2016 was a hit and miss year for Hallmark, likewise with all the subsequent years too. With winners such as 'Love in Paradise', 'Love on the Sidelines', 'Tulips in Spring', 'Summer Villa' and 'Journey Back to Christmas'. But also some duds such as 'Ms Matched', 'Unleashing Mr Darcy', 'Dater's Handbook', 'The Convenient Groom' and 'A December Bride'. Am not always a fan of Danica McKellar, who tends to be typecast and whose acting tends to be more of the same to a varying degree.
Despite having initial issues with her character, she does come off well here and 'Wedding Bells' comes off well as an overall film. Not one of the very best 2016 Hallmark films, but closer to being one of the winners than one of the duds and for me it is one of the better 2016 June Weddings films easily (which was not a good batch on the whole that year). 'Wedding Bells' may not be a great film and has a few issues, but it also has a lot of worthwhile things executed well.
Starting off with what doesn't quite come off, McKellar's character does take time to warm to with the whining in the early stages going overboard.
Like a lot of Hallmark films, the ending is too pat. Did feel as well that the secondary relationship was too much of a mismatch.
Once her character became more interesting and likeable, McKellar fully relaxes and gives a very winning performance full of charm and energy. Kavan Smith matches her very well and his performance is likeable and easy going, nothing looking stiff or forced. Their chemistry always looks natural and genuine and didn't have any real problem with how it was written and developed. The supporting cast are solid and while they are cliched the characters weren't annoyances or bores, with the only reservations being with McKellar's early on.
Furthermore, 'Wedding Bells' looks good with lovely scenery and the music doesn't distract tonally or in placement. The script isn't cheesy or schmaltzy and flows well, while the story even though very formulaic is very sweet (without being overly so) and light hearted with a nice energy going on.
Concluding, not great but good and one of the few above average 2016 June Weddings films. 7/10.
