Having William Powell or Myrna Loy on their own in a film is good reason enough to see any film of theirs. Having them together in the same film, like in 'Double Wedding', means that the entertainment value is doubled. All their outings are worth a look at least once, even the lesser efforts are a long way from mediocre or less. Even the ones that had more potential to be much better than they turned out to be, and there were a few of those.
The story sounded fun and while Richard Thorpe was never the most distinguished of directors he was always a competent one. While both Powell and Loy did better in their careers in both films and performances than 'Double Wedding', both individually and together, one can totally see what their appeal was here. As actors and as a partnership, which was deservedly considered a classic one. Both come off great here and the entertainment value is doubled seeing them together.
'Double Wedding' could have been better. The story never properly lost my interest thankfully, but the pacing could have been crisper in spots in the slighter parts of a story that was quite thin and the action does sometimes go overboard on the silliness, occasionally the chaos in the last act getting a bit much.
My mixed opinion on Thorpe as a director hasn't really changed. He directs competently, everything is present and correct, but nothing is extraordinary or particularly distinguished.
On the other hand, 'Double Wedding' looks great. Glamorously designed without being overblown and the photography is not static yet also doesn't try to do anything too clever. The script has my favourite kind of writing, witty and sophisticated structured tightly. The physical comedy is generally done with energy that is suitably wild when needed, a lot of the final act's wildness is very funny indeed.
Powell is very charismatic and charming with great comic timing, it is not easy working amidst grief and he did so courageously. Loy epitomises sophisticated beauty and is no slouch in the comic timing either. She and Powell sparkle together while John Beal is well cast in his role.
All in all, good entertainment if no classic. 7/10
The story sounded fun and while Richard Thorpe was never the most distinguished of directors he was always a competent one. While both Powell and Loy did better in their careers in both films and performances than 'Double Wedding', both individually and together, one can totally see what their appeal was here. As actors and as a partnership, which was deservedly considered a classic one. Both come off great here and the entertainment value is doubled seeing them together.
'Double Wedding' could have been better. The story never properly lost my interest thankfully, but the pacing could have been crisper in spots in the slighter parts of a story that was quite thin and the action does sometimes go overboard on the silliness, occasionally the chaos in the last act getting a bit much.
My mixed opinion on Thorpe as a director hasn't really changed. He directs competently, everything is present and correct, but nothing is extraordinary or particularly distinguished.
On the other hand, 'Double Wedding' looks great. Glamorously designed without being overblown and the photography is not static yet also doesn't try to do anything too clever. The script has my favourite kind of writing, witty and sophisticated structured tightly. The physical comedy is generally done with energy that is suitably wild when needed, a lot of the final act's wildness is very funny indeed.
Powell is very charismatic and charming with great comic timing, it is not easy working amidst grief and he did so courageously. Loy epitomises sophisticated beauty and is no slouch in the comic timing either. She and Powell sparkle together while John Beal is well cast in his role.
All in all, good entertainment if no classic. 7/10