Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary (though am refraining as much as possible from reiterating too much). The premise did sound quite interesting and seemed like it was trying to do something a little different. So watched 'A Christmas Wedding Date' with the intent to like it.
Sadly, there are just too many flaws with 'A Christmas Wedding Date' for me to do that. It's not entirely terrible and has a few good things, but there is a lot wrong with it and it is another film where the worst of the bad things are executed pretty terribly. A case of a pretty decent premise not done anywhere near enough with and with mediocre at best execution. Am usually, or at least there is the attempt to be, a balanced and encouraging person when reviewing films, television etc. But 'A Christmas Wedding Date' is one of those films where it is not always easy to take that attitude.
There are a few good things. Marla Sokoloff gives her absolute all without over-acting, did find her character too excessively mean but Sokoloff injects a lot of passion and also some poignancy later on. Catherine Hicks is also good and makes much out of too little to do. George Wendt intrigues.
Did think too that there were pleasant moments in the soundtrack.
Unfortunately, 'A Christmas Wedding Date' has a lot wrong. Chris Carmack to me was incredibly bland and doesn't look at ease in his incredibly sketchy and too perfect role. The characters are too caricaturish with one or two character traits at best and most are poorly used, mostly underused. Most of the supporting cast are forgettable from having so little to work with and a few add nothing to the story.
It's a film that also doesn't look particularly good, with especially cheap editing. The script has an awkward flow and is often cheesy and at times melodramatic. The story suffers from tedious pacing, excessively vague character motivations, a lot of contrivance and nothing being surprising, could see the ending from miles away.
Concluding, weak. 3/10.
