'For Better or for Worse' (2014)
Opening thoughts: This is not coming from somebody who immediately hates on anything made by Hallmark. Have actually many Hallmark films in all their seasonal blockings, and quite a lot of them to me were above average. There are also ones that many fellow Hallmark regular viewers disliked that to me were not that bad while still being very flawed. Was hoping deep down that 'For Better or For Worse' would be one of those, as there were some good Hallmark made in 2014.
A prime example being 'The Color of Rain'. Actually quite liked the premise for 'For Better or For Worse', which did sound very cute despite also sounding predictable. As said Hallmark did have some good films in 2014, but 'For Better or For Worse' is down there sadly with the worst of them. Don't think it is quite as bad as has been said, with there being a few redeeming qualities, but there is a lot wrong with it and it is another case of the worst aspects being very awfully executed indeed.
Good things: Beginning with the good things. The production values are quite lovely, particularly the scenery. The music was not wow worthy, but was pleasant to listen to and fitted.
Despite being too young for his role, both as a love interest (he looked too much like her son agreed) and as a father (where he was too much of an older brother), Antonio Cupo does a good job in his role, with a nice easy going charm and subtle charisma, and did find his character mostly quite likeable.
Bad things: However, Lisa Whelchel tries far too hard throughout with more exaggerated mannerisms and gestures than one can count. Also really disliked her character, too smug and self-righteous, and her cold treatment of Shanks' character. A character who is much more likeable and easier to get behind, but he comes over as too nice and desperate in the latter stages when he didn't need or deserve to, which was frustrating. The two have no chemistry or spark together, the relationship is underdeveloped, too underplayed and progresses suddenly too late in a contrived way.
Furthermore, the script and story are very weak. The dialogue is very artificial and never has a natural flow, also found it very cheesy to cringe worthy effect and at times juvenile. The story is very thin and predictable, with a lot of draggy paces and very heavy on overplayed contrivances. The conflict lacks tension and feels really forced and like it was shoehorned into the film, while the ending is too neat in a way that doesn't make any sense.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, didn't do it for me at all.
3/10.
