Can An Arranged Marriage Work In Modern Day? → On Demand Weekly

Can An Arranged Marriage Work In Modern Day?August 16, 2011

Gravitas

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: WHEN HARRY WANTS TO MARRY (Gravitas).

WHEN HARRY WANTS TO MARRY - On Demand
By Amy Slotnick

Harry is an Indian-American college student who, scarred by the divorce of his parents as a child, is longing for a marriage the old fashioned way – arranged. With a matchmaker in India, he is quickly matched up with an Indian beauty who seems perfect for Harry. Before even meeting her, and even though Harry’s parents and friends are not supportive, wedding plans get started.

Simultaneously, Harry is falling for Theresa, a beautiful co-ed he is paired with for a Sociology project (coincidentally, the topic is marriage).

The premise feels more like a 30-minute sitcom, and the exaggerated tone makes it feel like the film should have a laugh track. The story plays out in a predictable way, with super-broad comedic moments thrown in, some with no rhyme or reason, like an unfunny waxing scene with Harry’s roommate. There is good chemistry between Theresa and Harry, but the critical suspense of whether or not he forgoes the arrangement and hooks up with Theresa peters out after the first half.

Harry waits until he is standing at his wedding alter at a huge celebration in India, to announce that he does not want to be in an arranged marriage. I felt badly for the bride when he decides to follow his heart, a cliché message that is all too familiar. The title recalls one of the best romantic comedies of all time, but unfortunately, WHEN HARRY TRIES TO MARRY doesn’t live up to the title’s reference.

- Amy Slotnick

Amy
Amy Slotnick is a contributor to On Demand Weekly. She works as an independent producer and freelance consultant to film financing start-ups. Previously she was a Senior VP of Production at Miramax Films.