I went into Bride Hard really wanting to enjoy myself. I wasn’t expecting a groundbreaking story, but I thought it would be a fun action comedy with some silly gags, light laughs, and a chance to see Rebel Wilson try something different. Sometimes that’s all you need from a film like this.
Unfortunately, Bride Hard struggled to deliver even on those modest expectations.
The concept sounded entertaining. I’ve always had a soft spot for movies where women take the lead as undercover agents or unlikely heroes. Films like The 355, Ocean’s 8, and Melissa McCarthy’s Spy gave us female characters you could cheer for while enjoying a playful spin on the action-comedy genre. With Rebel Wilson starring alongside Justin Hartley and Stephen Dorff, there was enough talent on paper to make me hopeful that Bride Hard would be a fun, if predictable, ride.
Sadly, the execution let the cast down. The plot is overly predictable and the jokes rarely land. When they do, it’s often because they are so awkward or cringe-worthy rather than genuinely funny. Editing choices leave scenes feeling mismatched and the film often struggles with uneven lighting, making it visually distracting at times.
What makes this disappointing is that the cast clearly tried to elevate the material. Rebel Wilson commits to the role, stepping away from her usual typecast comedic parts to play someone more confident, emotionally intelligent, and action-ready. Justin Hartley brings charm and does his best with what little the script gives him. Stephen Dorff adds presence but is frustratingly underused. You can see glimpses of what could have worked, but the writing simply doesn’t give these actors the foundation they needed to succeed.
Bride Hard is a film I genuinely wanted to like, and that makes the letdown sting even more. The ingredients for a silly but enjoyable action comedy were there, yet the result is uneven and forgettable. There are a handful of moments that may entertain fans of Rebel Wilson, but it’s not a film I would recommend seeing in cinemas. It feels better suited for a casual watch at home, the kind of background movie you put on when you want something easy that doesn’t require much attention.
At times, it seemed like Bride Hard wanted to lean into parody, something closer to The Naked Gun. That would have been bold and fun. Instead, it sits in an awkward middle ground. Nnot sharp enough to be satire and not heartfelt enough to stand out as an action comedy.
In the end, even with a cast giving it their all, Bride Hard shows how essential strong writing and direction are. Performances can only go so far, and without the support of a solid script, the film never reaches its potential. I went in hoping for a lighthearted, entertaining ride, but walked out wishing I had more to cheer for.