Eight Reasons to Love Runaway Bride
Richard Gere and Julia Roberts Reunite in This Wonderful Love Story
Apr 5, 2009
Richard Gere plays Ike Graham, a New York newspaper columnist who writes a nasty column about women. The article highlights Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts), a small-town woman whom he has never even met or interviewed.
Richard Gere as Ike Graham: From New York City to Hale, Maryland
Instead of legitimate research, Ike bases his entire article on hearsay – a bar story told by a stranger detailing how Maggie entices men to propose marriage and then leaves them at the altar. Ex-wife/current editor (Rita Wilson) fires Ike for his unverified story, and then he goes on a mission to find Maggie to prove that he was right.
When Maggie learns the identity of the handsome stranger who drops into her small Maryland town, she enlists the help of her friends (Joan Cusack and Laurie Metcalf) to give him an exceptionally hard time as he wanders through the area asking questions. Somewhere along the way, Ike and Maggie feel their own romantic sparks for each other.
Eight Reasons to Love Runaway Bride
- Not only are Richard Gere and Julia Roberts reunited from 1990’s Pretty Woman, but director Garry Marshall and supporting actors Hector Elizondo and Larry Miller return also.
- In this film, the state of Maryland actually gets to play itself. Filming locations included these Maryland cities: Baltimore (cheated for New York City), Berlin (Main Street exterior scenes), Long Green (outdoor scenes), New Windsor (church scene), and Snow Hill (high school).
- Joan Cusack delivers an exceptionally touching performance as Maggie’s long-time close buddy who grew up in the shadow of her flirtatious friend. Although sometimes poignant, Cusack hits the comedy beats perfectly and won an American Comedy Award (2000) for her part in the film.
- Paul Dooley (as Maggie’s father) and Laurie Metcalf (as Peggy Fleming, not the skater) also deliver quaint small-town performances that add humor and color to the atmosphere.
- Both sexes should enjoy the difference between his idea of a good marriage proposal and her idea of a good marriage proposal.
- There's so much talk about egg preferences that viewers will surely find out (if they don’t already know) what their partner’s preferences are regarding their breakfast selection.
- When Ike performs jazz guitar with some of the local Hale residents, he’s actually playing. The character’s love of jazz music becomes a key plot point later in the movie.
- Although Maggie’s flaws and dysfunction lie closer to the surface than Ike’s, he still has plenty of room for emotional growth. Because this is a feel-good rom-com, both sides eventually take steps in overcoming their personal weaknesses.
Runaway Bride on DVD
- Runaway Bride (Widescreen Edition 1999)
- A New York City magazine columnist visits a small town to meet the woman he publicly ridiculed for leaving her disbelieving bridegrooms at the altar.
- Starring Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Paul Dooley, Hector Elizondo, Joan Cusack, Rita Wilson
- Director: Garry Marshall
- Run Time: 116 minutes
- Rating: PG (for language and some suggestive dialogue)
For more information about romantic comedies, read Elements of Great Romantic Comedy.
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