Le Dernier Cœur à prendre

This lovely Hallmark movie follows the relationship of two people, each in a profession they know is not their dream job..and, yet, hesitant to take a leap of faith and pursue another path. The story unfolds as the young woman faces her parents' retirement, leaving a business to he that they have spent their lifetime building. Yet, she has other dreams. the young man in the film spends his life taking wedding photos when what he really would prefer to do is to film serious documentaries that would help an ethical cause. the relationship between the two leads develops, first from initial antagonism, then to a more supportive friendship, and eventually, to love. The leading lady, Rachel Boston, does well inner role but could use a suggestion t smile less, use a more rounded voice..(hers is consistent y tinny and flat) , and not giggle during brief silences in the dialogue.. Paul Campbell does better here than in previous roles..where he often lacks a range of facial expressions. He still has a way to go, but there is visible improvement.

I am a fan of Paul Campbell so I thought I'd give this a re-watch, even though I didn't remember being overly impressed. Paul was fine. Rachel, Rachel, Rachel. I used to like her all right. She used to be one of the go-to Hallmark actresses. The more I have seen her in recent years, the less I like her. She has a real stagey acting style. She says her lines like she knows there is an audience watching her. No matter what role she plays, beneath the smiles and niceness, she kind of comes across like she knows she is kind of superior to everyone else. This is just the way she comes across to me. I know she has her fans, and that is fine.

I found her interaction with Paul Campbell came across as borderline hostile especially at the beginning. And it wasn't due to the story. Her eyes were so cold when she looked at him in a few scenes, I actually got a little freaked out. I wish I knew what was going on there, if anything.

The story wasn't all that bad, hence a respectable 7 stars from me. The script seemed well-written and had some cute and clever lines. I liked that she was playing her age not an almost 40 year old actress playing a young inexperienced girl just starting out in her career. The jewelry making subplot was interesting and added a lot to the usual love story. The message was a good one: Follow your dreams, do what you love, but stay sensible and grounded. The romance as scripted did not come out of nowhere, the relationship developed naturally and realistically.

There were three main reasons for seeing 'The Last Bridesmaid'. One is that it was part of my Hallmark film completest quest started with their Christmas output in 2019, which expanded with their other seasonal films just recently. Two being Rachel Boston and the third being Paul Campbell, two of Hallmark's better regular actors. The story didn't sound particularly mind blowing, but that wasn't enough to put me off.

2019 was a variable year for Hallmark, not that that is much new as that has been true for all the previous years and since. 'The Last Bridesmaid' is closer to being one of the better ones, not quite getting there but light years away from being one of the worst. To me, 'The Last Bridesmaid' is also easily the best of the 2019 June Weddings films, the only one that was above average. The premise is in no way a new one, but this fares better than most of Hallmark's June Weddings films that have the same premise or similar.

It is not a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination. It didn't start off too great, starting on the slow side story-wise, the dialogue came over as awkward and Boston's character seemed too cold and hostile to begin with.

Did feel that it was a little rushed at times structurally, with some unexplained timeline jumps. Also wish that much more was done with the service dog videos subplot, what was shown had real heart but there's too little of it.

However, 'The Last Bridesmaid' has a lot that works well. It looks good, especially the scenery which is lovely. Other Hallmark films fare a lot worse when it comes to having ill fitting and intrusive music, neither of which were an issue really with me here. While the script is not Oscar worthy material, it at least has a natural flow once the film gets going and doesn't come over as too cheesy, schmaltzy or waffly. Many lines in the middle act were amusingly playful and quite adorable without trying too hard to be cute.

Generally the story has a warm centre, is light-hearted and doesn't feel dull. The jewellery subplot was a nice touch and done with a lot of charm and really identified with the message, which wasn't too overt. The supporting cast all do solid work and Campbell has a subtle charisma and easy going charm present throughout the film. Boston is less consistent due to having the less likeable character to begin with, but when the character warms up she brings her usual spark. The two do have a sweet, genuine chemistry together and the relationship doesn't feel rushed or aimless.

Concluding, not great but very worthwhile. 7/10.

I liked it. The story was good. The characters evolved throughout the story. The ending was fine. I liked the fashion too. Cute dresses and jewelry for the bride and bridesmaids.

I thought the actors did a fine job. I like both leads. I think it was worth my time and would watch it again.

Rachel Boston seems to be Hallmark's version of Emma Stone, and her look/delivery in a similar style does lift a fairly formulaic outing.

It remains perfectly enjoyable though, with some sweet messages and moments along the way.

I enjoyed this.