Expectations were mixed here for 'Wedding of Dreams'. Hallmark did do a number of above average and more films in 2018. Have liked Pascale Hutton in other things. And there was real interest in seeing something different, with a story that did sound like it potentially could have a lot of depth. The mixed reviews and low rating did lower expectations though and part of me was unsure of how Debbie Gibson would fare as an actress and in this sort of role too.
'Wedding of Dreams' didn't really execute its premise very well at all and Gibson generally doesn't fare well. There are good things and it is not one of the very worst Hallmark films from 2018, but it is in the lesser half and is a long way from being one of the best. Hallmark have done music based films very well before and since 'Wedding of Dreams' and have had successful changes of pace where they proved that they could do serious as well as they could light hearted-ness.
By all means, 'Wedding of Dreams' is not all bad. The scenery is lovely and photographed lovingly. Hutton has the most likeable and real character and gives a very honest and charming performance, her dialogue is the best in the film too with the advice being relatable and well intentioned.
Some of the music is quite pleasant.
Gibson however comes over as rather wooden and lacking in emotion, and her overuse of forced smiling got a bit wearing later on. Didn't care for her character, who can come over as too full of herself. Robert Gant fares a little better as he has a more natural presence, but his character is bland and underdeveloped. They have very little chemistry together and come over as mismatched and the relationship itself is poorly fleshed out and plays too much second fiddle to the music.
Did find the music pleasant at times on its own as said above, but to me it did sound rather dated within the film and would have fared better with a younger voice singing it. Gibson did have a good voice when younger but is well past her best vocally here, where she sounds tired and anaemic. The story is very predictable and over stretched from having too little content and charm and heart are lacking, despite having a premise that promised plenty of both. Some of the sentimentality got too much too. The dialogue is very stilted and of the characters only Hutton's is interesting or likeable and the film becomes pretty stupid and difficult to buy towards the pat end.
Mediocre overall despite some good. 4/10.
