'Midnight Masquerade' (2014)
Opening thoughts: The best-known name here, and my main reason for seeing 'Midnight Masquerade', is Autumn Reeser. Much of her output is well worth watching and her performances are consistent in a good way, she is a Hallmark regular for good reason. The other main reason for seeing the film was that it was a take on the 'Cinderella' story, that is one of my all time favourite stories and there are some good to great adaptations and revamps of it. Christopher Russell however is rather take and leave and the 2014 Hallmark output was wildly variable.
'Midnight Masquerade' is one of the better films of theirs from that year. It is a great representation of Reeser, who went on to even better things, and for a relatively early Hallmark film and performance for Russell this was a good deal better than most. While not one of the best or most inspired modern takes on such a timeless story that will never get old regardless of how many times it's narrated or adapted, 'Midnight Masquerade' is a more than worthwhile and very charming take.
Bad things: It isn't perfect. Personally actually did think that the final act is too rushed with the conflict forced and the prematurely easily foreseeable ending too neat. It is true that the film is very predictable, with many typical elements not done much new with.
Perhaps Russell's character could have been stronger in standing up to the conflict and sooner.
Good things: However, there is a lot that is done really well. Reeser is incredibly charming and brings a lot of heart and steel. Russell doesn't come over as stiff or too introverted and is equally easy going and charming. Their chemistry is very natural, sweet and genuine. The supporting characters are ones that are very easy to overplay, and luckily they didn't come over as too caricaturish or hammy. The interaction always felt at ease and not forced. The father and daughter relationship is particularly interesting.
Furthermore, 'Midnight Masquerade' looks good, especially the scenery. The scenery really does entrance and the photography doesn't cheapen it at all. The music at least fits tonally and in placement and has presence without being over-loud. The dialogue is sharp enough and flows naturally, while also having the right amount of sentiment (not too much in quality and quantity). The story is predictable, but also light hearted and charming with a good deal of heart. The Halloween party sees some beautiful design and atmosphere.
Closing thoughts: Concluding, nice film if not a classic.
7/10.
