The Four Weddings and a Funeral reboot has been panned by critics.
The Mindy Kaling produced ten-part US television adaptation of the 1994 classic has been slammed as ‘excruciatingly flat’ and relying on ‘broad stereotypes and predictability,’ with others demanding an apology from American network Hulu for portraying British women ‘as catty, classist and utterly terrible.’
Taking little inspiration from the Oscar-nominated classic which sees Hugh Grant’s endearing pursuit of Andie MacDowell, the reboot offers ‘none of the original charm’ with its plot focusing on the trials and tribulations of four Americans reunited in London as expats.
Panned: Hulu’s Four Weddings and a Funeral reboot, produced by Mindy Kaling, has been slammed as ‘excruciating’ by critics
Instead of Grant’s Charles and Andie MacDowell’s Carrie, the programme centres on successful, handsome British-Pakistani investment banker Kash (Nitesh Patel), and his love interest Maya (Nathalie Emmanuel), a black American communications director for a politician.
Although loosely based on the original film, the show, which premiered in the USA on July 31st, is called a ‘redefinition of the traditional romantic comedy for a new generation’.
It also brags a guest appearance from original star, MacDowell – whose new role as the mother of Ainsley Howard (played by Rebecca Rittenhouse) has nothing to do with her original storyline.
However, the Washington Post was quick to slam the one-off series for it ‘annoyingly dull’ cast, while also talking offence to the writing.
Richard Curtis wrote the original film – however, none of his vision appears to be poured into the new series despite being listed as an Executive Producer for it.
Taking little inspiration from the Oscar-nominated classic which sees Hugh Grant’s endearing pursuit of Andie MacDowell, the reboot offers ‘none of the original charm’
‘Excruciating’: Not happy: The Washington Post was quick to slam the one-off series for it ‘annoyingly dull’ cast, while also talking offence to the writing
‘Depicted as catty, classist and utterly terrible’: The publication also took offence to the depiction of British women on the show
‘Characters meant to seem charming seem creepy, and decisions meant to seem whimsical seem destructive,’ they wrote.
The Hollywood Reporter clearly weren’t too impressed, as they described the remake as more of a ‘distant cousin with a clumsy mess of predictability, broad stereotypes, forced dramatic situations and saccharine touches.’
The publication also took offence to the depiction of British women on the show, writing: ‘Hulu might owe the Brits an apology not only for clumsily trying to get a lift from one of its most crowd-pleasing rom-coms, but for making a mockery of the British themselves, particularly the women, who come off as catty, classist and utterly terrible.’
The Daily Dot urged viewers to stick to the well-loved original instead of the new ‘nightmare mishmash of rom-com tropes.’
Plot: The programme centres on successful, British-Pakistani Kash (Nitesh Patel), and his love interest Maya (Nathalie Emmanuel), a black American communications director for a politician
Hugh Grant (Charles 1994)
Dumps Henrietta (Anna Chancellor) at the altar to pursue Andie MacDowell (Carrie)
The new Charles (2019)
Kash (played by Nikesh Patel) dumps fiancee Ainsley at his wedding. Strikes up romance with Maya
Andie MacDowell (Carrie 1994)
A stunning American and the object of affection for smitten Brit, Charles. He leaves his fiancee at the altar for her
The new Carrie (2019)
American Maya (played by Nathalie Emmanuel) forges a romance with Kash, who dumped his bride on their wedding day
Anna Chancellor (Henrietta 1994)
Dumped at the altar by Charles, who comes to realisation he loves Carrie
The new Henrietta (2019)
Ainsley (played by Rebecca Rittenhouse) is dumped at the altar by Kash
One of the new series’ defining features was the fact that is boasts a diverse cast – something which the original lacked.
However, despite not watching the 1994 film until he nabbed the role, leading man Nitesh recently revealed playing Kash felt like ‘a celebration’ of his South Asian background.
He added: ‘It’s the first opportunity that I’ve had to get my teeth into a love story set that has this range, depth, journey and all these flavours to it.’
Kaling also explained: ‘I wanted to take the themes and the essence of the movie and apply it through my eyes of what I would like to see that I haven’t seen yet.
‘I know so many beautiful, funny, interesting African-American girls and so many handsome, hilarious British-Pakistani and British-Indian guys and I don’t think anyone would put them together if I’m not going to do it.’
‘Firmly in he background’: However, despite the effort for diversity, the show took a major step backwards when it came to LGBT representation, according to the Washington Blade
Speaking of the reboot, Kaling explained: ‘I wanted to take the themes and the essence of the movie and apply it through my eyes of what I would like to see that I haven’t seen yet’
However, despite the effort for diversity, the show took a major step backwards when it came to LGBT representation, according to the Washington Blade.
Speaking of the roles played by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Alex Jennings, they said: ‘These fine actors are absolutely terrific in their roles, but they’re kept firmly in the background. Maybe their storyline needed more rom-com clichés.’
The original 1994 movie, which made Hugh Grant a global heartthrob, was written by Richard Curtis and directed by Mike Newell.
The cast of the film also featured such names as Kristin Scott Thomas, Simon Callow, Rowan Atkinson and James Fleet.
The film earned £190 million at the box office and two Oscar nominations.
Iconic: The original 1994 movie, which made Hugh Grant a global heartthrob, was written by Richard Curtis and directed by Mike Newell