Table 19

On the surface, this looks like a cookie-cutter, icing-coated rom-com, replete with an unlikely mixed bag of characters brought together through their obliged invitation to a wedding. The Table 19 of the title is the one tucked away in a corner from which “you can smell the toilets.”

Each character at this table has a story: the demoted bridesmaid/ex-girlfriend of bride’s brother (Anna Kendrick); the forgotten nanny (June Squibb); the ex-communicated relative (Stephen Merchant); the awkward, pubescent son of family acquaintances (Tony Revolori); the bickering couple (Lisa Kudrow and Craig Robinson), there only by virtue of a Facebook connection.

The humour, admittedly, is predictable, though it often works, but it’s the exposition of each character’s stories that gives the film some depth and validity. The writing is quite good and the plot is tidy and thoughtful. The 1980s wedding band playlist provides some ‘name that tune’ amusement.

★★★

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich.