The Engagement Back-Up

This movie is pretty is pretty typical of the fake engagement premise. However the first scene or two is pretty bad but gives us the failing family museum/business premise. It's no wonder that neither of the couple's projects is doing well. The museum is tiny. And so far Jackson's ocean reclaiming project is one cooler hanging from a dock nowhere near ocean currents.

Acting is ok but less than stellar. Dialogue likewise. Elise Gatien and Preston Vanderslice are good together. Vanderslice is unusually energetic in the male role. But I would have liked to have seen them spend more exclusive screen time together.

The Misunderstanding starts out with Luna angry over what she mostly already knew and then degenerates into nitpicking. And the last part of the movie is overly sentimentle.

There is some nice seaside scenery.

Not really a fan of Preston V. But he was OK in this. The actress was fresh and attractive but her character was flaky and immature. What was with all the drama and embarrassing behavior at the engagement party? I was also really annoyed with her for turning down a publishing deal for her book even after being encouraged by her heroine. That was just bizarre. I only stuck with this because I do like a fake fiancée trope. The secondary characters, especially Preston's Dad and Sister were great as was her friend and her Mom's boyfriend.

I also didn't understand Preston's pants. What was with his business attire? Pants cropped above the ankle with no socks? Whose decision was that? A little too urban "runway" for the setting (or the network.)

So much potential here for a dynamic story but the writing fell a little short.

Still an enjoyable watch overall and I like the chemistry between the two leads.

I really liked this movie. I liked the characters the storyline and the scenery. Yes it was a predictable ending but thoughtful and warm nonetheless. It deals with grief and loss as well as following your dreams.