My main reason for seeing 'Bridal Wave' was for Hallmark completest sake, started watching their work as undemanding escapism (or at least that was the intent) back around 2019. Focusing solely on their Christmas output for a while and then watching overtime their other seasonal blocks. Have seen Arielle Kebbel and Andrew Walker in other things, and while Kebbel is take and leave for me Walker in my view is one of the best and most consistent Hallmark regulars.
The premise was one that did sound quite cute but also potentially thin, was hoping that it would be closer to sweet and charming in alternative to cheesy and awkward. Luckily, 'Bridal Wave' is the former a vast majority of the time, although there are occasional instances of the latter. As far as the first half of 2015 goes for Hallmark's output goes, 'Bridal Wave' is one of the better faring ones. There were better Hallmark films that year and Walker continued to mature with each film, but there were also far worse.
Did think that it did have some awkward moments and that went at times a little overboard with the cheese. Especially with Jaclyn Smith's character, who as a character is pretty unbearable. Overbearing, rude and selfish, as well as too much of a snob, and Smith for my tastes overacted as well and came over as very cartoonish.
Pacing is not always there, with it starting a little on the slow side and yes the film is predictable, like at the end.
However, there is a lot to like about 'Bridal Wave'. Both Kebbel and Walker are solid as rocks in their roles, especially Walker as the more interesting and likeable character. Just loved his usual easy going charm and while he did mature as an actor he at least looks comfortable and has a sweet gentle chemistry with perky and emotive Kebbel (actually thought she dealt with the dramatic parts fine). The supporting cast generally were fine, excepting Smith and with amiable David Haydn-Jones (also a later Hallmark regular) coming off best, and the characters did interest and weren't too perfect or over-negative (except once again Smith).
'Bridal Wave' is attractive visually, especially the scenery, is directed with assurance and the music appeals on the ears and isn't the over loud or over constant stuff heard a lot. Furthermore, the writing mixes genuinely funny, playful humour and warm-hearted, non sugary drama a lot better than most Hallmark films, with it being pretty expertly. While predictable and not always perfect in pacing, the story more than delivers on the light hearted-ness, warm heart and charm, with it going at a lively enough pace. It doesn't feel too neat either.
Nice on the whole. 7/10.
