‘You're Cordially Invited' Review: Comedy Pros Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell Vow to Ruin One Another's Weddings
It's a sign of the times that a good, old-fashioned date movie featuring two of the most bankable movie stars of the early aughts, Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, is bypassing theaters altogether in early 2025. When it comes to writer-director Nicholas Stoller's latest rom-com — if that's the word for a film where two adults set out to sabotage one another's wedding plans — you're cordially invited to watch 'You're Cordially Invited' at home. The Prime release should play great at any scale while its stars are crossed at one another, but miscalculates their chemistry in a gratuitous and slightly icky epilogue.
As Jim, Ferrell is the first to be introduced, fussing over his Gen Z daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan), who disturbs the balance with her widower dad when she announces she's engaged to Stony Blyden's one-dimensional Oliver (the grooms-to-be can't be too memorable, or they'd pull focus from the adults). Ever since Jenni's mom died, Jim has pinned all his happiness on her feelings, and when it comes time for his only girl to get married, he wants everything to be perfect — so he calls the Palmetto House, the island resort where he and his late wife tied the knot, and books the venue.
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For her part, Witherspoon is back in 'Sweet Home Alabama' mode, assuming that character had never gotten hitched in the first place: She plays Margot, a high-strung Los Angeles TV producer who's cut off nearly all contact with her judgmental Georgia family, apart from her younger sister, Nev (Meredith Hagner), who's madly in love with a devoted but dense Chippendales dancer (Jimmy Tatro). Nev's situation, plus the news that she's pregnant, brings out Margot's protective instinct, and she immediately switches into wedding planning mode, promising her sister the perfect ceremony.
There's just one problem: The idyllic island resort where both Jim and Margot made reservations accidentally double-booked, and the place isn't big enough for both parties. The control-freak organizers could go nuclear on the poor Leslie (Jack McBrayer), the exasperated Palmetto House manager, or insist that they have the venue all to themselves. Instead, they tentatively agree to share the space … which is a recipe for conflict with two such control freaks involved.
On Margot's side, there's the rest of her family to worry about, as her hyper-critical mother (Celia Weston) can't let anything go without complaining, even though everyone but Margot thinks she's a sweetheart. Her siblings bother her even more, whether it's caveman Colton (Rory Scovel), who refers to his wife as 'the wife,' or heavy-drinking and highly inappropriate Gwyneth (scene-stealer Leanne Morgan), who turns laconic one-liners — like 'I got a spray tan, if you're wondering what that smell is' or 'If I wasn't married, I'd climb him like a redwood' — into quotable insta-classics.
A Tennessee stand-up with a hilariously husky drawl, Morgan might as well be this movie's answer to Melissa McCarthy. Though nothing can touch the 'Bridesmaids' breakout's hall-of-fame performance, Stoller follows director Paul Feig's lead in recognizing that a wedding comedy's only as entertaining as its guests. Meeting Margot's clan, it's easy to understand why she sought refuge as far away as possible, and yet, Jim instantly gets along with her family, which only makes matters worse.
Meanwhile, there's something suspicious about Jim and Jenni's codependent dynamic — the way he does his daughter's hair and insists on baking the wedding cake himself — that could be coded as there being skeletons (or more) in his closet. In lieu of giving a speech, he invites Jenni up to do a duet, but their song, 'Islands in the Stream,' is wildly inappropriate for a parent to be singing to his child. Its lyrics were clearly intended from one lover to another, ah-ha.
Whether they're playing naughty or nice, Witherspoon and Ferrell are two of the rare stars who can be charming even when trying to sabotage someone else's most important moment, and 'You're Cordially Invited' is most fun when they're on the warpath. The trailer has tipped most of the big gags, from the disaster at the dock to Jim wrestling an alligator, but Stoller's script is strong enough that the movie's pleasures are far from spoiled. Jenni's generation is an easy target — like her hyper-sensitive bestie Heather (Keyla Monterroso Mejia), who's to blame for not confirming the reservation — though the film strikes just the right tone in tripping their triggers.
Stoller, who wrote 'The Five-Year Engagement' and directed 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' is notable among contemporary comic filmmakers in that he always keeps his characters grounded. And yet, not even he can solve the problem of where this story's headed: Late in the film, once the festivities have played out and Jim and Margot have gone their separate ways, Stoller introduces the idea that Witherspoon's character doesn't want to spend the rest of her days alone. Unfortuantely, there's not so much as a spark between her and Jim.
Witherspoon presents Margot's not as some unhappy spinster, but as a modern self-reliant woman. If anyone other than Ferrell had played Jenni's teddy-bear father, the movie wouldn't be half as funny, but he's an actor whose emotionally stunted shtick has never lent itself to romance. The mere thought of Jim being a sexual entity revolts his daughter, and unless the cues weren't meant to suggest as much, it's been a running joke for much of the film that he could be gay — or else what is the unspoken 'secret' that everyone's speculating about?
But that dimension doesn't impact the film until the final stretch, by which point, 'You're Cordially Invited' has been so much fun, wherever it's headed 'ever after' hardly matters. The film pulls in cameos from Peyton Manning (boy, does he look uncomfortable doing comedy) and Nick Jonas (funny enough you wish the part were bigger). To tie up the ending nobody asked for, Stoller orchestrates one of those tricks, à la 'Anyone but You,' where the whole cast sings the same song over the course of the shoot — which is to say, they rely on each other, ah-ha.
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CHICAGO, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Anime Market size is projected to be valued at USD 37.69 billion in 2025 and reach USD 60.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.8% according to a new report by The Research Insights. The rapid growth of social media platforms has played a key role in this trend by allowing fans to establish connections and develop communities that go beyond geographical limits. Greater global connectivity leads to anime culture expansion while simultaneously boosting merchandise sales. The popularity of anime series now directly correlates with consumer interest in purchasing related merchandise like figurines and clothing. The expansion of the market is underway with projections indicating this growth trend will persist in driving further market expansion in the future. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, the Anime Market growth of 9.8% comprises a vast array of Type, Genre and Geography which are expected to register strength during the coming years. For More Information and To Stay Updated on The Latest Developments in The Global Anime Market Share, Download FREE Sample Pages: Market Overview and Growth Trajectory: Anime Market Growth: According to an exhaustive report by The Research Insights, the Anime Market Value is experiencing significant growth. The worldwide anime market demonstrates strong growth by responding to a combination of special factors that illustrate changes in cultural consumption trends and technological progress. The expanding global demand for diverse and immersive storytelling has helped anime achieve widespread popularity outside Japan, especially in North America, Europe, and Latin America. Streaming services such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ have become key players in expanding viewership by providing localized versions of content through subtitles and dubbing. Anime franchises now merge with gaming and fashion sectors to deliver interactive experiences alongside designer collaborations and merchandise which merges media into everyday lifestyle. AI technology combined with digital animation is optimizing production processes and improving visual detail which enables studios to boost their production volume without sacrificing quality. The active participation of Gen Z and millennial fans through social media activities and cosplay practices is transforming anime from a niche hobby into a mainstream global industry. The combined forces within the industry establish anime as a segment that resonates culturally and adapts technologically while demonstrating economic dynamism. Globalization and Expanding International Fanbase:The anime market expands primarily due to its audience base growing exponentially worldwide. Anime evolved from a niche genre outside Japan into a dominant cultural force throughout North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Streaming services including Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ have been fundamental to anime's global reach by giving users large content collections and simultaneous episode releases with multi-language dubbing and subtitles. Global accessibility to anime content has increased interest in established franchises such as Dragon Ball and Naruto while helping new series achieve worldwide popularity. TikTok along with Reddit and YouTube platforms have facilitated fan community growth by promoting content exchange and viral trend creation which led to increased viewer engagement and expanded audiences. The worldwide expansion of anime has led to increased demand for streaming subscriptions and merchandise which boosts market revenues together with theatrical releases and anime-themed activities. For Detailed Market Insights, Visit: Diversification of Revenue Streams: Merchandising, Licensing, and Live EventsTraditional TV and cinema content now represent only part of the anime market which operates as a complex commercial ecosystem. Industry earnings heavily rely on character licensing deals combined with merchandise product sales like figures and apparel as well as video games and live events including anime expos and music concerts with anime voice actors. The global anime industry now replicates Japan's effective merchandise system through specialized shops and online platforms such as AmiAmi and Animate Global which serve international anime fans. Anime has gained mainstream fashion attention through recent collaborations with high-end and urban fashion brands like Uniqlo and Gucci which has increased its exposure in the market. Anime tourism which involves fans visiting Japan to explore locations from beloved series played a significant role in Japan's tourism sector prior to the pandemic and shows signs of revival after COVID-19. The variety of income streams within this ecosystem supports continuous market expansion despite changes in how people watch content. Technological Advancements and Creative Innovation:The development of digital animation technology and production methods are transforming the quality and artistic style of anime while expanding its narrative possibilities. The application of CGI technology alongside 3D modeling and AI-supported animation tools has boosted both studio productivity and creative expression while allowing the creation of visually impressive and intricate stories more efficiently. Indie creators and small studios now find it easier to break into the market due to these technological advancements which contribute to greater content variety. The development of virtual reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences through anime-themed games and virtual concerts is drawing technology enthusiasts while expanding anime's audience beyond classic viewing platforms. Through their innovative animation quality and unique storytelling techniques, MAPPA, Ufotable, and Kyoto Animation have contributed to anime's increased cultural recognition and popularity. As production standards and content excellence increase consumer readiness to spend more on premium entertainment experiences which propels industry profits. Stay Updated on The Latest Anime Market Trends: Geographical Insights: The anime market in North America is expected to expand considerably in the next five years while maintaining a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.3% between 2025 and 2030. The rapid development of animation technology and techniques explains the growing demand because they are changing how anime is produced and watched in the region. Advanced software tools have allowed producers to enhance visual quality and create captivating content which entices both devoted anime fans and attracts new viewers. The Asia-Pacific region established itself as a major player in the global anime industry by generating 27.09% of worldwide revenue in 2024. Several important factors have led to this surge which includes the increasing demand for digital content together with the broad adoption of streaming services. Countries within the region lead this trend with their intensely devoted fanbase that shows equal enthusiasm for local and international anime productions. The spread of mobile gaming and interactive anime content has boosted viewer participation while creating fresh market expansion possibilities. The Asia-Pacific region maintains its growth momentum in the anime industry which will benefit creators as well as distributors and anime fans worldwide. Global Anime Market Segmentation and Geographical Insights: Based on Type, the anime market is divided into, T.V., Movie, Video, Internet Distribution, Merchandising, Music, Pachinko, and Live Entertainment. The merchandising segment established itself as the market leader by generating 31.6% of total company revenue during 2024. The popularity of anime is expanding rapidly throughout multiple regions which results in this substantial market share with the US standing out as a key market. Based on Genre, the anime market is divided into, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Romance & Drama, Sports, and Others. In 2024 action & adventure became the leading genre with a dominant 34.3% revenue market share. This growth stems from its wide-ranging audience appeal which attracts multiple age demographics and interest groups who enjoy exciting viewing experiences. The Anime Market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Purchase Premium Copy of Global Anime Market Size and Growth Report (2025-2030) at: Key Players and Competitive Landscape: The Global Anime Market is characterized by the presence of several major players, including: Pierrot Co., Ltd. Production I.G, Inc. Studio Ghibli, Inc. Bioworld Merchandising, Inc. Sunrise, Inc. (Bandai Namco Filmworks) Toei Animation Co., Ltd. Bones Inc. Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd. MADHOUSE, Inc. Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.) Progressive Animation Works Co., Ltd. (PA Works) Good Smile Company, Inc. Discotek Media Sentai Holdings, LLC (AMC Networks) VIZ Media, LLC Ufotable Co., Ltd. Eleven Arts Atomic Flare These companies are adopting strategies such as new product launches, joint ventures, and geographical expansion to maintain their competitive edge in the market. Global Anime Market Recent Developments and Innovations: In January 2025: During Sony Group Corporation's CES press conference Crunchyroll declared the upcoming release of a new digital manga app called Crunchyroll Manga later this year. Crunchyroll subscribers will receive this app as a premium add-on while availability expands to standalone iOS and Android applications with future web browser support planned. In August 2024: During its Otakon panel at the annual three-day anime convention and live stream event Discotek Media announced 25 new anime and tokusatsu releases to expand U.S. consumer options. The lineup features popular franchises such as Lupin III and Digimon as well as niche options like Kiss×sis and various tokusatsu films. In July 2024: Bioworld Merchandising Inc. made an announcement about how it has acquired the Texas-based Packed Party company which specializes in lifestyle and party accessories. The partnership will boost innovation and growth for both companies through Bioworld's worldwide network which will help Packed Party improve its distribution channels and expand its product range. For Region-Specific Market Data, Check Out Brief Sample Pages: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What is the forecasted market size of the Anime Market in 2030?The forecasted market size of the Anime Market is USD 60,272.2 million in 2030. Who are the leading players in the Anime Market?The key players in the Anime Market include, Pierrot Co., Ltd.; Production I.G, Inc.; Studio Ghibli, Inc.; Sunrise, Inc. (Bandai Namco Filmworks); Toei Animation Co., Ltd.; Bones Inc.; Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd.; MADHOUSE, Inc.; Crunchyroll (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.); Progressive Animation Works Co., Ltd. (PA Works); Good Smile Company, Inc.; Discotek Media; Sentai Holdings, LLC (AMC Networks); VIZ Media, LLC; Ufotable Co., Ltd.; and Atomic Flare. What are the major drivers for the Anime Market? Several key factors are driving this expansion, including the Rising global popularity and cross-media integration fuel sustained market growth. Which is the largest region during the forecasted period in the Anime Market?The Asia-Pacific region established itself as a major player in the global anime industry by generating 27.09% of worldwide revenue in 2024. Which is the largest segment, by type, during the forecasted period in the Anime Market?The merchandising segment established itself as the market leader by generating 31.6% of total company revenue during 2024. Conclusion: Advancements in digital distribution and increased global accessibility along with expanding fanbases among various demographics contribute to the substantial growth of the global anime market. Streaming services, gaming applications, and merchandise sales have triggered a transformation in the anime industry by creating new revenue streams for both creators and studios. Through expanding international partnerships and diminishing cultural barriers anime becomes a globally recognized mainstream entertainment medium. The incorporation of new technologies like AI-powered animation alongside virtual production and AR/VR experiences elevates storytelling excellence while increasing audience engagement. The growth of intellectual property through franchising models and live events combined with mobile gaming initiatives bolsters market sustainability. The anime industry maintains its position as a powerful player in the global creative economy through ongoing innovation and strategic partnerships alongside fan-centred experiences. Need A Diverse Region or Sector? Customize Research to Suit Your Requirement: The report from The Research Insights, therefore, provides several stakeholders—production studios, broadcasters, streaming platforms, licensors, merchandise manufacturers, and distributors—with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. With projected growth to US$ 60,272.2 million by 2030, the Global Anime Market represents a significant opportunity for independent animators, fan artists, content influencers, cosplayers, and cross-media storytellers, can position themselves for success in this dynamic and evolving market landscape. Check out more related studies published by The Research Insights: Anime Movies and TV Shows Market: The Global Anime Movies and TV Shows Market is expected to reach at USD 26.89 billion by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period. This upward trend is largely attributed to the increasing demand for anime content worldwide, which has garnered a substantial and diverse fan base across various age groups. Anime Merchandising Market: The Global Anime Merchandising Market is expected to reach at USD 18,675.9 million by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period. This expansion is driven by the growing popularity of anime worldwide, facilitated by the rise of digital streaming platforms that have increased accessibility and diversity among audiences. Browse More related reports on Technology Industry Market Reports – About Us: The Research Insights provides thoroughly conducted research which is backed up by real-time statistics and data. Our experts are eager to help you with any information required under the sun. The key to our success is keeping abreast with the markets, industries, and ever-changing consumer trends that matter. Our market research professionals have in-depth knowledge and expertise across various domains that includes IT and Telecom, Emerging Technologies, Consumer Offerings, Manufacturing and Others. We are committed to reviewing the scope and procedure of the research studies that you select and provide you with an accurate guidance in order to assist you in taking the correct business decisions. Contact Us:If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Kaushik RoyE-mail: sales@ +1-312-313-8080Blog: Press Release: Latest News: | Logo: View original content: SOURCE The Research Insights