When their wedding fails, she meets ordinary Joe and math teacher Charlie Gilbert,

who is only at the show at the request of his daughter Lou (Chloe Coleman) and his best friend Parker Debbs (Silverman).

Gilbert is neither an outgoing person nor is he a fan of Valdez’s music and this allows him to see the singer for who she actually is on the inside.

That, to me, makes sense!

Lopez does her best impression as popstar (Valdez), fitted with some good songs like “Marry Me”, “Church”, “After Love” and “On my Way”.

Wilson plays the role of the average Joe to the letter and his chemistry with co-star Lopez is one of the film’s biggest strengths.

In the case of Sarah Silverman, it is either the writer is a genius or they simply allowed the actress to adlib.

I mean, most of the laughs from the movie come from the comedian who seems to have understood her role as comic relief.

While the movie is unlikely to break the bank at the box office, it deserves credit for its success in paying homage to the romcom, or should I say chick flick, movie genre.