I recently rented License to Wed, starring Robin Williams. The main reason for this was because I needed a movie both Linsey and I could enjoy. And, I was in one of those (I don't want to think) moods, so a comedy was key.
The movie costars Mandy Moore (whom I'm not crazy about) and John Krasinski, from Office fame. Krasinski plays his part well, but to Office fans he's still 'Jim'. His 'everyman' persona and humor are clearly his ticket to work in Hollywood. However, if he wants to breakout out of his typecast, I recommend shaving his head and playing a character with a bit more depth and drama. He also tag teams with several Office cameos that will either annoy or leave a chuckle (BTW: for those who don't already know, Angela Kinsey is a Baylor alum...sic 'em!).
Moore was adequate, mainly because her character is a fixture for Williams and Krasinski to interact between. I.e., her role had no surprises and nothing unexpected.
The gem of the film of course is Williams who plays an off color reverend who prides himself on his rigid premarital course.
Overall, the comedy is typical Hollywood—boy meets girl, boy has conflict with girl because boy is immature, boy comes to his senses, and a happy ending ensues...
What makes License to Wed so wonderful (at least for anyone who is a pastor, reverend, priest, minister, etc.) is that it is spot on! The auteur seemingly has an intimate knowledge of the tensions and complexities of the premarital journey—for both priest and parishioner. So much so that I plan on recommending this movie to every couple I have the challenge and privilege of counseling before marriage.
The movie is also refreshingly open about premarital sex and its consequences—especially compared to most recent films that assume waiting for sex until marriage is a primitive and irrelevant concept. Rev. Frank (Williams) is able to share a very culturally progressive stance—that sex to early detours real intimacy, and that (presumably) within marriage, open communication is vital to a great sex life. In a society that views sexuality mostly hedonistically and utilitarian (just parts and technique), Frank's view is welcome and needed.
To be sure, there may be some who think the movie doesn't go far enough when talking about the benefits of sex within marriage, but keep in mind, Rev. Frank has to live and work and pastor people within a cultural framework, just like every reverend in America today. Even in Evangelical churches, the majority of couples getting ready for nuptials are not virgins—a grim depiction of the dominant worldview. Which leaves us with a choice—to minister a few, or attempt to impact, influence, teach and exhort as many couples as possible entering in the most challenging and rewarding adventure life has to offer.
Without spoiling the movie, there are a few techniques Rev. Frank employs that may change more than one pre-marital class or workshop out there. For instance, in one scene, Frank teaches a lesson on conflict in a Sports Bar—with Potato Skins and practice carrying the bride over the threshold. Unorthodox? Maybe, but effective to men, definitely (something the church needs to seriously consider if they plan on men being an active part in their congregation's future).
Frank also has each couple tour a labor ward at a local hospital. Two words here: Bril! Just bril!! Having gone through a labor with my wife and now son a few months ago, I can't stress enough how this liminal experience is an almost perfect depiction of authentic intimacy. The birthing experience also contains the essentials elements for a lasting marriage, such as: perseverance, acceptance, communication, vulnerability, and so on. If couples can't last in a labor room, they shouldn't get married—mainly because it reveals how little they know about true intimacy and the stuff it takes to make it the long haul.
So, for every pastoral counselor who has looked in the face of wide-eyed young couples, this film may relieve some tension and even give you a few ideas.
