IT’S NOT ALWAYS a good sign when the most you hear about a movie that, “It’s like [insert well-known movie title here], but with a twist.” That’s the dilemma faced by “Kiss the Bride,” the new film starring Tori Spelling as Alex, whose impending nuptials to fiancé Ryan (James O’Shea) are threatened with the arrival of Ryan’s high school boyfriend, Matt (Philipp Karner).
To make things more complicated, upon receiving an invitation to the wedding, Matt realizes his long-suppressed love for Ryan. Sound familiar?
“It’s kind of like ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ with a twist,” says actor O’Shea.
But both O’Shea and Karner say that “Kiss the Bride” can escape the curse of comparison, and not just by virtue of its gay switcheroo of roles.
“It’s a fun, romantic comedy that I think has sort of a big heart, and it deals with some themes that I think are important to everyone in terms of relationships and commitment and making sure you’re with someone for the right reasons,” Karner says.
O’Shea says he was drawn to his role as the in-demand groom-to-be because of the respect with which the script treats its characters.
“It’s a fun story,” he says, “but there was depth and range, and that was certainly appealing for me as an actor.
“I always look for growth in the character that I’m looking to play,” he adds, “and my guy Matt definitely changes a lot in the film and ends up in a very different place than he starts out.”
THE FILM, DIRECTED by “Sweet Home Alabama” writer C. Jay Cox, is sure to appeal to gay audiences, who flocked to the cineplexes for “Trick,” the last time Spelling hit the silver screen as a straight girl surrounded by pretty gay boys. The film also stars Amber Benson, who formerly played lesbian witch Tara on TV’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” further upping the gay quotient.
O’Shea and Karner, neither of whom would comment on their own sexuality, aren’t worried about playing gay in today’s cultural climate, citing trailblazers like “Brokeback Mountain” paving the way for acceptance of gay films by mainstream audiences.
“People know that people need work, and everyone wants to be involved in a good story,” Karner says. “The only reason to turn down a role is because it’s a bad script.”
Spelling wasn’t able to interview about the film due to the impending arrival of her next child, but both her costars say they had a good time working with her, and hope the chemistry translates onscreen.
“It’s fun and flirty and just serious enough not to be silly, which I like about it,” Karner says. “It’s also really heartwarming, and in the end it’s about some important things.”
“Kiss the Bride” comes to Landmark Midtown Arts Cinema on May 16 for a week-long run; following that, it debuts on here! TV on June 6.
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