Il velo nuziale - Ritorno a Venezia

Perhaps it is because I'm worn out from the common Christmas movie plots, but I enjoyed this movie. And it wasn't quite the usual non Christmas plot even though it is predictable and has a very low level of tension. Emma's trials are not that different than anyone who has a demanding boss. There is a small twist at the end and I did wonder if that was the case before it got there.

I really enjoyed Kacey Rohl as Lilly. She had good chemistry with Carlo Marks. I wondered if the age difference was a bit much especially since Lilly is a grad student with Rohl seemingly playing below her real age. Still, Lilly is a very appealing character and keeps Emma going while having her own joy of life. Charlotte adds a little bit of spice also.

This is the best film in the series since the second instalment (which also featured Autumn Reeser's character of Emma in the lead) and is a vast improvement on the rather weak 'Expectations' which preceded it.

The main reason for this is very simple - plot. This one has a decent plot! 'Expectations' seemed to think it could survive on a very thin storyline and hoped upon hope that Lacey Chabert's warmth could get it over the line. Which it did, but only just.

Here there is a plot that works, there's a sense of drama, and Autumn Reeser doesn't have to strain every sinew to make things work.

It's a film helped hugely by having Kacey Rohl in a supporting role as Lily. She's quirky, she's funny and her little subplot ends up being quite engaging. She's probably more able to carry a film than Alison Sweeney is to be honest.

And it is back to Sweeney for the 'Journey' film we go next.

This second sequel to the Wedding Veil trilogy continues the story of Emma (Autumn Reeser), who is back at work while her husband is opening a lace store in Chicago.

The main stories are about husband Paolo (Paolo Bernardini) needing to return home to Italy to care for his father, and Emma's relationship with her boss, who says she wants Emma to succeed her when she retires.

While there is some romance for another couple in this story, this episode lacks inspiration, primarily due to the relationship between Emma and boss Nancy (Lynda Boyd), which is toxic. Later, the viewer is asked to overlook Nancy's disrespect and nastiness for a silly reason. The film is a fail for this reason alone.

Emma and Paolo are my favorite couple from the The Wedding Veil series. I LOVED their first movie when they met and married, and I LOVED this sequel to their story. Their on-screen chemistry is amazing making their love story so engaging to watch. I loved Paolo's commitment to his family and the family business and how the couple dealt with their career issues. I would love to see their storyline continue in future movies!

I also loved the Lily/Matteo storyline. They both were such refreshing characters to watch, especially Lily. Their story was so realistic and also fun to watch.

A great movie that is enjoyable to view again and again!

Enjoyed the whole cast of likable characters led by the accomplished and talented Autumn Reeser who is a pro in her profession. Her range of expressing emotions is astonishing and only seems to grow in each of her roles. The location on Victoria Island, BC is perfect and the cinematography clear, rich, and crisp. This is truly a delightful buddy film where three true friends stick together and move the narrative of the Wedding Veil series. Autumn Reeser and her co-star Paolo Bernadini definitely have chemistry and bring out the modern-day issues of a two-career couple. This time the relationship is a really long-distance romance: Chicago and Italy. Hallmark has grown into producing mature stories and has an excellent repertoire of actors and talent to bring intelligent films to their audiences. Bravo.