Part of me was not expecting all that much. Was not impressed at all with most of the 2016 June Weddings films, with the only previous above average one being 'Wedding Bells' (though 'Stop the Wedding' had its moments). 'Ms Matched' was especially bad and one of the worst 2016 Hallmark films. Still saw it anyway for Hallmark completest sake and also for the ever watchable Jack Wagner. It also sounded quite charming, the only premise of the June Weddings films that year that sounded appealing.
'The Wedding March' left me rather mixed. There are definitely good things, quite a lot of them actually with a couple of them being done better done than most Hallmark films, and it is above watchable. Of the 2016 June Weddings films, it is the second best by quite some way and the only other 2016 June Weddings film to be above average. Having said that, 'The Wedding March' also could have been quite a lot better though its flaws have been worse in other films of theirs.
Am going to start with the good things. Josie Bissett and Wagner are very charming leads and always engage, Wagner is especially good and loved how the film played to his strengths and got him to do what he is better known for. Emily Tennant brings a lot of heart to the film and the sister relationship is absolutely beautifully done, so sincere and relatable. The family relationships in general are very honestly and plausibly done and don't feel forced or schmaltzy. There is some spark between Bissett and Wagner.
Did like the production values too, with the scenery being particularly eye catching. The music is very pleasant on the ears and fits within the film. The script flows well and doesn't come over as cheesy or over-sentimental. The story is light hearted and heartfelt enough and the characters on the whole were ones connecting with.
It is though very formulaic and doesn't do anything new really with very familiar territory, or at least on the romance angle. While there is chemistry there between Bissett and Wagner it could have been stronger and also more prominent within the plot rather than playing too much second fiddle to the family relationships. It is also slightly improbable with the age difference.
Furthermore, this reviewer absolutely agrees with everybody in regard to Bissett's truly atrocious and blatantly obviously unreal wig, it seemed like an attempt to make her younger but actually aged her and made her look like too much of a china doll. Some of the dialogue is on the corny side and the ending is too neat and can be seen from some way off. While liking the characters on the whole, the ex boyfriend is annoying, uninteresting and adds nothing to the plot other than being a seemingly obligatory Hallmark plot device.
Overall, worth seeing and one of only two 2016 June Weddings film to be above average, though not a must. 6/10.
