The Perfect Bride

This television movie includes most of the elements of a typical Hallmark film. And it is rather predictable, as expected. But it does a couple of things that are different or unique.

The main character, Molly (Pascale Hutton), conducts Bridal Boot Camp sessions in a fitness center. She combines exercise with counseling for brides-to-be. During her course, she incorporates six necessary skills for a healthy relationship, like communication and honesty. Writer Rick Garman cleverly uses these teaching moments to advance the story, showing that one relationship might not be so perfect, and indicating that another match might be in the cards.

While this story includes the usual fairytale elements, it also includes a dose of realism. Not all of the relationships end with a walk down the aisle. And it demonstrates that brides who try to create a wedding experience to match the perfect fantasies in their heads should consider taking a more relaxed approach to planning a memorable wedding. This film is recommended for all potential bridezillas.

The chemistry between the two leads is fairly good. Perfection is not necessary anyway, right?

It doesn't take long in this movie to see that there is great chemistry between these too. It is little things. And it is in the smiles and laughter which is contagious even if the jokes aren't lol by themselves.

I say this as one who doesn't care for Pascale's character on When Calls the Heart, so don't think you can only love this movie if you follow the TV show. The character Molly is in no way irritating or overbearing.

Molly is a woman who cares for all her "neighbors", even when they sin against her. There is one scene where she does just that and you can see that this person is real in her love, not just a do-gooder. And with all the talk about her being left at the altar, Molly doesn't waste her time reviling the would-have-been-groom, whom I believe remains unnamed. Molly's flaw may be that she pours it all onto herself, not others. While this is unselfish, it goes too far to the other side where self-doubt becomes unhealthy.

This movie makes me wish I could know Pascale a little better, not in a selfish or lustful way, but thinking that perhaps the actress might be a role model that I can learn from.

While this movie has no great surprises and is like all Hallmark romances in predictability, I was engaged all the way though by this story of an endearing couple.

Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith are familiar to you if you watch When Calls the Heart.

Their chemistry is perfect in this light hearted movie about being your best self when you get married and how to make sure your marriage lasts.

Funny and sweet this movie will make you smile and laugh.

8.0 stars.

There is a rare and engaging chemistry between the leads that makes this a very satisfying film. I was impressed by their spontaneous and exciting interactions. He is fun and energetic and she adeptly reciprocates, and there is no denying their on-screen harmony. Funny I just saw them both in 'You Had me at Aloha' earlier this week.

'The Perfect Bride' is original and skillfully tells the story of a woman and man with an undeniable affinity for each other. One of the most remarkable aspects is that neither one of them attempts to hide their feelings even though one of them is engaged. The fact they are soulmates is obvious and their hearts are exposed from the very first scene.

'The Perfect Bride' could motivate you to give yourself another chance at love. Through the medium of a woman who is a marriage counselor and fitness trainer, we learn a few lessons about the importance of communication in relationships. What this film also teaches is that love is a gift and just as we would not deny others the right to be loved, we often forget that we equally deserve it. And finally, the story is uniquely constructed to convey a powerful statement that marriage is about friendship and not about obligation.

Wedding movies aren't usually my thing, but this one was enjoyable. I liked the idea of bridal boot camp, and the ending also was very good.