Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Film Review | Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates


Warning: Please note that this film is rated ‘R’ in the USA.

All Mike (Adam DeVine) and Dave (Zac Efron) wanted to do was give their sister, Jeanie (Sugar Lyn Beard), the best time on her big day. What started as an ultimatum from their dad (Stephen Root), turned into the biggest whirlwind of deceit, laughter and disaster.

The Story

The hilarious plotline for Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is founded on an actual Craigslist advertisement written by the real Stangle brothers. Andrew Jay Cohen's and Brendan O’Brien’s screenplay follow two mediocre liquor salesmen trying to find “nice girls” for their sister’s wedding to keep them in check before, during and after the big day.

They placed their advertisement on Craigslist to later be swamped by creepers who only want a free “vacay”. When everything looked bleak, Tatiana and Alice make a dramatic entry – seemingly to solve all their problems. Only thing is…Tatiana and Alice are only playing nice – an all-expenses paid vacation as dates, c’mon – it’s a disaster waiting to happen!

Cohen and O’Brien embellished the real turn of events to give us barrels of laughter, but if you’ve watched interviews with the Stangles and their cameo story, there may have been some truth to parts of the film.

The Cast

Zac Efron and Adam DeVine have been herald as accurate portrayals of the Stangle brothers, but not without their own perks. DeVine stuck with his guns in terms of his comedic flair and over-the-top dramatisations. Efron was his charming self with a dash of his badass nature in Bad Neighbours. Together they were a casting match made-in-heaven.

Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick were just as funny! Kendrick’s sad-hot-mess Alice suavely matched plaza’s nonchalant and sassy Tatiana. They were brilliant at overplaying and underplaying their two-faced characters, taking Mike and Dave – along with the audience - for a spin.

As a foursome, I tip my hat to the casting team. These four worked well as individuals, duos and as an ensemble. Well done, everyone!


Overall…as much as this is not for children under the age of eighteen, it is for those of you out there who think you’re the life of the party and know that you’re really not – but you’ll act like it anyway. It’s a ‘You-Do-You’ film that matches this generation’s comedic prowess. 

I will also stress that this is not a family film, nor should any child under the age of eighteen see this film, some things are better left for your later selves.

sL Star Rating: ★★★★
Next on sL: Ghostbusters