2018's 'All of My Heart: The Wedding' is the third and last film in the 'All of My Heart' trilogy. Really liked the first film, but was rather disappointed in the second. So was hoping that this second sequel would be as good as the first or somewhere in between. 2018's Fall Harvest block was surprisingly consistent, in that all of the films in it were good and more (something not achieved with that block in previous or succeeding years). It was easily the most consistent and best seasonal block that year.
'All of My Heart: The Wedding' is one of the weaker 2018 Fall Harvest films, but that it is still well worth watching in a good way says a lot about how surprisingly good that block was. Of the three 'All of My Heart' films it is the second best, not as good as the first film but a lot better than the second. It is brought down significantly by one major aspect that affected the realism. There is still though a lot to like and it does very well at wrapping things up.
Getting the big elephant in the room out of the way, it is agreed that 'All of My Heart: The Wedding' is spoilt somewhat by everything with the probate legalities, which are really sloppy and unrealistic and it is a big issue when a sizeable part of the plot. Also agree that the third inheritor angle was overused and soapy.
Maybe the pacing could have been tighter at times.
For all those not so good things, there is a lot done well. Lacey Chabert is incredibly charming without even having to try hard, it just comes naturally to her and comes out effortlessly. Brennan Elliott is easy going and down to earth and in an understated way, and he didn't seem stiff to me. They had a lovely sweet genuine chemistry together that doesn't start off too perfectly and it does grow in a way that didn't feel rushed or too slow. The rest of the cast are strong.
On a further note, the characters were easy to connect with and while they are typical for Hallmark they didn't come over as too stereotyped or derivative. Jenny is much more sympathetic this time compared to 'Inn Love' and is not as selfish. The new characters introductions were done well, the father reconnection had a lot of heart and easy to relate to (though it could have gone into more depth). The production values are attractive, especially the suitably picturesque scenery and the music isn't overused or overscored while still having presence. The direction is assured enough and it's all present or correct, if not award worthy.
Script is light-hearted and flows naturally, while not being cheesy or over sentimental and any hostility is not overdone. The story has a lot of heart and doesn't take itself too seriously, while treating the subject with enough maturity. The ending is truly uplifting and touching, not too pat this time.
In summary, good end if not quite up the same standard as the first. 7/10.
'All of My Heart: The Wedding' is one of the weaker 2018 Fall Harvest films, but that it is still well worth watching in a good way says a lot about how surprisingly good that block was. Of the three 'All of My Heart' films it is the second best, not as good as the first film but a lot better than the second. It is brought down significantly by one major aspect that affected the realism. There is still though a lot to like and it does very well at wrapping things up.
Getting the big elephant in the room out of the way, it is agreed that 'All of My Heart: The Wedding' is spoilt somewhat by everything with the probate legalities, which are really sloppy and unrealistic and it is a big issue when a sizeable part of the plot. Also agree that the third inheritor angle was overused and soapy.
Maybe the pacing could have been tighter at times.
For all those not so good things, there is a lot done well. Lacey Chabert is incredibly charming without even having to try hard, it just comes naturally to her and comes out effortlessly. Brennan Elliott is easy going and down to earth and in an understated way, and he didn't seem stiff to me. They had a lovely sweet genuine chemistry together that doesn't start off too perfectly and it does grow in a way that didn't feel rushed or too slow. The rest of the cast are strong.
On a further note, the characters were easy to connect with and while they are typical for Hallmark they didn't come over as too stereotyped or derivative. Jenny is much more sympathetic this time compared to 'Inn Love' and is not as selfish. The new characters introductions were done well, the father reconnection had a lot of heart and easy to relate to (though it could have gone into more depth). The production values are attractive, especially the suitably picturesque scenery and the music isn't overused or overscored while still having presence. The direction is assured enough and it's all present or correct, if not award worthy.
Script is light-hearted and flows naturally, while not being cheesy or over sentimental and any hostility is not overdone. The story has a lot of heart and doesn't take itself too seriously, while treating the subject with enough maturity. The ending is truly uplifting and touching, not too pat this time.
In summary, good end if not quite up the same standard as the first. 7/10.