La damigella perfetta

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.

Jewelry designer Becca Foster (Rachel Boston) is the last of the unmarried bridesmaid at her cousin Lucie's wedding. She meets the videographer Kyle Taylor (Paul Campbell) working the preparations to the wedding. He doesn't believe in love. She is taking over her family business which would make her too busy for a personal life. The bride-groom couple sets her up with best man Aidan. The meet cute could be a little better. They do make for a cute couple. Boston cannot stop smiling and Campbell is equally pretty. His jealousy is also pretty cute. It's a cute Hallmark. The cute couple deserves a pass.

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.

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.

This movie and already giving it all the stars. Becca has just arrived with a lot of luggage. I feel like Hallmark has heard viewers when we comment about characters having one suitcase to stay a week but has endless shoes and bulky coat options. I love that they have leaned into that.