Marry Me

Kat Valdez (Lopez) and her fiance Bastian (Maluma) wrote the hit song "Marry Me".  They decide to perform the song in concert and then get married live.  Over 20 million people are expected to stream the concert, in addition to the sold-out event.  During the concert, news breaks that Bastian cheated on Kat.  She is devastated.

Charlie Gilbert (Wilson) is a math teacher who was dragged to the concert by his friend Parker (Silverman) and daughter Lou (Coleman).  When Kat emerges on the stage in her wedding dress, Charlie is holding Parker's "Marry Me" sign.  As Kat talks to the audience, she sees Charlie with the sign and decides to try something different.  She calls Charlie to the stage and they get married.

In the aftermath, everyone is questioning Kat's sanity.  Her decision is mocked by the media, who call out her previous failed marriages.  To save face, Kat and her team want the marriage to last for a few months.  Her manager, Colin (Bradley), offers to make a sizable donation to Charlie's school, if he agrees to attend some interviews and public appearances as Kat's husband.  He agrees, as long as his commitment to Lou and his students are not impacted.

Kat's life is tightly scheduled.  Every day she is surrounded by Colin, her publicist Melissa (Buteau), her videographer Kofi (Khalil Middleton), and others.  She shills products, live-streams her life, and regularly attends events.  Charlie is focused on his students and strengthening his bond with Lou.  He has a low-tech phone, isn't familiar with Kat's music, and uncomfortable with the publicity.  Can they connect despite their differences?

The film is based on the graphic novel series "Marry Me" by Bobby Crosby.

The Good:

This film feels like a rom com from the 90s-00s, when both Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson.  It is predictable, but relies on the charm of it's leads.  The side characters are funny, especially Stephen Wallem's teacher Mr. Pitts.  The film, bolstered by the catchy songs, is entertaining and enjoyable.

The Bad:

The song "Church".

Other Comments:

-The film features brand new songs performed by Jennifer Lopez and/or Maluma.  Maluma also has a writing credit on all of the songs he performs.

-"On My Way" is a stand-out.  It's not as flashy as the other songs, but it builds both the emotion and the volume with time.

-A solid rom-com that holds your attention and is an enjoyable ride.

Marry Me (2022) 112 minutes

Rating: PG-13 for some language and suggestive material

Director: Kat Coiro

Starring: Jennifer Lopez as Kat Valdez

Owen Wilson as Charlie Gilbert

Maluma as Bastian

John Bradley as Colin Calloway

Sarah Silverman as Parker Debbs

Chloe Coleman as Lou Gilbert

Michelle Buteau as Melissa

Stephen Wallem as Jonathan Pitts