Table 19
/"Don't Fit In? Take A Number."
Filmology Rating: 2 out of 4
I luckily have never had to give table assignments at a wedding yet, but since I have attended my fair share of weddings, I understand the gossip that can surround being placed at an “undesirable” table. I’m thankful I haven’t had to have that stress in my life yet and I apologize in advance to my friends or family who feel that they are placed at an “undesirable” table. However, if your adventures at the “undesirable” table are anything like those in Table 19, I would argue that you will be thanking me for your placement.
Eloise, played by Anna Kendrick, slightly reluctantly shows up to one of her oldest friend’s weddings after being dumped by the best man months earlier. Eloise is shocked and saddened to find out that she was placed at table 19, the table where all of the undesired wedding guests are seated. Also at the table are Jerry and Bina Kepp; played by Craig Robinson and Lisa Kudrow, who are Facebook friends with the groom’s father; Renzo Eckberg; played by Tony Revolori, who attends the wedding hoping to find a date; Jo Flanagan; played by June Squibb, the bride’s childhood nanny; and Walter Thimble; played by Stephen Merchant, who is a distant nephew of the bride on parole for questionable deeds. Eloise has to decide if she is going to be the strong person she knows that she is and tough out the awkward wedding or if she is going to run and never look back from table 19.
I started this film loving the journey. I feel everyone has been invited to that one wedding or party that they shouldn’t probably attend because a crush that they are not over will be a central figure at the party. Hindsight is always 20/20 as they say. Anna Kendrick puts everyone’s thoughts and fears that they have had front and center and I found myself relating to her and wanting for her to always come out on top even if she might not always do the most likeable things. The opening of the film uses its comedic geniuses perfectly and I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. The best part about all the situations that the characters put themselves in was their realism; I myself have been in them or I know people who are currently or were in those situations. Making comedy relatable only helps the jokes land better for me. We all know that awkward teen like Renzo who will say anything to get the girl and that couple like Jerry and Bina who have been together so long that they have forgotten to actually love. The dynamic of those at the table are fantastic and I could have sat with them at the table talking about my problems as well but once the characters left the table, I found a sense of dread coming on.
All of the main actors in this film are comedic geniuses and most have proven to have dramatic talent as well, so I shouldn't be worried when the film moves from the comedic party to the more dramatic life outside the party. The moment the film leaves the table the film goes off the tracks and real life issues are coming in to destroy another good thing again. The quick change actually feels like two completely different scripts were written and sandwiched together without much thought. I have come to expect better products from the Duplass brothers, who were the creative team behind Cyrus and Jeff, Who Lives at Home, but this film feels like it has nuggets of good ideas but overall is a complete mess. The easiest way that I can describe this film is I was seated down for a three course meal and I was given a fantastic appetizer, and I found myself waiting for forty five minutes for the man course but all I got was a Big Mac, and then moments later I was given a colorful dessert. If I was in the middle of the desert longing for some food and I was given a Big Mac, I would willingly take it but I doubt I would find the food that filling and that is overall how I feel about the second act of this film; completely unfulfilling.
I have always loved those more intimate movies like Before Sunrise, Moonrise Kingdom, and Like Crazy, and for a few beats Table 19 hits those highs and I believe that is why I’m disappointed with this film because it has such a strong beginning and moments of emotional brilliance but then has some of the most generic tropes romantic comedies have. Table 19 could have been one of the most lively parties that I have ever attended but it sadly becomes rather monotonous.
Rating: Rent It
-Jonny G