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R: ARCHIVE, S: REVIEWS, D: 06/26/1997,

My Best Friend's Wedding

This one is being pushed as Julia Roberts's return to Pretty Woman form, and, sadly, it might be just that. Which is too bad, because the film's moments of exhilarating comedy and endearing emoting come from the brilliant supporting cast -- especially Rupert Everett and Cameron Diaz -- and despite the often grating presence of its star.

Roberts is food critic Julianne Potter, a dilettante in cuisine as well as relationships. Her one longstanding love is sportswriter Michael O'Neal (Dermot Mulroney), with whom she has made a pact that if neither is married by the age of 28, they will marry each other. A couple of weeks before the fatal birthday Michael informs her that he is about to tie the knot with Kimmy (an adorable Diaz), a college junior from a well-heeled family.

Julianne takes advantage of Kimmy's instant trust to undermine the marriage and steal Michael back. It's a tough role to play -- simultaneous sympathy and treachery -- and the best Roberts can do is to look disconcerted. As well she should, for Diaz steals every scene she shares with Roberts, and so does Everett as Julianne's gay-blade editor and best buddy. At the Copley Place, the Harvard Square, and the Chestnut Hill and in the suburbs.

-- Peter Keough