A Whirlwind Wedding

It seems like the two actors playing the mom and future step-dad didn't get along or were repulsed by one another or something... it was weird how little they touched one another for playing a couple that was supposed to marry. And, at the ceremony, they were about 4 feet away from one another the entire ceremony and he never 'kissed the bride'. It was super weird. Add to that weirdness was the awkward dialogue and the fact that for some reason the daughter didn't want to tell the caterer about the break up because she 'doesn't want to complicate things'. Her actions were the very definition of complicated. It's hard to be a fan of this movie.

Was it formulaic? Yes, and still a charming movie, somewhat understated in that it's not saccharine or overly sentimental. I loved the personal evolution of the main characters as well as theirs as a couple. Would definitely rewatch.

The overall plot is pure formula according to what you see on Hallmark (even though technically it's not Hallmark). Woman who wants a promotion goes to hometown to plan a wedding for her mom. There she hires a guy to cater but barters her CPA services for his handyman skills. And her boyfriend of three years neglects her. There are tons of the usual plot devices thrown in, like he was almost married or the wedding venue is a barn. It's like following a checklist.

Even the inevitable conflict between the leads was on the checklist. I figured that was what was coming. Metaphorically it was textbook.

The details between the lines is where this movie strays from the usual, especially the dialogue. The leads banter constantly, but it's a bid odd.

I love Morgan Kohan and she puts a lot of her personality into the movie. She's very upbeat. (I wonder if she realizes how many times she did that cutsie head tilt look that says "you're going to do what I want and like it".)

I can see why a lot of people didn't like this movie, but for me the relationship between the leads carried it, but barely.

CPA Cassie (Morgan Kohan) gets to exercise her event planning skills when her mother's wedding planner leaves. She follows the old plan to call Kyle (Drew Nelson) for catering. He and his brother have a struggling BBQ place with no catering experience. She wants something more high brow. Meanwhile, there is trouble in her longtime relationship.

This would be fine for Hallmark or that kind of level. The two leads are fine with functional combative chemistry. Since they're doing BBQ, the barn wedding seems a natural companion. So I don't understand the hand-wringing. I would get rid of the hay. It is disappointing that they don't show the BBQ. For the foodies, they need to do it in reality. I love the little building facade although it would be nice to have colored glass in the windows. The acting and the story is all fine for the genre.

This movie is nothing original but a solid production filmed under Covid regulations, so don't expect lots of hugs etc! The stand out feature for me is the visual quality - lighting and filmography is stunning at times, even in many of the quite mundane scenes. I would watch again.