Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.
'Bride for Christmas' from 2012 is one of those surprisingly above average Hallmark efforts. Was expecting it to be too simplistic and predictable, with the rather generic title not showing much promise. Although it is a long way from a Christmas classic or perfect, 'Bride for Christmas' is a example of not judging a film by its title and to watch with an open mind and know what to expect. As far as Hallmark Christmas/wedding films go, this fares quite favourably.
There are more good things than not so good things, but there are a few drawbacks and am going to mention those first. The film did feel rushed at times, with some events jumping about a bit too much with not enough time to breathe. This is especially true of the development of the central relationship and conflict, which moves too unrealistically fast.
Predictability is expected in a Hallmark film, and there are not that many surprises in 'Bride for Christmas', especially in the final act which is pretty much exactly how it maps out in many other efforts of theirs. Some of the music could have been used less and been less loud.
However there are so many good things in 'Bride for Christmas'. It is visually pleasing and has a professional look. The appropriately festive locations especially. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and pleasant enough. The direction is accommodating while not going through the motions. The film is also very enlivened by the two leads, which was a relief after struggling through 'Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas' recently which had poor lead performances and even poorer chemistry. Arielle Kebbel (in one of her better Hallmark outings) and Andrew Walker are very engaging in their roles and their chemistry is genuinely charming.
Kimberly Sustad sparkles in her supporting role and Peter Benson is a lot of fun without being annoying. The chemistry between the whole cast, all on solid form, is never disconnected. Moeover, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. There are a lot of funny moments and other parts genuinely touched. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. Did appreciate too that there was more to usual. The characters may be cliched, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films.
Overall, nice film. 7/10
