Bride Hard, directed by Simon West, attempts to blend the raucous comedy of “Bridesmaids” with the high-octane action of “Die Hard,” but the result is a chaotic wedding that nobody would RSVP to. Starring Rebel Wilson as Sam, a secret agent juggling maid-of-honor duties, the film promises a wild ride with mercenaries crashing a lavish wedding. Despite a talented ensemble including Anna Camp, Anna Chlumsky, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Justin Hartley, the movie stumbles under a weak script and uneven execution, leaving audiences with little to celebrate.
The story follows Sam (Wilson), a covert operative for the mysterious 5 Eyes agency, who’s tasked with being maid of honor for her childhood best friend Betsy (Camp) while secretly thwarting a bioweapon deal. After ghosting Betsy’s Paris bachelorette party for a mission, Sam is demoted to bridesmaid, replaced by the neurotic Virginia (Chlumsky). The wedding, set on a private island in Savannah, Georgia, spirals into chaos when mercenaries led by Stephen Dorff’s grizzled villain storm the venue to steal gold bars. Sam must save the day, mend her friendship, and keep the floral arrangements intact. It’s a high-concept pitch that sounds fun on paper but feels like a rushed first draft on screen.
Wilson, known for her sharp comedic timing in films like “Pitch Perfect,” struggles to anchor the film. Her portrayal of Sam oscillates between sarcastic quips and unconvincing action-hero, missing the chance to lean into a dual persona that could have elevated the role. The script, penned by Shaina Steinberg and CeCe Pleasants, doesn’t help, offering flat dialogue and predictable gags that rarely land.
The supporting cast tries to salvage the mess but is hampered by underdeveloped characters. Anna Camp, reuniting with Wilson from “Pitch Perfect,” brings a loopy charm to Betsy, but their chemistry feels forced, lacking the warmth of a lifelong friendship. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, an Oscar winner, steals scenes as bridesmaid Lydia, particularly in a bizarre “My Neck, My Back” sing-along, but her role is criminally underused. Anna Chlumsky overplays Virginia’s high-strung antics, while Justin Hartley’s smug groom’s brother adds minor comedic flair. The ensemble’s talent is undeniable, but the film gives them little to work with.
Critics have panned “Bride Hard,” with a 19% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 23/100 on Metacritic, reflecting its failure to deliver as either comedy or action. Bride Hard is a missed opportunity. It has a talented cast and a premise that could have been a guilty pleasure, but it’s sunk by a lazy script, inconsistent direction, and a lack of genuine laughs or thrills. For Rebel Wilson fans, there are fleeting moments of her signature chaos, but even they may wish they’d skipped this wedding.
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