How a $23 million comedy about fake best men conquered the box office
In short: The Wedding Ringer follows a lonely tax attorney who hires a professional best man to supply seven groomsmen for his wedding. Despite critical panning, the 2015 film became a commercial success, proving that star power and a high-concept premise can overcome even the most unfavorable reviews from professional critics.
The Wedding Ringer, released in January 2015, centers on Doug Harris, a man lacking friends who enlists Jimmy Callahan to provide a full wedding party. The film’s premise, which originated from a 2002 spec script titled The Golden Tux, underwent over a decade of revisions before reaching the screen. Originally set in Chicago, the production shifted to Los Angeles after securing a $2.8-million California tax credit, with filming completed in 38 days during the fall of 2013.
Commercially, the film was a significant success. Produced on a budget of $23 million, it grossed $79.8 million worldwide. Its North American release was strategically timed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, following the success of Kevin Hart’s previous film, Ride Along. To build momentum, Hart engaged in a college tour in October 2014, specifically targeting students as social media influencers to drive awareness.
Critical reception was largely negative, with the film holding a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 35/100 score on Metacritic. Critics like Richard Roeper dismissed the premise as "cockamamie," while the consensus noted that the chemistry between stars Kevin Hart and Josh Gad was underutilized. However, audiences disagreed with the critical consensus, awarding the film an "A-" on CinemaScore. Some reviewers, such as those at ABCNews and IGN, found the film genuinely funny, suggesting that the comedic performances were enough to carry the project despite its narrative flaws.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Wedding Ringer
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