MURIEL'S WEDDING Movie Review

The overweight, dowdy, achingly lonely Muriel (Toni Collette) dreams of a fairy-tale wedding to a vague, fantasized Mr. Right, yet has a classic case of low self-esteem, thanks to her unsupportive family (dad Bill Hunter gives a terrifically flamboyant performance) and creepy, bitchy, back-stabbing “girlfriends.” How Muriel fulfills her obsessive wedding fantasies—and then sails elegantly beyond them—is the basis for this hilariously sweet, surprisingly poignant ugly-duckling tale from Australia's PJ. Hogan. Collette (who gained 40 pounds for the part á la Robert De Niro) is enchanting as the utterly sympathetic Muriel, who spends much of her time grooving to 70s Europop superstars ABBA. The tunes both punch up the film and make sense for Muriel's character—in essence they're effective, plot-advancing musical numbers. Muriel's Wedding has not-unpleasant, slightly bitter aftertaste that gives the picture a satisfying punch. It's better than you think it's going to be, and you won't be ashamed of yourself in the morning. Australian Film Institute Awards for Best Picture and Actress.

NEXT STOP … Georgy Girl, Love Serenade, Two Friends

1994 (R) 105m/C AU Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, Rachel Griffiths, Jeanie Drynan, Gennie Nevinson Brice, Matt Day, Daniel Lapaine, Sophie Lee, Rosalind Hammond, Belinda Jarrett; D: PJ. Hogan; W: PJ. Hogan; C: Martin McGrath; M: Peter Best. Australian Film Institute ‘94: Best Actress (Collette), Best Film, Best Sound, Best Supporting Actress (Griffiths); Nominations: Australian Film Institute ‘94: Best Director (Hogan), Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Hunter), Best Supporting Actress (Drynan); British Academy Awards ‘95: Best Original Screenplay; Golden Globe Awards ‘96: Best Actress—Musical/Comedy (Collette); Writers Guild of America ‘95: Best Original Screenplay. VHS, LV, Closed Caption MAX