A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride

Throughout my whole Christmas film completest quest undertaken since late 2019, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's and Lifetime's output in particular. There was however always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level.

A distinction that does not belong to 'A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride' in any way. It is not quite a Christmas classic, but out of the films seen this month so far 'A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride' is easily among the best faring and quite a pleasant surprise for a premise that could have gone either way. With almost everything done remarkably well and only a couple of things done imperfectly which was not unexpected in a way.

It's not perfect, with a slightly rushed and too convenient ending and it took me a while to warm to either Dylan or Charlie, who seemed unintentionally creepy (particularly Dylan).

Occasionally it goes a little overboard on the silliness.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher is a very likeable lead with good comic timing and a cute as a button quality. Helen Shaver is also very good support, as is Kenneth Welsh. Roxanne, Jack and Rose are well defined and worth engaging with, they have flaws but they are not overdone and they grow as characters (especially Roxanne). The chemistry between the cast is always natural and never seemed cold. The direction is assured.

Production values wise, 'A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride' is not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Most of the soundtrack is nostalgic and appealing to listen to, capturing the festive spirit well. Have seen a lot of over-scored Christmas films, but that's not as much the case here.

Furthermore, the script just about avoids being corny and saccharine, with it never coming over as awkward, and the story is mostly very engaging, easy to be uplifted by and heart-warming. Appreciated that it doesn't get too complicated or over the top too. The funny moments are genuinely amusing and the more dramatic moments are affecting, the two balanced with ease.

To conclude, not great but a very easy and charming watch. 7/10.

Stop-the-wedding has been done in a couple different ways, but it is not as overused as some tropes. This take on it also has at least a couple major differences from the others I've seen, but talking about them would be spoilers. Also this isn't the usual romance story nor it is heavily into the usual Christmas tropes.

JoAnna Garcia (Swisher) as Roxanne does a good job with her role. Unfortunately I didn't like either Dylan or Charlie from the beginning. Dylan needs to learn boundaries - he was a little too stalkerish and insensitive. But Rose, the mom, wasn't too sensitive either when she came home from Paris either. Charlie was creepy and secretive.

There were some funny moments, but there were a lot of depressing moments especially for Roxanne.

Overall, the story didn't get bogged down in any one direction and I'd lean towards a thumbs up.

A charming cast is the highlight of this Christmas based drama. In this film a mother and daughter have a successful Wedding Planning business. On one trip abroad the mother woman falls in love with a fellow American.

When the daughter meets her mothers future husband she is shocked. She think he maybe up to no good. When She gets her mother to put off the wedding for 10 days she concocts a plan to get her mother to dump the future bridegroom.

Now the film moves along at a brisk pace. My only problems is that the grown daughter acts more like child than an adult. This alone almost sinks the film..

The cast saves the film from being a total letdown.

Saw this movie a few years ago and never forgot it. Beautiful xmas/ romance movie.

Roxanne (Joanna Garcia) and her mother, Rose (Helen Shaver) run a wedding shop and planning business in a smaller city. For Roxanne's sister, this has been a blessing since she has been married several times. Finally, one month, Rose takes a vacation in Paris and meets a new love, late in her life. He is Sam (Kenneth Welsh) and they arrive back in town together, with happy news. Roxanne has another wedding to plan and soon. However, the young lady is aghast, for the daughter thinks the mother is rushing things. So does Sam's son Charlie (Luke Perry). Also, a man Roxanne once loved, Dylan, has reappeared in town, upsetting the bridal consultant even more. He was the proverbial boy next door and now he's back and wants to rekindle the flame, even though Roxanne's heart was pulverized. Will Rose decide she needs to get to know Sam better before the wedding? Will Roxanne let Dylan back into her life? This is a very merry little watch for romcom fans, with attractive stars and a nice storyline. Add on good costumes, a lovely setting and a holiday and you have another winner for the genre's fans. If you are one of those, don't tarry, get this very merry flick!