'Wedding Planner Mystery' (2014)
Opening thoughts: Personally have no bias against the Hallmark murder/crime mysteries, as there are some decent ones out there (whether part of their numerous mystery series or not). Erica Durance has always been worth watching, regardless of whether her filmography is consistent or not (it isn't, but that is true for most actors and actresses). Andrew Walker is also one of Hallmark's best leading men. Despite those two, expectations were not exactly high for 'Wedding Planner Mystery', due to it sounding so ridiculous.
Unfortunately, 'Wedding Planner Mystery' is as ridiculous as it sounds and it just didn't come together. To me, it wasn't a total waste of time or terrible thanks to (most of) the acting saving it. Hallmark did do far worse films in 2014 and it is not even anywhere near one of the worst from the Movies and Mysteries block, from that year or overall. Hallmark, as has been said by me a number of times in past reviews, have shown numerous times that they were capable of films of good quality or at least watchable, but 'Wedding Planner Mystery' is not indicative of that.
Good things: The best thing about 'Wedding Planner Mystery' is a radiant Durance, whose performance is very authoritative and charming. Walker is an amiable and never wooden presence too and the two have a genuine, unforced chemistry together that has touches of wit. The supporting cast on the whole are better than average, despite their roles being quite underwritten.
Production values are suitably slick. There are moments of light hearted wit and the film starts off with promise.
Bad things: 'Wedding Planner Mystery' falls far short in the scriot and story. Most of the script is stilted and lacks tautness and bite. There is also too much of an over-reliance on humour, and too much of it doesn't work, too much of it being forced and sometimes appearing in inappropriate places.
Story-wise, the film just doesn't grab. It badly lacks suspense, is mundanely paced and any turns in the plot are prematurely obvious which gives an over-formulaic feel throughout. To see that quite a lot of it is ridiculous to a credibility straining degree is being kind, the ending being facepalm inducing.
Direction has nice moments visually but is otherwise pedestrian. The music could have been used a good deal less and been toned down. There is an exception to the acting, and that is a very hammy Gabrielle Rose.
Closing thoughts: Overall, just scrapes average thanks to the cast. If it weren't for them, it would have been rated mediocre at best.
5/10.