Cert 15
101 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, sex references, drug use
Monday night at Nottingham Cineworld and the first big surprise of 2015 - a Kevin Hart movie which made us laugh... and laugh,,,, and laugh.
In wasn't as good as The Hangover but it had echoes.
Later I found out why. The Wedding Ringer's director and co-writer Jeremy Garelick worked on an uncredited re-write of The Hangover.
There are a lot of similarities here with the central focus being the lead up to the wedding of an under-the-thumb bridegroom-to-be (Josh Gad).
His demanding fiancee (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) is in total control of the nuptials to the point that she has listed him not only to have a best man but also a host of groomsmen.
The problem is that Doug doesn't have any friends.
Thus, he enlists the help of professional best man (Hart).
Hart is an actor who usually makes me cringe. His shouty, in-yer-face humour has never resonated with me.
But here, he hits the mark perfectly. Not since I watched Adam Sandler in Blended have I been so shocked.
Hart delivers his gags with aplomb, playing off straightman Gad, while the gormless groomsmen also share fun.
But it is the writing and direction which are key.
This is Garelick's first movie behind the lens but he has clearly learned techniques from Todd Phillips, the director of The Hangover.
This is particularly evident in a couple of riotous scenes which prompted gales of laughter.
I had zero expectation of The Wedding Ringer but it demonstrated, yet again, how important it is to have an open mind when watching a movie.
Kevin Hart: "I don't call this work because it is fun for me. I was a comedian and got lucky and got into acting and became successful and haven't looked back yet."
Reasons to watch: It is surprisingly very funny in a way that The Hangover and We're The Millers were.
Reasons to avoid: It is near the knuckle and occasionally a bit misogynistic.
laughs: Seven out loud
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 8/10