FILM: RANDY ANDIE

MacDowell brags about her 33 hours Sure, we have all seen this story before: boy meets girl, boy gets girl, girl is already involved, boy loses girl, boy acts really cute, boy finds another girl, original girl comes crawling back to aforementioned boy. This type of formulaic plot tends to leave a worse taste in your mouth than Formula 44-D. But hey, it's spring and romance is fashionable once again, particularly if Andie MacDowell, the thinking man's poster girl, is involved. Four Weddings and a Funeral is nothing if not formulaic, but it turns out to be an interesting formula. With an ever-charming Miss MacDowell, an eclectic cast of rambunctious wedding-goers, and an extremely engaging performance from England's Hugh Grant, the formula becomes entertaining, inventive and, at times, poignant. Directed by Mike Newell (Enchanted April), Four Weddings follows the trials and tribulations of Charles (Hugh Grant), a thirtysomething British bachelor who has pretty much resigned himself to the single life. Of course, he begins to revise his thinking upon meeting Carrie (Andie MacDowell), a beautifully uninhibited American woman who is a guest at a wedding where Charles is the best man. The couple has their one night of bliss, but are then separated as Carrie returns to the States. Charles, however, has been smitten. As time goes on and he sees his friends choosing the married life, Charles starts to ignore a longing for his own significant other and sets his sights on the nearest victim. Written by Richard Curtis, Four Weddings's characters have a depth not often found in most romantic comedies. Throughout the core of the movie's characters Curtis manages to supply a variety of lifestyles. There is a gay couple, Charles' deaf brother, as well as Charlotte (Kristin Scott Thomas), who is Charles' crazy roommate and best friend. Charlotte is the wackiest of the bunch and she supplies more than her share of hilarious moments throughout the film, particularly when she walks the aisle as a bridesmaid with her backside completely exposed. Credit must be given to both Curtis and Newell for making a very smart picture out of what could be considered a fairly common plot. The format itself is interesting, taking us on a tour of a few years out of a young man's life by simply stopping at five points along the way (hence the film's title). And the occasions themselves remind us of life's necessities: the collective sharing of both our joys and our sorrows. For, as enjoyable as the weddings are, it is perhaps the short funeral which is the most touching element in the film. At the funeral, John (Simon Callow) mourns the loss of his longtime partner by reading "Stop the Clocks," a poem by W.H. Auden. The poem is read so passionately and lovingly, that for a moment the film's exuberance comes to a halt, as we pause in remembrance of those no longer with us. Probably what is most admirable about this romantic comedy is that it resists the temptation to be all comedy. Newell allows for interjections and interruptions from real life. The weddings are not perfect, the people are not perfect. It is easy to develop a certain sense of empathy for Charles, because he is so very human and self-effacing. He is a mixture of morbid introspection and effusive charm. Grant creates a hero that we can relate to and yet we aspire to be like at the same time. Also, not to be overlooked is the performance by Andie MacDowell, who makes a great departure from those shy, reserved heroines she played in both Sex, Lies, and Videotape and Green Card. MacDowell's character is fearless, in both words and deeds, with a sharp sense of humor. She is particularly uninhibited in one memorable scene where Carrie itemizes her sexual partners for Charles, who listens with dropped jaw and pulls at his hair (let's just say she goes well into double-digits). MacDowell and Grant have terrific chemistry on screen together. When they are apart, you root for them to be together. When they are together, they look and sound as though they were never apart. Altogether, Four Weddings and A Funeral is a wonderfully intelligent film with fresh faces and beautiful settings. Filmed in and around London, the movie has a texture that is at once both majestic and welcoming. The weddings are traditional and tastefully extravagant, adding to the movie's irresistible charm. And the scenes shot on the banks of the River Thames will only serve to increase the longing for spring. Andie MacDowell is lovely as always, this time more fully developed. As for Hugh Grant, well ladies, go see him and try to keep from drooling, and guys, go into that theater and take extensive notes.