There were two main reasons for watching 'A Harvest Wedding'. One was that it was part of my recently started quest to see as many Hallmark films as possible. The other was Jill Wagner, have seen her in a good number of Hallmark films and have always been impressed by her. The films themselves varied (as is the case with pretty much all actors and actresses), but Wagner has never been less than watchable. Victor Webster, while not as familiar with him, has been good elsewhere too.
Both come off well here. A lot of the recently seen Hallmark films have not impressed me all that much, but 'A Harvest Wedding' was a major step up. Most of the 2017 Fall Harvest block was average or less, but 'A Harvest Wedding' was one of two exceptions. The other being 'Falling for Vermont', the others in the block being a case of good casts conceptually but wanting in other areas. 'A Harvest Wedding' isn't great, but of the 2017 Hallmark films it's in the better half.
Sure, the story may mostly not be out of the ordinary and is a little bit of a slow starter.
While liking that the ending was different to usual, the ending was executed a little too cheesily and hastily in my view. The music is pleasant enough in a way but had a rather schmaltzy samey quality to it.
On the other hand, Wagner gives a very nuanced yet spirited performance, and is ideally matched in the subtle charm and easy going nature departments by Webster. Their chemistry is very genuine and natural, though there could have been a little more development to the romance perhaps. The supporting cast are solid and the characters weren't too perfect or overly-negative, while not complex and quite cliched they also weren't ciphers.
It's a beautifully filmed film too and the scenery captivates in beauty. The script is light hearted and made me smile, while also having heart. The story isn't exceptional, but it didn't come over as too dull and its feel good nature and warm charm made it difficult to resist.
All in all, not great but worth a look. 7/10.
