Okay, so it’s a Robin Williams movie — it’s got to be rib-tickling funny, right? Wrong! In License to Wed, you literally have to force yourself to laugh. But it’s not because of an ageing Robin Williams. The movie just suffers from a bad case of script malfunction.

Ben (Krasinski) and Sadie (Moore) are the ultimate new couple — totally in love, always cheerful and never having fought even a day in their relationship. When they decide to get married, in comes Rev Frank (Williams), the local pastor who sets them on a gruelling marriage preparation course. They must win this obstacle race or forfeit the right to live happily-ever-after. On the way, Ben and Sadie discover many chinks in their ‘happy’ courtship and must set it right before tying the knot.

On the whole, the story is as flimsy as a dupatta. All it can rely on are the slapstick and situational comedy bits that Robin Williams can offer. Plus, these bits are squeezed into the script uncomfortably. Sample this. When Ben gets hurt by a full-speed baseball, Rev Frank tries to heal him Exorcist-style: “The power of Christ compels you! We’ve got to pray-a, to save the day-a.” Extremely unnecessary.

However, some straight-faced oneliners by the adorable John Krasinski saves the film. If you loved him in The Office, you’ll love him even more here. He manages to balance out the snoozy parts of the movie with his incredible talent for acting geeky. Mandy Moore borders on ham-acting, atleast she’s come out of her teenage shell. Watch out for a surprising performance from little John Flitter — Rev Frank’s sinister apprentice. Sadly, Robin Williams is not what he was since we last saw him in The Birdcage. But we forgive him; he is after all a legend.
Watch it only if you’re in the mood for a fuzzy chick-flick. If you want sense, go elsewhere.