2021 was very inconsistent for Hallmark, not just their Christmas output but also all their seasonal blockings (the Summer Nights output being particularly so). But the standard could have been a lot worse, especially when they wouldn't have been able to have been made if the pandemic worsened. When the films were good, and there were plenty of those that year (a few of them having some not so appealing premises on paper), they were lovely. When the films missed, and again quite a lot fitted that distinction, they were mediocre or less (the worst terrible).

Quite a lot were also in between. For me, 'A Very Merry Bridesmaid' was one of the better faring 2021 Christmas Hallmark films but somewhere around high middle when it came to their 2021 Hallmark output overall. Really appreciated that it focused a lot on relationships and real life issues, and this is where the film is at its strongest, and wasn't as formulaic as the usual Hallmark Christmas film, though it may be a little too quiet and slow for others and understandably so.

'A Very Merry Bridesmaid' has a lot of good things. The best aspect is the performance of Emily Osment, she's not worked in every film but she more often than not has, and she gives a very deeply felt and charming performance here that never resorts to over-playing or taking it too seriously. After seeing so many female lead characters in Hallmark and Lifetime films where they are really difficult to get behind and have their negative characteristics taken to extremes, it was really appreciated that her character here was likeable and identifiable. She has a subtle yet genuine chemistry (one that actually grows and realistically) with equally charming and sympathetic Casey Deidrick, am not as familiar with him but he impressed me enough to be interested in seeing more of his work.

The supporting cast all give solid well grounded performances and the characters feel more real and easier to relate to than what is usually seen with Hallmark. It is attractive visually, shot with a slick look and with lovely scenery. The music doesn't intrude and isn't over-scored or used too much, while not having any memorable themes. The writing is mature and well meaning, it could have done with a lighter edge at times but it flows well and isn't heavy or schmaltzy. The story is very warm and heart-warming with serious subjects dealt with honestly, the relationships explored well fleshed out and with heart.

It is not a perfect film by all means. Did think that it was too over deliberate later on and could have afforded to let itself go more and have more light-hearted moments, the material being taken a little too seriously at times.

Did think too that the final act did lack tension and was on the too polite side, culminating in a touching and more creative than usual but still slightly too neat and not too hard to figure out ending.

Otherwise, liked it quite a lot. 7/10.

I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised with 'A Very Merry Bridesmaid'. There was no time-traveling train, no over-the-top Christmas contest, or no mistaken identity plot device used in this one. Instead, it is a low-key, or rather, a slow-paced romance, a romance with a genuine and authentic feel to it, which makes it stand out among the crowded room of Christmas movies this season. From the grounded script and superb acting to the surprisingly appealing cinematography, it is a nice new edition to Hallmark's 2021 Christmas movie line-up. The story centers on Leah (played by Emily Osment), owner of a shop called Worldly Charm. This Christmas Leah is quite busy. In addition to running her shop and worrying about her father's health, her brother Paul (played by Patch May) is getting married on Christmas Eve at home (and she is a bridesmaid, of course), which happens to be Leah's 30th birthday (yes, she has a Christmas Eve birthday). The good news is that Leah's childhood crush Drew (played by Casey Deidrick) has returned home from abroad to act as the best man in the wedding and sort out his late grandmother's estate. Drew, who is determined to make Leah's 30th birthday special, starts spending time with Leah, helping her with this busy season. Will they develop a romantic connection before Drew leaves town for another adventure and journey abroad? At the heart of this story is the relationship that develops between Drew and Leah. The writers do a splendid job of developing the relationship thru the dialogue and interaction between the two. It feels real, it feels grounded. Given that the story/movie spends a significant amount of time developing this relationship, the viewer can actually watch it develop and grow on-screen, which is something many of the 84 minute Christmas rom-coms/romances lack. This also allows the writers to spend time developing these two characters and their backstories, which makes it easier to engage with the story and connect with the characters. Naturally, what makes this all work on-screen is the acting, which, overall, is very good. Osment has an impressive performance in this one. She brings so much warmth and feeling to the role of Leah. At the same time, she does a brilliant job of capturing Leah's disappointments and acceptance of how things are thru a touch of melancholy in her performance. The combination makes Leah's character quite loveable, I felt. Similarly, Deidrick's portrayal of Drew has a warm, gentle, and caring vibe to it, which is appealing on-screen. The chemistry between the two is very strong. You could feel the emotion and connection between them. Plus, there is a pretty hot and heavy kissing scene, if you had any doubts. Finally, the movie has a nice Christmas feel to it, and there is even a little history/trivia on the Christmas Eve flower, the poinsettia. All in all, 'A Very Merry Bridesmaid' is a warm and sweet Christmas romance with two very charming leads. I highly recommend it for those looking for a bit of (slow-paced) romance this holiday season.

5/10 - the Young & Hungry fan in me is always happy to see Emily Osment take the lead in a projected but unfortunately this one lacked any kind of originality for me to remember it come next Christmas.