Sarasota Film Festival - 'A Perfect Wedding' Review

Screening at the 2012 Sarasota Film Festival, "The Perfect Wedding" offers a heartwarming glimpse into a behind-the-scenes budding gay romance that takes place at a traditional run to the altar. Following the tale of Paul (Erik Aragon), a recovering alcoholic who takes interest in Gavin (the pretend beau of his ex) during the planning of his sister’s wedding, this gentle drama satisfies by playing it safe, offering audiences a new spin on an old premise, mainly in regard to the respect it lends its gay characters.

Unlike many films with LGBT themes, Wedding succeeds by refusing to feed into old stereotypes, lame jokes, and bad sexual innuendos, illustrating a fresh take on a modern family that looks beyond the ‘gay’ in the person to see the person as a whole.

But is it edgy? Not really. In fact, it largely takes on the clean Kleenex feel of a Lifetime TV movie but with a better script and actors. In essence, it’s a huge step up from local films that have previously screened at the festival, complete with winning cinematography and a talented cast. For those looking for ‘ooey gooey in the chest’ moments, highlights include rich performances by James Rebhorn and Kristine Sutherland (Paul’s adoptive parents), who portray an elderly couple dealing with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on a marriage. Keep the tissues handy!

Hollywood 20

Tuesday April 17th, 7:30 pm.

Sunday April 22nd, 5:00 pm.

Anthony Paull is syndicated columnist, filmmaker, and writer. His first novel Outtakes of a Walking Mistake is available now.