Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows

I decided to watch this film. Without the usual caution of checking it on IMDB.

Predictably it all ended in tears so I shall not be doing that again.

I should have realised it was Hallmark once again wasting perfectly good celluloid.

The script was not only dull but very predictable. With the identity of the killer being telegraphed very early on. All the characters were supposed to have lived in a ' small ' town for ever. Yet behaved more like a random group of strangers.

All of the acting was wooden with the exception of the principle actress. Who behaved rather in the manner of a gerbil on steroids.

Had she been playing Nancy Drew it would have been acceptable. Teenagers are sometimes like that. Not middle-aged women.

I have to state I have not read the books written by Diane Davidson. But strongly suspect they have to be far more sophisticated and involved. Compared with the deplorable script generated for this film.

I also find it odd that this film gets such a high rating. I can only tribute that to the fact the values of persons in general. Have fallen a long way in recent years.

I enjoy the charisma between Nikki Deloach and Andrew Walker in these roles of Goldy and Tom. I, like others who enjoyed the books, find so many aspects of the books changed (body types, core relationships between characters (ex-husband, best friend, etc.), swapping out a daughter for a son (why?), and adding to it in this movie, that Tom cannot cook) to render the movies lacking in sub-text which was provided to them.

Even if Hallmark had just made Goldy's ex-husband grouchy (I mean his nickname was "The Jerk!" in Ms. Mott Davidson's books), it might make sense, but a pleasant, helpful, happy to see ex-husband/surgeon? It makes that whole side of Goldy's history not make sense.

Why is Tom only be allowed to be a hunk detective? I feel certain Mr. Walker could handle more! Tom's also missing the wood working skills and his can-do-it attitude, calm attitude, which is such a big part of his character in the books.

Maybe Hallmark only contracted to use some of the author's books or elements of her books? The wedding storyline was so changed, I did not recognize it.

However, I enjoyed the movie and look forward to more. Yes, things from the books were were changed and/or removed, but twists were also added to keep the interest going in the movie. You definitely do not have to be a fan of the Goldy Bear series by Diane Mott Davidson to enjoy this movie, hence my 9 - Star rating! Nicely done!

I found this movie on a DVD at my public library, containing the first three movies in the "Curious Caterer" series. This is the third one, filmed about 6 months after the second one, so the young daughter looks a bit more grown up, almost as tall now as her mother.

Nikki Deloach (early 40s) is Goldy. She has a bakery and also takes on jobs catering special events. This story is about a wedding of Tom's former wife and Goldy is making the special, tall 7-layer wedding cake. The morning after the rehearsal dinner the groom is found dead in the lobby, partially in a large fountain. Was he murdered or did he simply drown?

As we saw in the first one Andrew Walker (early 40s) is detective Tom. In the prior two movies Goldy and Tom have come to understand and appreciate each other more, Tom is recognizing how big a help Goldy can be. As in the prior movies she is able to get some information crucial to the case.

As usual with this type of movie there are a few red herrings thrown about, clues designed to sow seeds of doubt for the viewer, and when it is nearing the conclusion lots of explanations are given regarding who and how of the crime.

Even though the overall theme, murder, is very serious the movie is done with frequent humor thrown in and that works well to keep it entertaining, and my wife and I were.

Boxes checked for too many mixed relationships, over the top bridezilla behaviors, unrealistic parent/child interactions including adults, horrific costume designs, and attempts to infuse humor in obviously tense situations. Showcasing Walker's woody woodpecker haircut with ill fitting to slovenly clothing actually took away his generally attractive presence. Female lead normally plays a genuinely empathic character was relegated to slapstick, face making humor, and frumpy clothing. BTW, why the bridal gown? The number of situations playing out at the same time made for lack of interest in each. Bottom line, A hot mess.

This third episode was even more stupid than the previous two with Andrew Walker's ex-wife being even more OTT as the demanding bride. The whole show was extremely forgettable and Andrew Walker still hasn't owned the role yet. I keep feeling like he's either ill, burned out or simply wishes he'd never signed on to this series.

Reactions are predictable and bland and even Nikki DeLoach seemed to be struggling in this one.

The plot was stupid and I kept wondering how most of these people had grown up in this small town together without seeming to have any connection. There's no warmth to the characters and everyone just seems to be acting as written and directed without bringing any spark to their roles.

I will watch the upcoming one but I'll have my phone handy in case I get bored.