The Last Bridesmaid

source: The Last Bridesmaid

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.

8.1 stars. I was surprised at some rare emotions welling up inside me during several scenes of this film. Rachel Boston and Paul Campbell have a particularly emotive chemistry in their interactions, and there is a rare magic between them. Along with the tearful moments, there are great romantic moments. The acting is polished amongst the whole ensemble cast, and the whole story moves fast with entertaining side plots which include her jewelry making and his filmmaking. All of the stories are robust and exciting. I find myself rooting for her to take on her parents' family business and simultaneously start her own jewelry business, even though it's obviously too much for one person. I don't want her to disappoint her parents and that's how invested this film makes me feel. I am intrigued by his filmmaking and how stirred she is by his accomplishments. The synergy between them is undeniable, how they believe in each other, yet each of them needs a confidence boost to trust in themself. I think the last time I was so moved and inspired was by a couple films, the first being 'Love on the Sidelines', and the other being 'North to Home'. If you haven't seen these, you must. 'The Last Bridesmaid' is slightly paler in comparison to the two I just mentioned, however it provokes similar emotions. The emotions I'm referring to are simple urges to be a better person and somehow 'The Last Bridesmaid' invokes a passion to change my current self and become my best self. It's really quite a marvelous feeling, you should share in it. I hope 'The Last Bridesmaid' does the same for you.

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.