When Sadie (Mandy Moore) and Ben (John Krasinski) decide to get married, they think all they have to do is set a date, get a minister and a location. Little did they know that Sadie's childhood minister Reverend Frank (Robin Williams) wants them to attend a marriage prep course first. "Good marriages are my business," he tells them, and his prep course is designed to make sure they are compatible for marriage and 'happily ever after.'
A marriage prep course doesn't sound too bad. But they soon discover that much is expected of them for the next three weeks. The first rule is they have to write their own vows. The second rule is they are to have no sex until they are married. That doesn't bother Sadie, but Ben is very nervous about this prospect, considering they already live together. "I especially like the idea of putting a young couple's relationship to the test that way," says Williams. "Let's just take that tool out of your toolbox and see what you have left," he jokes.
With the help of his young apprentice, Reverend Frank sets out to really learn about this couple and make them learn about each other. You could say it's a crash course in their relationship. He even tests their trust by having Sadie drive blindfolded while Ben is in the back seat directing her! Talk about blind trust.
Another test involves some really funny robotic dolls. These dolls are adorable. Two are given to Sadie and Ben to see how they cope with children. After all, they both want children, although they cannot agree on how many. These dolls definitely give them a sense of what it is to have babies.
Another assignment they have is word association. Sadie's entire family gathers together and Ben is supposed to say one word that describes each member. He tries to be tactful in the beginning but with Reverend Frank prodding him on his tact turns to truth eventually, and little by little the he loses his high standing in the family.
All these assignments put an added strain on the relationship that started out rosy and full of promise. But is finding out about each other enough to call off their wedding? Well, maybe. Sometimes people just aren't meant to be together. But sometimes love is stronger than anything. Ben and Sadie, along with Reverend Frank, must figure out what to do with their lives.
Robin Williams is always a delight, and this is no exception. Moore, Krasinski, Williams, and of course, those adorable robotic dolls, will have you laughing on this fun romp on the road to matrimony. I did. I mean, "I do."
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