"Modest" would probably be the best way to describe the probably too-slight charms of "Just Married." As much as you may want to like the film — and much of that has to do with the appeal of its stars, Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy — this slapstick/romantic comedy keeps undermining itself.
As sweet as "Just Married" can sometimes be, just as often it stoops to crude and mean-spirited gags, running out of steam about a third of the way in and only recovering again toward the end. It's almost as if the filmmakers didn't have enough confidence in Kutcher and Murphy to allow them to carry the show without the low-brow humor. Big mistake.
Most of the story is told through flashbacks, as we see the whirlwind romance, engagement and marriage
between part-time radio traffic reporter Tom Leezak (Kutcher) and spoiled little rich girl Sarah McNerney (Murphy).
Sarah's friends and family — especially her disbelieving, disapproving father (David Rasche) — insist that the two are getting married "too young" and "too soon" and that, as a result, their union is doomed. Which, unfortunately, appears to be true.
The relationship gets off to a false start when Tom accidentally kills Sarah's beloved pet and covers it up with a lie. Then she neglects to tell him about her fling with a longtime family friend (Christian Kane), which threatens to upset their already troubled honeymoon.
As with many films these days, "Just Married" is another example of the trailers giving too much away — though anyone who's surprised by the plot or character developments is in serious need of a clue. Shawn Levy's direction is obvious, as are the jokes cooked up by screenwriter Sam Harper.
Yet there's just something about Kutcher and Murphy that makes the film seem better than it actually is. (Given that their on-screen romance led to an off-screen one, one can only hope it might lead to another, better collaboration between the two.)
"Just Married" is rated PG-13 for slapstick violence (pratfalls and accidents), crude sight gags and references to sex and sexual functions, scattered use of profanity, simulated sex and sex acts (mostly overheard) and use of some ethnic slurs. Running time: 94 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
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