Undercover Bridesmaid

I know what they were aiming for, but they went off formula and created an awkward mess. Doesn't come off as particularly cute, the pairing of Brooke and a guy who looks much younger was an awful decision as they had zero chemistry. Although Brooke is only 6 years older than the actor in real life she looks more like 10-12 years older due to the actor looking really young.

The attempt to add some action in a Hallmark production was a disaster as the scene with Brooke running in high heels looked ridiculous and the effects were college quality. Looks like Hallmark got out of their depth and it showed.

Paggi was the breath of fresh air as the charming bride, but all in all this fails as a rom com and whatever else they were aiming for.

Tanya (Brooke Burns) is a covert law enforcement officer. She herself, once in love, was jilted at the altar. Therefore, these days, she is more concerned with karate chops than kisses. But, as luck would have it, she is assigned to go undercover as a bridesmaid to protect a lovely Texas heiress, Daisy (Nicole Paggi) who is about to be wed and has been receiving threatening letters. Mr. Thompson (Gregory Harrison), her dad, will spare no expense to make certain his daughter is safe. Naturally, Tanya hates the idea but has no choice, getting some moral support from fellow agent Henry (Shashawnee Hall). Soon, Tanya has to participate in group hugs, girly pre-bridal festivities and more. Once a good-looking groomsman named Jake (Justin Baldoni) shows up, Tanya does start to lose some of her wariness and stiff demeanor. But, will Jake distract Tanya from her main pursuit, which is to keep an eye on Daisy? For those that adore the film Miss Congeniality or light romantic comedy, it would be safe to predict a liking for this movie, too. Yes, its somewhat adhered to a formula and a "borrowing" of elements, but that's of little importance. The cast of Burns, Paggi, Hall, Harrison, Baldoni and all others, is very attractive and entertaining while costumes, sets, script and direction definitely measure up. As such, if you see yourself as a potential fan, get the DVD and snuggle under the covers of your bed for a nice, warm, fun evening.

Some silly situations lead to some laughs, but not rolling on the floor.

The acting is not good. I've never liked Brooke Burns' acting and this movie is no different. She doesn't come off as natural. In this movie she plays a reserved woman and for that she doesn't need to act. Still she is an attractive woman who catches your attention. There were a few actors who overplayed a little even for comedy. Nicole Pagg, as Daisy,i had some good moments but mixed overall. Justin Baldoni, as Jake, was OK.

As to the mystery, the clues were there. I missed them. Right before the climax, Tanya replays them in her head which is nice for the viewer.

Hallmark tries a variation on MISS CONGENIALITY as Brooke Burns plays Tanya, a competent young woman working for a private security firm, goes undercover at a rich man's daughter's wedding.

The script is decent, but it feels as if the emotional transitions lack much subtlety as characters change but do so in neat, ratcheting leaps suddenly from one position to another. The script tries to do too much for the cast and crew to handle, dealing with family issues, the mystery aspects -- tracking down who, if anyone, is trying to harm the bride -- and the revelation of Tanya's emotional background.

Miss Burns is all right as Tanya, but it's hard to differentiate the character's discomfort with the situation from Miss Burns' ability as an actress. Nicole Paggi is surprisingly good as Daisy, the bride-to-be who starts as a ditz and remains one throughout, but one with heart.

UNDERCOVER BRIDESMAID is a good Hallmark Channel TV-movie that shows signs of some good work here and there. The uneven realization of details keeps it from being exceptional, but it should be a pleasant experience for anyone who is likely to see it.

Me and the whole family loved UNDERCOVER BRIDESMAID, yes it is fairly predictable but very cute. I will recommend it. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 3/2/2021