Shotgun Wedding: Jennifer Lopez Turns Up the Fun in Action-Packed Rom-Com

After the golden era of romantic comedies associated with filmmakers like Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers, the feel-good genre has become less prominent in recent years. Jennifer Lopez, however, continues to keep the spirit of the rom-com alive with Shotgun Wedding. Following her success in romantic comedies during the early 2000s, Lopez returns to the genre alongside Josh Duhamel in a movie that combines romance, comedy, action, and plenty of chaotic wedding drama.

Directed by Jason Moore, known for Pitch Perfect, and written by Mark Hammer, Shotgun Wedding follows Darcy Rivera and Tom Fowler as they prepare for their destination wedding. Their personalities immediately create an amusing contrast. Tom has become obsessed with planning the perfect celebration, even getting carried away with DIY decorations, while Darcy would rather keep things simple. This reversal of traditional gender expectations gives their relationship a refreshing comedic edge.

Their wedding preparations become even more complicated when both begin experiencing doubts about getting married. Before they can resolve their relationship problems, however, a group of pirates storms the tropical wedding and takes their friends and family hostage. Darcy and Tom escape capture and suddenly find themselves responsible for rescuing everyone they love.

What follows is a mixture of romantic comedy and action adventure. The couple must navigate explosions, gunfights, dangerous escapes, and plenty of unexpected disasters. Their attempts to survive force them to cooperate, eventually helping them rediscover why they fell in love in the first place.

Josh Duhamel proves to be a strong partner for Lopez, bringing a nervous but lovable energy to Tom. His performance adds plenty of humor and personality, particularly during the more ridiculous situations. Lopez, meanwhile, fits naturally into the role of Darcy. Her charm and comedic timing remain among her strongest qualities, while the movie gives her opportunities to demonstrate a more physical and action-oriented side.

Although some viewers may question the chemistry between the leads, their initial distance actually suits the story. Darcy and Tom are supposed to be uncertain about their relationship at the beginning, and their connection becomes more convincing as they face increasingly dangerous situations together.

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The supporting cast also adds considerable entertainment value. Jennifer Coolidge is particularly memorable, bringing her trademark eccentric comedy to the role while becoming surprisingly capable during the action sequences. Cheech Marin, Sonia Braga, Lenny Kravitz, and D’Arcy Carden also contribute to the film’s colorful and unpredictable ensemble.

Shotgun Wedding is not trying to reinvent the romantic comedy. Its story relies heavily on familiar genre conventions, exaggerated situations, and deliberately absurd humor. Some pacing problems occasionally prevent the movie from reaching its full potential, but its energetic combination of romance, comedy, and action keeps it entertaining.

Ultimately, Shotgun Wedding delivers the kind of lighthearted escape that fans of romantic comedies often expect. With Jennifer Lopez at the center, a charming performance from Josh Duhamel, an entertaining supporting cast, and enough explosions to transform a wedding into an action adventure, the film provides an enjoyable and easygoing experience. It may be formulaic, but its warmth, humor, and chaotic energy make it a fun addition to the romantic comedy genre.

Rating: B-

Shotgun Wedding began streaming on Amazon Prime Video on January 27, 2023.

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.

The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026. 

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Clooney opted for a pair of medium-wash jeans with subtle fading (another Y2K reference, IMO). Her blues had an ultra-high waist—so high, in fact, that they appeared to hit at the ribcage. It’s the complete opposite of the controversial low-rise denim, so it’s a possible sign that the high-high waist is coming back, too. Not to mention, Clooney’s jeans had a slightly oversized fit from the thighs to the ankles, but it’s that flared hem that has all my attention; it’s taking me back to my middle school days when I’d wear my True Religion flares every single day. (No joke.)

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It’s undeniable that Clooney’s jeans have that nostalgic flair (ahem, flare, wink, wink), but it’s also undeniable that celebs are clamoring to the style because it’s incredibly flattering. The blues basically act like an optical illusion, making legs look super long, especially when paired with a style that has an extra-long hemline and sky-high platforms á la Lopez; the singer is 5-feet-5-inches, but don’t you agree with me that she looks way taller in these jeans? Yeah, that’s thanks to the flares. The flare hem and longer inseams help create the look of legs for days, but add in a high-waisted cut, platform heels, and a crop top, and you’ll fool people into thinking you’re inches taller. 

Leg-elongating factor aside, there’s no denying that flares are fun and nostalgia-inducing—and that’s exactly what I need right now. So, shop some more fun, funky flares from Frame, NYDJ, and Mavi below.

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