Le Dernier Cœur à prendre

There were three main reasons for seeing 'The Last Bridesmaid'. One is that it was part of my Hallmark film completest quest started with their Christmas output in 2019, which expanded with their other seasonal films just recently. Two being Rachel Boston and the third being Paul Campbell, two of Hallmark's better regular actors. The story didn't sound particularly mind blowing, but that wasn't enough to put me off.

2019 was a variable year for Hallmark, not that that is much new as that has been true for all the previous years and since. 'The Last Bridesmaid' is closer to being one of the better ones, not quite getting there but light years away from being one of the worst. To me, 'The Last Bridesmaid' is also easily the best of the 2019 June Weddings films, the only one that was above average. The premise is in no way a new one, but this fares better than most of Hallmark's June Weddings films that have the same premise or similar.

It is not a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination. It didn't start off too great, starting on the slow side story-wise, the dialogue came over as awkward and Boston's character seemed too cold and hostile to begin with.

Did feel that it was a little rushed at times structurally, with some unexplained timeline jumps. Also wish that much more was done with the service dog videos subplot, what was shown had real heart but there's too little of it.

However, 'The Last Bridesmaid' has a lot that works well. It looks good, especially the scenery which is lovely. Other Hallmark films fare a lot worse when it comes to having ill fitting and intrusive music, neither of which were an issue really with me here. While the script is not Oscar worthy material, it at least has a natural flow once the film gets going and doesn't come over as too cheesy, schmaltzy or waffly. Many lines in the middle act were amusingly playful and quite adorable without trying too hard to be cute.

Generally the story has a warm centre, is light-hearted and doesn't feel dull. The jewellery subplot was a nice touch and done with a lot of charm and really identified with the message, which wasn't too overt. The supporting cast all do solid work and Campbell has a subtle charisma and easy going charm present throughout the film. Boston is less consistent due to having the less likeable character to begin with, but when the character warms up she brings her usual spark. The two do have a sweet, genuine chemistry together and the relationship doesn't feel rushed or aimless.

Concluding, not great but very worthwhile. 7/10.

I liked it. The story was good. The characters evolved throughout the story. The ending was fine. I liked the fashion too. Cute dresses and jewelry for the bride and bridesmaids.

I thought the actors did a fine job. I like both leads. I think it was worth my time and would watch it again.

I am a fan of Paul Campbell so I thought I'd give this a re-watch, even though I didn't remember being overly impressed. Paul was fine. Rachel, Rachel, Rachel. I used to like her all right. She used to be one of the go-to Hallmark actresses. The more I have seen her in recent years, the less I like her. She has a real stagey acting style. She says her lines like she knows there is an audience watching her. No matter what role she plays, beneath the smiles and niceness, she kind of comes across like she knows she is kind of superior to everyone else. This is just the way she comes across to me. I know she has her fans, and that is fine.

I found her interaction with Paul Campbell came across as borderline hostile especially at the beginning. And it wasn't due to the story. Her eyes were so cold when she looked at him in a few scenes, I actually got a little freaked out. I wish I knew what was going on there, if anything.

The story wasn't all that bad, hence a respectable 7 stars from me. The script seemed well-written and had some cute and clever lines. I liked that she was playing her age not an almost 40 year old actress playing a young inexperienced girl just starting out in her career. The jewelry making subplot was interesting and added a lot to the usual love story. The message was a good one: Follow your dreams, do what you love, but stay sensible and grounded. The romance as scripted did not come out of nowhere, the relationship developed naturally and realistically.

This movie and already giving it all the stars. Becca has just arrived with a lot of luggage. I feel like Hallmark has heard viewers when we comment about characters having one suitcase to stay a week but has endless shoes and bulky coat options. I love that they have leaned into that.

Rachel Boston seems to be Hallmark's version of Emma Stone, and her look/delivery in a similar style does lift a fairly formulaic outing.

It remains perfectly enjoyable though, with some sweet messages and moments along the way.

I enjoyed this.