On paper, certain movies have all of the ingredients that should prove to be a success. That includes a solid script, an engaging cast, and a capable director. Granted, that does not always mean it’s going to work out that way. That is the case with the new action-comedy Bride Hard, now on Blu-ray. Directed by Simon West (Con-Air; The Mechanic), Bride Hard fails in its ambitions. The story follows childhood friends Sam (Rebel Wilson) and Betsy (Anna Camp) in a wedding for the ages. When mercenaries led by Kurt (Stephen Dorff) overtake Betsy’s wedding, they get more than they bargained for. This includes Sam being a secret agent who is determined to save her friend’s perfect day.
The following review is based on a Blu-ray review copy provided by Alliance Entertainment.
Where Bride Hard really misses the mark is its blend of action and comedy. In a 105-minute running time, the laughs are almost non-existent. That is admittedly disappointing with the cast assembled. Reuniting after the Pitch Perfect trilogy, both Camp and Wilson have capable comedic chops. This can also be said for the supporting ensemble, which includes funny comedic voices like Anna Chlumsky (Veep), Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers), and Sherry Cola (Joy Ride). The performances are most definitely not the problem with Bride Hard; the script is.
First-time feature film writers Cece Pleasants Adams and Shaina Steinberg are obviously fans of both the action and comedy genres and, specifically movies like Die Hard (1988) and Bridesmaids (2011). The problem is that they struggle to find a synchronicity between those tones. The film takes significant shifts between comedic moments and highly violent ones. Every change in these moments struggles to leave an impression. This includes the modern-day pop songs playing over violent action sequences. Weirdly, in those action sequences, that is where the best moments of comedy shine.
This talented group of actors does what they can with the material. Both Camp and Wilson have a palpable chemistry. They have an obvious behind-the-scenes past and it shows in those brief banter-filled sequences which get the occasional chuckle. Most of those moments feel like improvisational riffs and they will leave audiences wanting more of them. Actors like Stephen Dorff (Blade) and Justin Hartley (This Is Us) also succeed in those brief and subtle comedic interplays. With lackluster comedy, one may hope that the action can save it. In the case of Bride Hard, the action does not do the film any favors.
Viewers simply want entertaining action set-pieces from an action-comedy. Being shot primarily at a wedding venue, the film does have some of those moments. The problem is that they all have a repetition to them. Each one feels so similar to the last that it becomes endlessly dull. Granted, that remains evident until a third act that goes into absolute lunacy when the film wisely begins to incorporate the setting into the action. This includes using wedding essentials, such as the cake itself, in creative and unconventional ways. It delivers a level of fun that the rest of the film sorely lacks.
Bride Hard is a film that exists as nothing more than wasted potential. The cast members do what they can, but suffer from writing that does them no favors. Simply put, when the ingredients don’t blend, it makes a lackluster soufflé. Nothing about Bride Hard is fascinating, with a conclusion so predictable that it makes one’s eyes roll. One would hope that this home release includes some special features which help compensate for its shortcomings. Unfortunately, there are no features of any kind. The only thing giving any chuckles is a brief “gag reel” that simply highlights the cast.
I cannot recommend Bride Hard for purchase as a home release or for casual viewing. The film is merely a written string of clichés, desperate to make an audience laugh. In reality, it simply prompts the audience to keep checking their watches. It’s evident that the cast had a fun time making Bride Hard, but the watch is never as fun. When you can tell that while watching a film, you know you’re in for a bad time. It’s like watching a party that you were never invited to. I had that feeling within the first 15 minutes of Bride Hard, making it one of the worst films of 2025.
No bonus features included with this release.
Available on digital July 18th, 2025.
Available on Blu-ray and DVD September 9th, 2025.
For more information, head to the official Bride Hard website.
Final Score: 1 out of 5.
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Categories: Home Video, Reviews, streaming
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