The Decoy Bride

13 July 2012. Perhaps the closest movie that The Decoy Bride might be compared to Notting Hill (1999) and America's Sweethearts (2001) and yet for all their famous girl meets ordinary guy or plain girl meets famous guy, or Sabrina (1954) and yet for all the famous star polish, this movie has a twist as well as geographical character that has a charm all its own and as such is almost believable in both its underlying simplicity and authenticity. The director should be credited with never having the Paparazzo nemesis become some bumbling idiot and in some ways the scriptwriter's divergence from the traditional storyline is another one of the niceties of the movie's charm. So while Simple Irresistible (1999) had its food magic, Dave (1993) had the Oval Office, My Super Ex-Girlfriend had (2006) had superheroes, Working Girl (1988) had a prostitute, or even Bewitched (2005) had strictly speaking magic magic, The Decoy Bride has the landscape, the isolated uniqueness of the quaint Calendar Girls (2003).

Lara (Alice Eve) a beautiful young actress is set to wed a budding writer, James (David Tennant). The trouble is, the press follows her everywhere, especially paparazzi maniac, Marco (Federico Castelluccio). Each time she and her intended have planned a private ceremony, Marco shows up, even in disguise. So, at the last moment, plans are squashed. However, Lara's next plan seems promising. They will be wed on a far-away island in the Outer Hebrides, where James bestselling book was written. Naturally, their staff will arrange the details needed. This takes some work! Not only for the cloak-and-dagger legwork but because the island's castle is far from photogenic. Also to the island comes native, Katie (Kelly McDonald). She, likewise an author, has come home with her hopes dashed, both career-related and marital. Her mother still runs the island's only B and B so its Katie's choice of refuge. By chance, Kate meets James in an unlikely place and tension springs forth. But, when Lara believes her secret wedding has been once again breached, the staff decides Kate would make a good "decoy", hidden under a veil, with photographers thinking they have crashed the event. Then, the real couple can be wed shortly thereafter. But, will such an idea really work, especially when James and Kate's initial feelings for one another may be altering? Don't be fooled by the title, romcom fans, this is the genuine thing, a nice, funny, and sweet l'il comedy with romance. The main cast is talented and attractive, with old pros like James Fleet also popping in and out. As for the setting, what a treat to see such a remote place of the earth, complete with beauty and ruggedness. Costumes, a swell script and a well-timed direction make this flick quite a pleasure. Genre fans, you know who you are, so act accordingly and find it.

I found this film by chance while browsing through other titles and expected nothing of it or the acting until I'd read the two first reviews here. A great, unusual playful story set on a small Scots island, I think in the Outer Hebrides, with a quiet happiness, lots of healthy humour and a collection of low-key actors as extras, who fit perfectly into the wonderful scenery of Scotland at its best. They come very close to the originals who actually do live on these islands and maybe some did in fact come from the local community.

The referral to the island having a "haunted public toilet" reminded me of a female Italian tourist asking one of the three only residents on the island of Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde, a lighthouse keeper, if there was a café nearby. She received the answer "just follow the track to the old quarry and it's next to Woolworths (department store). A low budget film, which with time should really become very successful. I was fascinated from start to finish.

However, something was missing.

And I just love romantic comedies!

I might be wrong, but I think what was lacking was genuine emotion, and chemistry between the couples who were supposed to end up together - it is clear from the start who will end up with whom, but I just couldn't really feel it between them. It felt a bit fake and forced upon them.

Overall, it is a cute little film, relaxing and in the end, it makes you feel good.

I definitely encourage you to give it a chance, it is a good pastime for a lazy evening. :)

This movie can be a disappoinment for those who wish to watch an American type rom-com. But it could be heart-warming for those who want to have a simple evening with a loved one. The acting was spectacular and I'm deeply impressed by the writing. Congrats to all of you, you gave me what I needed. I feel content now.