April 25, 1994 -- ``Four Weddings, etc.'' is a movie that will, no doubt have a certain snob appeal to those who don't like Hollywood films. This is a British film and it has a lot of that famed British humor in it.

The comedy in the film is howlingly funny. But as the title suggests, there is also a funeral, which has some very poignant scenes.

The Gramercy film is directed by Mike Newell and Written by Richard Curtis. It was photographed by Michael Coulter, edited by Jon Gregory and the music was arranged by Richard Rodney Bennett. Newell also directed ``Enchanted April'' in 1991 and ``Into the West'' in 1993.

The story is somewhat disjointed in that it all takes place at these five separate events. It is somewhat improbable that the same characters, some from different countries, would keep popping up time after time, but we can forgive minor flaws in a film that is so entertaining so much of the time.

Although most of the characters are urban English, there are a couple of Americans and a Scot in the mix as well. Carrie, played by Andie MacDowell, a promiscuous American who is pursued by Charles (Hugh Grant).

Grant and MacDowell are both excellent in this film. Grant is a charming, but shy man who is convinced he will never be married. MacDowell finds it easy to acquire men, but has trouble finding the right one.

Although these two characters are at the center of the film, there are many others, and all of them are interesting. Gareth, played by Simon Callow, is one of those intriguing characters. A homosexual, he is also large, loud and jolly, the kind of person who lights up a room. He nevertheless seems to be wounded in some way.

There are so many interesting characters in this film that it really feels as if you have sat through a big, rollicking party. It is a strange mix of humor and pathos. We don't get to know all of its characters as well as we might have liked to, but those characters are very entertaining.

The film is classified: R for language, and for some sexuality. Entertainmentwise, the film rates a B.

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