Merry Matrimony

This one is cute but in my opinion could have been better, Still well worth watching though. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 12/07/2020

This movie inspired me to do my first review as it was so bad I had to write about it. While it's undoubtedly the worst rom com I have ever seen (and I've seen quite a few) it does have the perfect combination of poor acting, predictable and cliche writing and most of all insincerity that make for some unintended laughs.

The main character Brie is a career (and Christmas)-obsessed woman looking to become a partner in her marketing/advertising company. Of course she has a quirky, less attractive and loyal best friend as a sidekick. In a twist of fate, Brie ends up working together with her photographer ex-boyfriend who she had at one point hoped to marry and well you can guess the rest...

Many many rom coms are predictable, and this I don't mind - this is why a lot of people like them, they are dependable when you just want to see a nice little story with a happy ending. But in this movie, it's almost like the characters themselves don't believe this story - my 5-year-old self playing with barbie dolls could've mastered a similar level of acting. And that would probably be more interesting to watch.

I feel that this movie is a lesson in bad movies.

Random note: I was amused by how the main characters said when they were flower shopping that they can be more creative that having poinsettias for a Christmas wedding photoshoot, and then you see the final scenes where they have filled the set for the photoshoot with...poinsettias. It's like the people who made this movie weren't paying any attention at all.

I want to like Hallmark movies, I really do. But they apparently have a standard formula; if you've seen one you've seen them all. There is either a lost love, a character with a dead spouse, or a divorced parent that still loves the other party. This one is the lost love plot and if you couldn't figure out the ending in the first 10 minutes you've never seen a Hallmark movie.

The supposedly ultra-glamorous sets for a trendy bridal magazine were standard Christmas decorations seen in any department store. The wedding dress was totally forgettable. This was supposed to be a top bridal rag and the poses were in front of a Christmas tree and a car? There was no thought toward making the "jobs" of either character the least bit authentic - what fashion photographer takes one shot and calls it "perfect" and walks away?

Zero chemistry between the characters and bad acting all around.

And my perennial complaint with Hallmark movies all shot on the same summer sound stage - green leaves on all of the trees, characters inappropriately dressed for what is supposed to be cold weather.

Two hours of my life I will not get back.

I suffered through this movie twice, because I missed most of the first hour the first time it was on. I really didn't miss much. Where does Hallmark Channel find their actors/actresses? The ones in this movie were horrible, stiff, and the lead actor looked like he was reading cue cards half the time! He made no eye contact with other people in his scenes and was looking off in the distance during most of his time on screen.

Hallmark Channel should have given ALL of the performers in this movie free acting lessons. Save yourself two hours of your life and skip this show.

Several other reviewers have not seemed pleased with the movie. Yes, it is a Hallmark Movie, but I don't really think that is a bad thing. I did actually watch the entire movie start to finish. (I think it's a good idea to watch the movie before making negative comments.)

Regardless, I thought the story was different than some, but it was heart-warming and had a nice ending too. I did enjoy my viewing experience and I enjoyed the romance of it too. The actors were believable and did a good job of portraying the "forever love" concept. The friendships were portrayed as quite genuine and heartfelt. Hopefully the viewing audience will ignore some negative comments and give this cute movie a chance. Enjoy ya'll and Merry Christmas!