In the smash hit “Runaway Bride,” Julia Roberts is Maggie Carpenter, a beautiful and talented young lady who has been engaged a number of times and yet can’t seem to make it down the aisle. As soon as she begins the walk toward the man of her dreams standing by the altar, she has a panic attack and turns around to run. Three men have been left in the dust this way, and she’s caught the attention of the tabloids.
Reporter Ike Graham (Richard Gere) hears about Maggie and is curious why a woman would get engaged three times and then literally leave her grooms at the altar. He’s convinced that she’s some kind of heartless player, and he decides to track her down and get the real story. She’s currently engaged again to Bob, a coach at the local school, and Ike’s willing to wager anything that she’s going to take off on Bob, too, even though she insists that their relationship is solid as a rock.
As Ike investigates Maggie, he finds himself growing more and more attracted to her, and she feels the same way about him. In fact, they share a kiss at the rehearsal that leaves both of them breathless. Things are obviously over with Bob, and Ike and Maggie decide to get married – I mean, they have the chapel and dress already, so, why not? Sure that she’s head over heels in love with Ike, Maggie is excited to go through with it, until it’s actually time. She begins to hyperventilate, and she can’t make it down the aisle, choosing instead to dash outside and ride to freedom on a FedEx truck.
Ike is crushed. He knew that Maggie was a runner, but he thought that this was the real thing. In every case before, she had tried to make herself into what the man wanted, and he encouraged her to be herself. Didn’t that count for anything? Finally he discovers the source of Maggie’s hang-up and they do end up together after all.
This is a funny and quirky movie. It’s rated PG for mild language and some sexual situations.
Related Blogs:
Runaway Brides — Why Do They Flee?
Julia Roberts — Lovely Star Shining Bright
Julia Roberts vs. the Paparazzi