Sometimes there are movies, that when you see something about them for the first time, alarm bells start ringing. They are sometimes titles that might look good on paper, but probably won’t work once executed. That is exactly the feeling I had when I first read about Table 19. The cast looks good: Anna Kendrick, Lisa Kudrow, Craig Robinson, Stephen Merchant, Tony Revolori and June Squibb. A combination of actors who could provide an entertaining film. But the fact that I had never heard of the film before and it was immediately available on DVD made me cautious. Of course, not all new titles can be released in the cinema, but you will still hear something about them. But because of that cast, it was one that I decided to give a chance. Was that a wise decision?
Eloise (Anna Kendrick) receives an invitation for a wedding. Because of certain things that happened in her past, she doubts whether she should go. Eventually she chooses to go and once at the wedding she is seated at table 19. A table basically is for “the others”, people who are invited as a courtesy but which are hoped not to come (eg. a former nanny, a condemned uncle and business associates). Slowly she gets to know the rest of the people at table and a bond forms between these guests, while all kinds of secrets are revealed.
Although Table 19 is certainly not a masterpiece, it is a pretty entertaining film. A mix of comedy, romance and drama with a number of strange characters and unexpected situations. It’s about relationships and really getting to know other people. A film you try, despite the initial alarm bells.
