When I grew up in the Eighties, the girls wore large hair, wide shoulder pads and long dresses. The guys, on the other hand, sported small collars, huge dress pants and thin belts. Bringing the sexes together was the color. Bright primary colors dominated the scene, wild hats became the norm, and to see guys with makeup was not an exaggeration.
The Saturday night parties became something special to look forward to as well. The music by The Police, Duran Duran and David Bowie blew all us kids away. The dance floor became a place where we could make a statement about who we were. We danced without shirts. We danced with everyone. And we had fun playing dare games while admiring each other’s styles. It was one big party.
The movie The Wedding Singer captures that era perfectly.
Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore) just started her job as a waitress at a banquet hall when she meets wedding singer Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) in the 1998 movie appropriately called The Wedding Singer. Right from the outset, Julia displays attributes female characters ought to possess in order for them to be part of my Women Who Wow Wednesday series. She doesn’t kick butt, but she certainly has that warm and fuzzy feeling surrounding her.
The first time meeting Julia we find out about her engagement. The problem, though, is she’s not sure how serious the guy is with his proposal. She says, “I feel like I’m doomed to wander the planet alone forever.” Which Robbie replies, “Like the Incredible Hulk.” They agree that Robbie would sing at her wedding, if it ever takes place. Revealed later in the film is Robbie’s engagement to his own fiancée. He hopes they would last fifty years, much like one of his vocal students’ marriage.
Julia’s fiancée eventually springs the news that he wants to marry in Las Vegas, but he cedes to getting married where she wants to marry. That’s the first sign of trouble. In the meantime, Robbie has his own problems. His fiancée dumps him and his latest wedding gig turns into a dirge. He has nothing to live for but the thought of stringing his neck to a clothesline until his feet shake lifeless.
Throughout it all, Julia shows Robbie what a true friend is. She stands by Robbie in his darkest times in spite of him wanting to kill the bride and groom at his upcoming wedding gig. Julia appreciates Robbie by asking his opinion about things that matter to her. She also brings him into her world by introducing him to her friends and family. That’s a big step for a girl only having friendship on her mind.
The thing about Julia is her warmth. As bad as things get, she’s always ready with a kind word, a quirky smile and a timid laugh. Something about Julia makes her shine. She is the perfect example of support during bad times. She lifts the spirit, lends an ear and gives of herself in whole, regardless of what anyone thinks of her.
Is there anything more we need to know about Julia? No. Julia’s the perfect friend.
RANGER MARTIN AND THE ALIEN INVASION, on sale October 21.
If you’ve seen The Wedding Singer, what did you think of it?
Looking to God 
Well, I’ve never been a fan of Adam Sandler movies to be honest, but The Wedding Singer is just awesome. Oh, and no one messes with Billy Idol 😀
I’d love to see that one. Drew and Adam are both awesome people. Have you seen The Neighbors yet? It’s rude but so funny!
Loved this movie! Definitely spot on with the flavor of the times. It was about ‘hopes and dreams’. We didn’t want to settle for just living we wanted to live!
The comedy made us laugh at ourselves, it was nostalgic, quirky and made us ‘Rah-Rah’ for the good guy, to get the girl.
I’ve always loved the 80’s!
Love this movie!! I was born in the mid-eighties, so I didn’t get to consciously experience that culture while it was happening. I did, however, get a lot of it through the radio, reruns, hand-me-downs, etc. ’80s culture has had a huge impact on me…and in a way, I’m kind of bummed I just missed it. Must invent time travel!
If you do invent time travel, I’m raising my hand as a form of diplomatic awareness, calling dibs on the first seat to 33 A.D. I’ve always wondered what the gladiator games were like in ancient Rome!
I loved Wedding Singer. What great memories.
I am enjoying your clear, concise and easygoing reviews. Especially as I don’t personally get to see as many movies as I would like. It’s great to stay in the loop via these great write ups.
My girls and I love this movie. Your post was fabulous… brought back all of those high school memories! One of my daughters is big into buying clothes from thrift shops and is always picking out shirts she needs to cut the shoulder pads out of. We used to look like linebackers! 🙂
I’m glad you liked the read! The Eighties look is so colorful, and so easy to love. I miss those days!
Well, I didn’t see that one. According to your blog post, Julia is wonderful. A good reason to add The Wedding Singer to my TBW list.