Un amore inaspettato

2016 was a hit and miss year for Hallmark, likewise with all the subsequent years too. With winners such as 'Love in Paradise', 'Love on the Sidelines', 'Tulips in Spring', 'Summer Villa' and 'Journey Back to Christmas'. But also some duds such as 'Ms Matched', 'Unleashing Mr Darcy', 'Dater's Handbook', 'The Convenient Groom' and 'A December Bride'. Am not always a fan of Danica McKellar, who tends to be typecast and whose acting tends to be more of the same to a varying degree.

Despite having initial issues with her character, she does come off well here and 'Wedding Bells' comes off well as an overall film. Not one of the very best 2016 Hallmark films, but closer to being one of the winners than one of the duds and for me it is one of the better 2016 June Weddings films easily (which was not a good batch on the whole that year). 'Wedding Bells' may not be a great film and has a few issues, but it also has a lot of worthwhile things executed well.

Starting off with what doesn't quite come off, McKellar's character does take time to warm to with the whining in the early stages going overboard.

Like a lot of Hallmark films, the ending is too pat. Did feel as well that the secondary relationship was too much of a mismatch.

Once her character became more interesting and likeable, McKellar fully relaxes and gives a very winning performance full of charm and energy. Kavan Smith matches her very well and his performance is likeable and easy going, nothing looking stiff or forced. Their chemistry always looks natural and genuine and didn't have any real problem with how it was written and developed. The supporting cast are solid and while they are cliched the characters weren't annoyances or bores, with the only reservations being with McKellar's early on.

Furthermore, 'Wedding Bells' looks good with lovely scenery and the music doesn't distract tonally or in placement. The script isn't cheesy or schmaltzy and flows well, while the story even though very formulaic is very sweet (without being overly so) and light hearted with a nice energy going on.

Concluding, not great but good and one of the few above average 2016 June Weddings films. 7/10.

7.8 stars.

I would watch this every few years for sure. The story is a bit repetitive, you know, the usual Hallmark stuff; however there are at least a dozen moments that capture something more original, something fresh and new. The comical moments really are genuine and clever. I was impressed at the wonderful chemistry of the leads, and yet so many reviewers are scrapping this film onto the editing room floor thinking there is so much better Hallmark out there. I'm here to tell you there really isn't THAT MUCH Hallmark out there much better than 'Wedding Bells'. I see why both of these actors are in so many romance movies.

It's weird, because every time I see a Hallmark starring one or both of these leads I kinda just think ho hum, well I'll watch it and see how it goes...and they seem to surprise me over and over. He is hilarious and has precision timing with his lines, and she is actually quite quirky and animated. I have a new respect for all the actors, in fact. The dad played by Boxleitner did a great job, he sorta transforms from an old cringey fella into a very endearing and loving father.

Do yourself a favor and watch this film, it grows on you. These actors, although maybe not the most gorgeous or coveted players Hallmark has to offer, are charismatic as heck.

We thought we had already seen this, but then realized we didn't, so we watched it. I'm trying to NOT read reviews or look at ratings until the end so my review is not tainted by some of the reckless reviews along with the positive one.

The end of the movie came and as I went to IMDB to rate and review I realized that I had favorited Danica and Kavan.

Now, back to my review title...the except. What made me rate this 10 are the two leads. Danica and Kavan were great and their chemistry was palpable, it was so good. I'm way past reviewing movies because of "double dipping" "brow furrowing" or other trivial personal matters like that, though we all have our own personal tastes, constraints and restraints.

Yea, the story was your typical HM movie, there's the script and rhythm which are Hallmark movies, but it always boils down to the characters and their chemistry. I'll watch anything with these two in it.

This Hallmark romance includes common themes and familiar tropes. And the ending can be seen from a mile away. But that does not automatically make the film a dud or a disaster.

As usual in a Hallmark production, the settings are beautiful. And the two leads, Danica McKellar and Kevan Smith, work well together. As hoped for in a romance, there are moments of tearjerking fueled by nostalgia and tenderness.

What makes this film enjoyable, more than anything else, is the performance by Danica. Especially in the final scenes, she really sells the emotions that are the crux of the film. Bruce Boxleitner, as the father of Kevan, also deserves mention for playing the crusty oldster with a protected heart of gold without overdoing it. He adds just the correct amount of "distraction" to the central relationship.

Pleasantly surprised to see Bruce Boxleitner again in this 2016 Hallmark Classic. The cast is well selected and also features two of our Hallmark faves (Danica McKellar & Kavan Smith). Everyone clicks really well with each other and the plot is not as far fetched as some TV Movie plots tend to be nowadays. Loved this.