Really liked the first film in the Wedding Veil trilogy and there was a lot going for 'The Wedding Veil Unveiled'. Seeing Italy on screen is reason enough to see any film and while Hallmark vary when it comes to their films set abroad they always deliver on the beautiful scenery front, and some of the most beautiful scenery comes from Italy. Like Lacey Chabert in the first, Autumn Reeser is one of the best and most consistent regular Hallmark actresses and most of her filmography is worthwhile.
'The Wedding Veil Unveiled' is as every bit as well worth watching level as 'The Wedding Veil' and a good start to the 2022 Loveuary (new for Hallmark that year) output. Personally didn't think that story-wise it was as good as its predecessor, though the male lead character is much more likeable, but it succeeds a lot more than it doesn't and the best of the many good things are very good. Hallmark has always varied when it comes to its sequels, and 'The Wedding Veil Unveiled' is one of the better faring ones.
Not everything works. It would have actually benefitted from not having as much going on. There is a lot of content, and it did feel like there was too much and some of it didn't have much time to be fleshed out. The Italian student subplot sounded very relatable but felt like padding and is too indifferently written.
Pacing can be on the rushed side, especially when things get more eventful later. The ending is a touch too on the neat side.
Reeser however is very bubbly and charming, while Paolo Benardini is very likeable and matches her in the easy going charm factor. It was a great move having real Italians making up most of the cast and all do very well in their roles, loved the energy and how much the film embraced the Italian culture without stereotyping or generalising. Had no problem with the accents and way of speaking, Italian is a beautiful language and the film is set in Italy, it makes sense to have Italian spoken and a lot of it. Chabert and Alison Sweeney appeal in smaller roles. Reeser and Benardini have very sweet and genuine chemistry together, though the romance perhaps could have had more screen time.
Furthermore, the characters do not bore or irritate on the whole, while also not being as stereotypical as Hallmark characters tend to be. The production values are attractive, with Venice (one of the most beautiful cities) in particularly being absolutely sublime. It's directed with assured confidence with no signs of fatigue or disinterest. The music is not unforgettable but it at least fits and is pleasant on the ear. The script has light hearted playful wit and doesn't get too sappy or too sentimental. Any conflict, which is not a lot, is unforced and has tension, which is not always the case with Hallmark, and it goes at a natural flow. Really liked the upbeatness of the storytelling, as well as its endless bags of light-heartedness, cute charm and warm heart.
Summing up, didn't blow me away but very nice film. 7/10.
