Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Christmas Wedding Runaway.
Story: 1.25/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.50/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.25/2
Total 6.25/10
The concept of an unhappy Merry Christmas being on the cards for at least one person this Christmastime drew me to this Christmas Wedding Runaway. I mean, a bride getting cold feet on the day of her Xmas nuptials scampers off to Nana's contemplating her choices and potential future. Her escape from wedded bliss should leave at least one guy blue this Christmas. But that's not the case because right from the outset, the writers place a monumental neon sign over Olivia, the fugitive's sister, and five minutes into the story, you've guessed the ending. And this is a shame, as the writers could've interwoven Olivia's feelings into the narrative more subtly. Doing so would've added extra depth and potency to the story. Since we know who will enter Happy-Ever-After Land at the finale, it becomes a matter of how they'll carry us to the forgone conclusion? Luckily, the writers are decent at characterisations, especially the three principal characters: The Runaway Bride - Maggie, the old-flame - Colt, and the Grandmother - Nana. Of these three, Nana is the best. She still single-handedly maintains her farm and stables, and she's an independent woman with an independent mind, who's not afraid to speak it, either. Another pair I enjoyed was Olivia's parents, who appear to only care about appearances and their stature in their community. The romance that begins to re-bloom between Maggie and Colt does so in a mildly ireful, though always tender, fashion, which makes it great for building their characters. And the adventures they have along the way, with the small twists the writers add, are enough to keep you entertained until the forgone conclusion arrives.
The director does an okay job with the direction. It's pretty standard stuff, though they pepper the movie with a few decent compositions. And though there's not a constant heart-warming atmosphere, that's ideal for this type of tale - It's there when it's needed, and that's what matters.
All the performers are excellent, particularly Mimi Kuzyk, who plays Nana. She perfectly displays the woman's kindness with an underlying strength. You feel that if you get on the wrong side of Nana, you'll regret it. The only one who let the side down slightly was Joseph Cannata, as the Groom - Douglas. He's a smidgen too straight and stiff, though that may be his character - but it does appear a little off on-screen.
I would say that the writers missed a few opportunities to make the story more potent and realistic, while the director could've tightened his cinematography a bit. Doing so would've made this film more enjoyable. And that's where Christmas Wedding Runaway sits - at the enjoyable table, so I can only recommend it for one watch. Sadly, it doesn't possess the power to draw you back to it next year, and that is a shame as it could've.
Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.
Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.
