source: Muriel's Wedding

I haven't seen many Australian films, but I have always been struck by their proclivity to grotesque characterization. This film was no exception. From her careless and unfeeling father to her deliciously shallow and beautiful, popular friends, Muriel is surrounded by the ugliest of humanity. Even our heroine has elements of the grotesque about her until her eventual awakening late in the film. Muriel's friend Rhonda is the only character who lacks the touches of grotesquely, and it's no mistake that she is the character to whom Muriel learns that she can turn. Muriel's wedding tells the story of a girl who was brought up to believe in her worthlessness. She wants nothing more than to be married to prove herself a success at life and get away from the life she's known. In the midst of all her bad decisions (and in the light of one of the most moving tragedies I've seen in a comedy or drama in a great while), Muriel comes to realize that she is going about success all wrong. This film is wonderful and charming, a true comedy, but without the saccharin Halmark ending and obligatory romance so prominent in American movies. This is the story of a real hopeless case, who realizes she's not hopeless and has had everything she needed all along.

This is another kind of strange Australian movie out about this time, like "Strictly Ballroom," with good color, colorful characters and a different type of story. I believe women would like this story more than men, but it has an odd fascination to it that should attract anyone. The major negative to the story, for me, was that the characters were not very appealing. The lead character in this "Cinderella" story is a big liar and has a stupid, immature laugh that gets grating. Her best friend turns foul-mouthed and bitter. The movie has a good mix of comedy and drama and there are some very strong moments in here, so very dramatic ones. The soundtrack is comprised of old ABBA songs, and they sound pretty good. This is a story that makes you reflect on it. If they had nicer characters, I would have bought the VHS.

When I read reviews for this film when it first came out, I was pretty interested in seeing it. Phrases like "sleeper hit" and "funny and quirky" seemed to do most reviews I read. But, when I finally saw the film, I was amazed at how unfunny the film was. Considering the plot, a lot more could have been done to make Muriel funnier as well as have the audience care more about this moronic and selfish lady. Muriel is an overweight loser who desperately wants to get married in a big and beautiful church wedding. The only problem is she hasn't had a date in years. So, given that she's pretty flaky and selfish, she pretends to have a fiancé and announces she's getting married. Most of the film consists of showing her and her best friend as they whoop it up in preparation for the big day. None of this really makes sense as the wedding cannot be. Plus, instead of having the story be about a nice girl who gets in over her head, I just found myself disliking Muriel and thinking she was an idiot. If the film garnered more empathy for her, it could have been a much better and interesting movie.

"Muriel's Wedding" is all about a young Aussie woman who bears the scars of a dysfunctional family as she sets out in life in search of happiness. Very much an Aussie film, rough as a day old beard but with a heart of gold and a visceral sense of humor, "MW" is one of those few movies which can accurately be called a "gem". Buoyant, coarse, and poignant, "MW" tells a story of personal conquest as we watch a courageous Muriel struggle with low self esteem from patriarchal abuse while looking for love in all the wrong places. A roller coaster ride with a feel good ending for anyone into movies with morals and/or Aussie films. (B+)

A dark comedy it is but it really touches the heart and it can be quite sad at times. There are many levels that you can watch this movie on and many do say there is a superficialness to it. However, there are core human elements that clearly ring through in this movie. Friendship, compassion, empathy. Toni Colette and Rachel Griffths both make this movie stellar. It is heartbreaking at times to watch Muriel (Collette) wanting to be someone of value. Her feelings are so true to her heart and I am sure many can relate. Griffith's character is portrayed with such humor and honesty. She also has some of the funniest lines I have heard in a movie in a long time. Please watch this! It does offer meaning and you certainly can't go wrong with the music of ABBA!

Muriel's Wedding is an Australian gem that perhaps suffers somewhat from being earmarked as a 'comedy'. Certainly there are plenty of laughs, but this film is no mere cheap and cheesy crowd-pleaser. As well as dealing with the insularity and cattiness of her hometown, Porpoise Spit, Muriel also must face the suicide of her mother and paralysing of her best friend. Yet, despite these tragedies, Muriel manages to come out on top, and at the same time strike a blow for anybody who has ever been snubbed by the in-crowd. The characterisation in the movie is brilliant, particularly that of Muriel's family of no-hopers. Hoping to shed the title of "useless" bestowed on her by her father, Muriel (Toni Collette) absconds with the family's savings to an island resort, where she meets vivacious, straight-talking Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths). Rhonda is the catalyst for Muriel to become a new person, but unfortunately Muriel takes her obsession with weddings one step too far and marries just for the sake of it. She thinks she has finally "made it", but comes to realise that there's more to life than public image. The soundtrack is a gloriously appropriate ABBA symphony, although both Dancing Queen and the film's original theme tune are over-utilised. It is surely partly due to ABBA's pleasant familiarity that it is so easy to become emotionally involved in the film, and the viewer will likely experience the whole gamut of feelings during its course. The finale, whilst upbeat, fortunately doesn't stumble into the realm of saccharine moralism (which so many filmmakers seem to think it is necessary to conclude with). Instead, we feel the triumph along with Muriel and Rhonda as they bid a raucous farewell to Porpoise Spit.

Muriel (Toni Collette) is an overweight unattractive Australian girl who loves ABBA music. She hangs around with a bunch of attractive but vicious women who tell her off every chance they get. She then meets easy-going, friendly Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths) and her life begins to change. SPOILERS!!!!! Sounds like a feel-good movie--right? WRONG! This has Muriel and some likable characters go through some incredibly horrible things again and again. For instance: Rhonda is very sexually active and (for no good reason) is crippled accidentally halfway through. Why? Because she happens to enjoy sex? Muriel's mother is treated by her husband like dirt...and she takes it. Muriel's friends have got to be the most vicious group of women I've EVER seen in any movie. Muriel meets a sweet guy who really likes her--but she dumps him to marry an attractive but empty-headed jock. That's only a few things. Again and again we're hit over the head with these depressing story turns. Seriously--what's the reason? The few good moments were blotted out by the negativity. After this was over I was utterly depressed and hated the movie. This only gets a two for the acting (Collette and Griffiths are great) and the ABBA music. But this is a seriously depressing, negative film.

Folks, this is a winner. It has been on one of my movie channels this month and I have watched it no fewer than seven times...and it just keeps getting better. It doesn't get any better than Toni Collette. She gives me chills, goosebumps, and brings me to tears throughout the whole movie. She is unabashed in her acting and the audience really forgets they are watching a movie. Catch her in the very last scene of the movie---after she and Rhonda shout their farewells to their hometown, the camera zeroes in on Muriel...the expressions on Collette's face are beautifull intense. And Rachel Griffiths---I am now officially a fan. She is utterly believable in her role as Muriel's one true friend who has a bout with cancer and becomes paralyzed. The supporting cast is nothing short of wonderful. Jeanie Drynan brilliantly portrays Muriel's dutiful but painfully submissive/subservient mother. Sophia Lee is over-the-top hilarious and very convincing as the blond popular girl whom everyone wants to be in high school, but whose life turns out to be less than fabulous in the long run. Muriel's couch potato sibs are also chillingly realistic...I could go on and on. The cast is a jewel. And don't get me started on the ABBA soundtrack...what a genius choice of a band for Muriel to be obsessed with. I'm getting on Amazon and ordering ABBA's greatest hits. What I love about "Muriel's Wedding" (and what the previous reviewer did not appreciate) is that it very much resists falling into a genre. It could, I suppose, be at home in the romantic comedy category, but it's also a seriously dramatic movie, with some tragic moments. It's funny, depressing, inspiring, and bizarre at once. I adore this movie and encourage you to see it more than once!!! I'm completely obsessed with it after a month of watching it.

If you are disappointed, if your life becomes sad, if you are feel yourself unnecessary in this crazy world, or if you are just tired a bit from life - this movie can help you to take some rest and makes you more powerful against problems. Try to became your favorite hero in this movie. Try to live with thems, take their problems as yours - and you'll be satisfied.