KEY POINTS:
MADE OF HONOUR
Cast: Patrick Dempsey, Sydney Pollack, Kevin McKidd, Michelle Monaghan, Kathleen Quinlan
Director: Paul Weiland
Running Time: 101 mins
Rating: M (violence, sexual references)
Screening: SkyCity, Hoyts, Berkeley Cinemas
Rating: * *
Verdict: Been there, done that. You've seen it all before.
There's a good chance that if you're considering this romantic comedy, it's for the shallow and totally understandable reason that it stars Grey's Anatomy's "McDreamy", Patrick Dempsey.
If so, then the good news is McDreamy looks particularly dreamy in this film, and there are several shots of him in just his underwear. If, however, you thought this might be a witty and memorable rom-com, then you will be disappointed.
Made of Honour is a paint-by-numbers, formulaic, predictable romantic comedy that fails to sparkle, and is a waste of a good cast.
It's the story of best friends Tom (Patrick Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle Monaghan). Hannah is about the only good-looking girl in New York the sexy and wealthy Tom hasn't slept with, and yet she's the only person he wants to spend Sundays with.
She's also his rent-a-date for important family occasions such as weddings, and very sweetly sits and listens to him talk about all his girlfriends and how they cope with his dating rules, which seem only to benefit Tom.
When Hannah heads to Scotland on a work trip, Tom is at a loose end on Sundays and decides he has feelings for her. But Hannah falls in love with a tall, dashing Scotsman (Kevin McKidd), and accepts his marriage proposal. Tom accepts the role as Hannah's MOH (Maid of Honour) with the intention of trying to win her heart and prevent her marrying her perfect tartan duke.
While it's clear Hannah and Tom are great mates, you're never really convinced they're perfect soul mates - you'd think the attractive and smart Hannah could do better than end up with a serial womaniser like him.
Made of Honour is a rehash of Julia Roberts' My Best Friend's Wedding, mixed together with familiar ideas from other romantic comedies. While there is no doubt Patrick Dempsey is a handsome man, if he's serious about a career on the big screen he's going to have to prove he can do more than just look good, with perfectly blow-dried hair.
