The Wedding Date

The Wedding Date is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on Netflix and Starz Apple TV Channel, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 1,263 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Debra Messing leads a cast with real comic timing. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Wedding Date is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Wedding Date from the crowd. With the wedding of her younger sister fast approaching, Kat Ellis faces the undesirable prospect of traveling alone to London for the ceremony. While this is bad enough, Jeffrey, the man who left her as they moved closer to marriage, happens to be the groom's best man. Determined to show everyone -- most of all Jeffrey -- that her romantic life is as full and thrilling as ever, Kat hires a charming male escort as her date. Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2005. What keeps The Wedding Date from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in The Wedding Date. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Debra Messing sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.