bobchilders

I think we all remember what our reaction was at the news that Haylie Duff would be starring in a romantic comedy opposite the multifaceted Chris Soldevilla: who the %$#! is Chris Soldevilla? All joking aside, of course we remember him from his stellar performance in the 2000 classic "Coyote Ugly" and eagerly anticipated his performance as Mitch in this film. We were not disappointed. Through forceful performances like this movie, Soldevilla has quietly built a reputation as a major player in the comedy genre, even as he has expanded his range in drama through such vehicles as "7 Minutes" (2014). We all eagerly anticipate future entries in the Soldevilla oeuvre.

But as flawless and nuanced as Soldevilla is in "The Wedding Pact," the real acting tour de force in this film comes from Haylie Duff. We all see in Duff the depth and range of a young Meryl Streep and the wit and witticisms of a youthful Joan Blondell. She doesn't disappoint in this outing. As Elizabeth, Duff has solidified her position as the grand dame of romantic comedies, rivaling the comedic talents of such actresses as Carole Lombard and Edna Purviance.

And who can forget Matt Berman, the wunderkind writer/producer who made this all possible. We all know him from the 2000 masterpiece "F.A.R.T.: The Movie," which the AMPAS shocking passed over in its nominations for a Best Director Oscar. Sam Mendes got lucky with "American Beauty" that year and we all know it. Travesties aside, the Academy will simply not be able to look the other way at Berman's brilliance in "The Wedding Pact" and maintain itself as a legitimate organization.

One cannot find a more scrumptrulescent outing than "The Wedding Pact." Watch and be amazed; talent like this doesn't come along often.

If you haven't seen it already, avail yourself of the opportunity to see "The Perfect Assistant" on Lifetime. This movie combines an excellent cast with a taut and fast-paced script. Josie Davis is sparkling in this movie, and Rachel Hunter gives a solid performance. And Chris Potter's tender, nuanced performance as David Wescott may well garner an Emmy. Potter has established himself as one of the premier leading men in Lifetime TV movies. With this film, director Douglas Jackson has established himself as a leader in made-for-TV suspense. Under his able direction, the actors turn in brilliant performances and Christine Conradt's script translates beautifully onto the screen. And the climax is the most thrilling ten minutes in made-for-TV cinema. I can say confidently that this is the best Lifetime movie I've seen in years. Don't miss this one!