Lindsay Lohan rose to prominence as one of the most popular teen idols in the early 2000s. However, the actress took a break from the spotlight, but she made a comeback with the Netflix movie Falling for Christmas, in which she co-starred with Chord Overstreet. And now, after several (albeit rare) appearances, the actress is set to release her latest romantic comedy, Irish Wishes.
The Mean Girls star has received mixed reviews from critics since her return, but Netflix has signed a deal with the star to star in two films in 2022. One of hers is Irish Wish and another one of hers is Our Little Secret. (The latter film is still in production and is expected to be released around the end of the year.) In the former film, Lohan plays Maddie Kelly, a woman visiting her best friend’s wedding in Ireland. However, this setting reminds her of one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 1990s. And here’s how the movie twists that story towards a better ending.
‘Irish Wishes’ shares a similar plot with ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’
Lohan’s latest film shares the same premise as Julia Robert’s iconic film My Best Friend’s Wedding. Directed by P.J. Hogan in 1997, the film depicts sportswriter Jules Potter (Roberts) attending the wedding of his friend Michael O’Neill (Dermot Mulroney). However, upon arriving there, Potter realizes that he is still in love with O’Neill and does everything in his power to prevent his marriage. Eventually, she discovers that Michael’s soon-to-be wife, Kimmy (Cameron Diaz), is still in college. Kimmy, a kind-hearted woman, wants Jules to be her maid of honor, and then chaos begins.
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I rewatched My Best Friend’s Wedding and it was truly one of the best romantic comedies of all time. pic.twitter.com/pcMEogJ3n5
— Pineapple slice 🍍 (@bashful_michael) February 20, 2024
Similarly, in Irish Wedding, Rohan (Maddie) attends her best friend Emma’s (Elizabeth Tan) wedding. However, Lohan realizes that she is in love with Emma’s partner, Paul (Alexander Vlahos). Maddie, who had no choice but to confess her feelings, wishes to switch places with her Emma. The next day she discovers that she is a bride and a new series of troubles begins.
I’ve recently seen a lot of critical reviews of My Best Friend’s Wedding claiming that Julia Roberts’ character is evil and that it ruins the movie.
I think it’s interesting because that’s the point of this movie. It’s a typical romantic comedy seen from the villain’s perspective. pic.twitter.com/6LedpnVXz5
— William Bibbiani (@WilliamBibbiani) February 15, 2024
In both films, the female protagonist is unable to forgive her friend’s marriage because she plans to confess her feelings. However, Jules is in love with her best friend, while Maddie is in love with the man her best friend is married to. And unlike Jules, the Irish Wish trailer doesn’t show Maddie trying to sabotage her best friend’s wedding.
Netflix takes inspiration from 13 Going On 30
13 Going On 30 Ultimate Comfort Movie pic.twitter.com/wVrNu9b84C
— c (@filmsparker) February 13, 2024
Irish Wish, as the name suggests, has fantasy elements similar to Gary Winnick’s 13 Going On 30. The film depicts Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who hopes to be “frivolous and thriving at 30.” The next morning, she wakes up as a teenager in an adult’s body in a luxury New York apartment. She then realizes that the humiliation she suffered at her birthday party only pushed her into her meaner self, and she quickly regrets everything.
I watched “13 Going on 30” many times. Sure, that yellow dress Kate wears in “How to Loose” is gorgeous, but it’s not enough to top Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo’s charms. #romcom bracket pic.twitter.com/gcaxu5hYUi
— Melanie/Mel (@melon_reads) February 19, 2024
In Irish Wishes, it’s not the wish dust that changes her life, but the Irish magic that allows Maddy to live out her fantasies. However, like Jenna, she soon realizes that this is not the life she wanted.
How this movie could be a better version of My Best Friend’s Wedding
While My Best Friend’s Wedding is beloved, the main character, Jules, has come under fire for her questionable behavior. Even though she eventually accepts her friend’s marriage, her growth remains questionable. In contrast, Irish Wish’s girlfriend Maddie experiences her true growth. She realizes her own desires, but she realizes that is not what she really wants, especially after meeting James. Maddie’s journey provides a deeper understanding of her mistakes than Jules’ journey. She is more likely to let go of her past emotions and celebrate her friend’s happiness with all her heart. Unlike Jules, who seems to have moved on out of necessity, Maddie’s change feels genuine and complete.
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