I Do, I Do, I Do

I must admit that I like Hallmark movies. This is a charming movie and it reminds me of the Bill Murray movie, "Groundhog Day" in which he relived that day over and over to get it right. As the trailer and title (I do, I do, I do) from this movie implies, the leading lady gets to relive her wedding day over and over until she gets it right. At first she is bewildered as to what is happening, as well as those who are around her, which leads to her and those around her questioning her mental state. But when she finally realizes she is stuck in her wedding day she takes advantage of it. Without going into specific details it will suffice it enough to say this leads to some very funny and touching moments. Familiar Hallmark movie actors / actresses Autumn Reeser (main character), Shawn Roberts, Antonio Cupo and Ali Liebert lead the cast and they are a talented bunch, too. Shawn Roberts is familiar from some major Sci Fi movies and Ali Liebert is in her normal supporting role as Autumn Reeser's sister but she is talented enough to carry a movie on her own. This movie is well worth watching.

I wish I could give this movie 5 stars for its first third and 10 for the other two. Why do so many Hallmark movies start off so bad just to become great after the point in which a lot of viewers most likely stopped watching it?

You can read my review on the movie "It was always you", it applies to the first part of this movie just as well since the two are practically identical. Then it takes a turn for the best and becomes both legitimately funny and legitimately cute and romantic, unlike a lot of movies labeled as "comedy/romance" in which the comedy is just silly and cringeworthy farfetched dialogs and the romance is the two leads deciding they want to get together in the last minute before the ending.

This one, however, and despite the fact that the premise has the potential risk of falling into a boring and repetitive execution, manages to stay dynamic and entertaining adding continuity and uniqueness to each of the same day she relives.

I liked to see fantasy being used outside Christmas. There's still a little bit of cringe though, like when she relives the wedding for the first time she acts fully aware of the time loop mechanics for some reason while she freaks out the next time, but what kind of made-for-TV rom-com would it be without a little bit of cringe, right?

Delightful movie, some great lines, and perfect chemistry between Autumn Reeser and (hunk) Shawn Roberts. Reeser's skilled comedic timing and Roberts' playfulness keep the story moving.

The supporting performances aren't as successful (they tend to overact and hit us over the head with their eccentricity). In other words, they don't quite live up to the honesty and authenticity of the two leads.

The storyline may not be original, but the way it's executed is really hilarious thanks to Reeser's comedic abilities. The way she uses her knowledge of the future to resolve past situations is absolutely charming and creates some laugh-out-loud moments.

Mostly, the two principles are so good in their roles, that any shortcomings are easily overlooked.

Despite really liking the 'Groundhog Day' premise and loving the film 'Groundhog Day', which handled the premise very creatively, that formula has since been done to death to varying success and generally with little of that film's uniqueness. Still watched 'I Do, I Do, I Do' anyway, despite not caring for the previous 2015 Countdown to Valentine's Day film 'A Wish Come True', having liked Ali Liebert and especially Autumn Reeser in other things. And because 2015 had some good films before and since 'I Do, I Do, I Do'.

While not great or flawless, 'I Do, I Do, I Do' is still a solid entry in the generally pretty good 2015 Countdown to Valentine's Day block ('All of My Heart' being particularly good), the only disappointments being 'Just Say Yes' and especially 'A Wish Come True'. It may not be one of the best 2015 Hallmark films, but it is charming and fun to watch and a good representation of Reeser and Liebert. So this reviewer definitely recommends it, while not quite raving.

Maybe it could have done with more variety in the repeated relivings, structurally it was a little repetitive at times.

Like a lot of Hallmark films, the music is too loud, could have been used less and like the story structure could have had more variety and not felt too much like hearing the same thing or similar. The ending is a little too neat.

However, Reeser is very charming with a character that is easy to like and identify with. Liebert brings plenty of charm and zest to her role too and the chemistry is warm and natural. Reeser also has sweet chemistry with subtly charismatic and down to earth Shawn Roberts, his character isn't as meaty but he is a long way from being a blank. The characters are not complex, but they are also not too much like ciphers or too cliched. They are also not too perfect or have exaggerated character flaws, and this is a premise where the latter was a danger, having seen it happen in other films with the formula.

Furthermore, the scenery is beautiful to look at and the camera was clearly in love with it. It is very nicely shot, not static or self indulgent. The script has a natural flow, and has fun playfulness and some depth while not getting too cheesy, too sentimental or having contrived conflicts. Despite being repetitive at times, the story goes at a lively clip and is light hearted and heart warming, with no mean spirited-ness.

Concluding, nicely done though flawed. 7/10.

If you are considering watching this movie, then you know what to expect. It is a Hallmark romance. You know the plot. The timing of the first kiss, but do pay attention for the timing in this movie. You don't need me telling you more than the storyline tells already. You want to know whether you should watch it?

The time anomaly angle gives the story a new angle for the writers to pursue. Interesting enough and the few repeated scenes where the continuity is messed up aren't that disturbing and are largely missed. Nice message about taking risks in life. I would have given it a 5.7 and not just a 5, but it was either a 5 or a 6 and nothing in between. Watch it once!