Table 19 could have been cast in much the same way as you’d cast one of those fantasy films. Your budget would usually stretch to one A-lister, two comedy stars, two supporting actors from recent Oscar-nominated films and one of the leads from Friends, and such a spread would generally cover a number of different audiences and maximise your box office chances. This one probably doesn’t have such mercenary objectives, but there’s no denying that the strong cast helps it in other ways. These include the bride’s nanny (June Squibb), the groom’s socially awkward uncle (Stephen Merchant), a couple who are Facebook friends of the groom’s father (Craig Robinson and Lisa Kudrow) and a teenage virgin (Tony Revolori) who’s missing his senior prom to try and pull in a room full of people he doesn’t know. Though dejected at the thought that no one at the reception would miss them if they disappeared, the six of them form an unlikely support group to make it through the day. For a while, it seems as if the bride and groom are going to be treated like the adults in a Peanuts cartoon, focusing instead on the least important guests in the room. It’s a straightfoward premise and nobody involved is over-exerting themselves here, but it’s elevated considerably by its charming cast. Quite aside from their characteristics as movie stars to date, the comic range of these six actors is formidable and they almost do enough just by showing up. The movie also puts on a decent spread for Robinson and Kudrow, both of whom are better known for their comedic scene-stealing, as a bickering couple whose relationship takes an unexpected turn during a rollercoaster of a day. Together, they grow to dramatic heights that ultimately outreach the film’s grasp, but it’s intriguing to see them both working so well against type together. That said, there are only one-note characters left to Merchant (socially awkward), Squibb (endlessly avuncular), and Revolori (utterly guileless). While it’s a shame that there isn’t more for these gifted performers to do here, everyone plays their part well and the film does earn some points for not taking the path of least resistance. Table 19 is the kind of film that’s destined to get a better reception on Netflix, through randomly searching for a film starring one of its talented ensemble, than on a big screen, but it’s not without its charms. The happy couple eventually gets their say and the reconciliation of the lost table with the most important people in the room is right on schedule for a super-conventional dramedy, however endearing its cast may be. Table 19 is in UK cinemas now.