I enjoyed the movie very much... I'm a huge fan of NPH and he was very adorable in this movie. Most of the characters were great. I agree with another comment that the youngest couple was a little unnecessary. It was somewhat difficult, though, for me to get past the pure and simple ugliness of that wedding dress. The basis for every story was how wonderful and gorgeous the dress was. If someone didn't know the sentimentality of its back-story, there is very little chance they would think it was pretty. After 1984, very few people would be caught dead in a dress like that on their wedding day. At one point it was "updated" and was the best it looked. But it was a very cute story, the various story lines kept the movie from dragging, and it was very lighthearted. Happy endings all around!
22 Reviews
Worthwhile
prometheus-dk8 July 2002
I happened to turn on the TV the other night and catch this gem of a movie. While it's outline may seem overly sentimental they manage to pull it off. With a solid performance by a couple of American TV-stables this movie succeeds in the difficult (and very misused) genre of romantic comedy. The plot weaves effortlessly between the different characters never spending too much time in one place and, thankfully, never overemphasizing the atmosphere. While not likely to win the Golden Palms this is certainly a worthwhile movie, so if you happen to catch it, don't change channels, it beats Jay Leno any day!
Touching movie with a terrific casting
kipper-1220 August 2004
Originally we sat down with my wife to clear some video tapes for re-recording. We were quite convinced that this never-heard-of piece wouldn't have our attention for more than 10 minutes and we can erase it with a clear conscience.
But after less than that we were trapped into the subtle magic of the movie and declared it to be one of our favorites. None of the names were familiar at that time but I have checked cast details and though there are no blockbuster names, a couple of the actors/actresses have appeared in major movies. Of course the betrayed wife (the amazing Margaret Colin) was presidential aide in ID4, of course the photographer (Neil Patrick Harris) fought against aliens in Starship Troopers, of course the grumpy aunt (Tyne Daly) was Lacey in Cagney & Lacey, of course the groom pawning his watch (Wolfgang Bodison) was accused in A Few Good Men and of course his bride (Kimberly Hawthorne) tried to find a senator's kidnapped daughter in Along Came A Spider. With them and all the other characters this is probably the best casting I have seen for a long time and I cannot understand how this romantic masterpiece is so little known of. (I couldn't even find a region 2 DVD.)
The music is beautifully matching the scenes, cinematography is also first class - this is a great example how to make a great movie without Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and the like.
But after less than that we were trapped into the subtle magic of the movie and declared it to be one of our favorites. None of the names were familiar at that time but I have checked cast details and though there are no blockbuster names, a couple of the actors/actresses have appeared in major movies. Of course the betrayed wife (the amazing Margaret Colin) was presidential aide in ID4, of course the photographer (Neil Patrick Harris) fought against aliens in Starship Troopers, of course the grumpy aunt (Tyne Daly) was Lacey in Cagney & Lacey, of course the groom pawning his watch (Wolfgang Bodison) was accused in A Few Good Men and of course his bride (Kimberly Hawthorne) tried to find a senator's kidnapped daughter in Along Came A Spider. With them and all the other characters this is probably the best casting I have seen for a long time and I cannot understand how this romantic masterpiece is so little known of. (I couldn't even find a region 2 DVD.)
The music is beautifully matching the scenes, cinematography is also first class - this is a great example how to make a great movie without Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and the like.
Unheard of - Very nice
ecaprarie4 August 2006
I was watching TV, when my zapping took me to this movie.The pivot of the story is a wedding dress, that could not be worn, because the bridegroom died right before the wedding day. The dress was forgotten of, only to 'reappear' many years later, when many stories start rotating around its reappearance. Narration is simple, but smooth and delightful. Acting is pleasant and casting well chosen. I saw only a bit of it at the beginning, then I moved to another channel. I turned to it again later before switching my TV off. Now I regret not having seen it thoroughly. No comments and no date were written in my TV magazine, therefore it was hard for me to make up my mind; furthermore actors are not well-known outside the USA; I am asking myself why the movie was so underestimated. No trash, no vulgar dialogs, no gruesome passages: without these ingredients a movie is not a movie?
Quietly charming without being exceptional
solebanana13 January 2002
The story more of the dress than any of the characters. Nice story, uplifting, nice happy ending. I liked Zoe better than the other characters. I have to say her rival at the beginning did come across as so cynical and hard-hearted that it was difficult to see anyone loving her. This marred the film which was a pity. Don't expect too much, but it will pass the time reasonably pleasantly.
How wonderful, to have a hopeful love story- or 6!
Simlady14 November 2001
They don't make 'em like this any more. Blood! Gore! Sex! That's all you see now. Or, if they want it to be family entertainment, it is so white bread you sit and say, "What world is this from?" But not this movie. This harkens back to the good old days of movie making, and it's about time! The Wedding Dress was delightfully twisty and turny, with chuckles *and* tears - just like real life happens to be - though the interweaving of the couples might be a bit far fetched. I accepted it, though, as a flashback to the movies of bygone days that tied it all in a neat little parcel while expecting a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. Hey, this is *entertainment* - Lighten up! That every couple touched by this special dress attended the wedding at the end (and though the dress affected them all, it was only worn to *one* very special nuptial) was just wonderful. Can we have more of these, please?
What an enjoyable film!
Ladybruinrn6 August 2005
I have often thought of this movie, not able to remember the title, but through the "magic" of the internet, and the above listed scenarios, am now able to run this to ground! Is it possible this film is available on VHS or DVD? The crying fiancé of the soldier, loosing the dress out the window of the car, the twists and turns of the plot, tying all characters together in quirky and "how did that happen?" ways, was such a treat and a welcomed relief from the drudge that is most TV movies. I want my best friend to see this, I want my husband to see this. I was uplifted, saddened, and tearfully joyful by the end, but most of all, I was entertained!
Easy viewing, managing not to be completely corny!
cmiles119 July 2004
Watched this to begin with as "wallpaper". However, found it holding my attention and I enjoyed it right through. It reminded me very much of the Sophia Loren movie, "the Yellow Rolls Royce". A nice little movie. It could have been corny but I thought that the different places in which the dress arrived and the ways in which it arrived there were imaginatively thought out. It probably could more be described as a "woman's" movie but fellas may not reject it altogether.
The "Birdemic" of romantic comedy
fellissimo28 April 2011
Nothing says "comedy" more than the death of a crucial character at the worst possible moment.
On the other hand, every single character who appeared on screen was so whiny/pathetic/stupid/slimy it made me want to kill each of them with a cake fork, so perhaps that death was actually the happy ending and all the rest was epilogue. Hard to say.
I spent most of the movie wondering, "Why is Barney (from "How I Met Your Mother") pretending to be such a clichéd sap?" Then I wondered, "Why is Neil Patrick Harris acting so badly? Is he being ironic? Or just taking care not to outshine everyone else? Or is it the dialogue sticking in his throat?" If a single couple in this movie stayed married more than 24 hours, I'm shocked. They were, quite simply, useless and charmless cliché-spewing androids. The dewy-eyed expressions of every sympathetic female character upon seeing the dress was a particular highlight (ditto the slobbering joy of every man on seeing said women wearing the dress).
The only part of the movie that made sense was the divorce.
Also, the dog's acting seemed fine.
By the halfway point, I was watching the movie for the pleasure of seeing my husband repeatedly bash himself over the head with a piece of styrofoam (you'll find this is a typical reaction to this film). We giggled more and more helplessly as the dialogue continued with heartfelt and subtle lines like: "It's even more beautiful than I remembered. . . and so are you. And so are you." Recommended drinking game: Drink whenever something bad happens to the dress; whenever a character does something criminally stupid; and whenever you swallow vomit due to a particularly heinous line of dialogue.
Actually, just drink without stopping. That's the only way to watch this movie.
On the other hand, every single character who appeared on screen was so whiny/pathetic/stupid/slimy it made me want to kill each of them with a cake fork, so perhaps that death was actually the happy ending and all the rest was epilogue. Hard to say.
I spent most of the movie wondering, "Why is Barney (from "How I Met Your Mother") pretending to be such a clichéd sap?" Then I wondered, "Why is Neil Patrick Harris acting so badly? Is he being ironic? Or just taking care not to outshine everyone else? Or is it the dialogue sticking in his throat?" If a single couple in this movie stayed married more than 24 hours, I'm shocked. They were, quite simply, useless and charmless cliché-spewing androids. The dewy-eyed expressions of every sympathetic female character upon seeing the dress was a particular highlight (ditto the slobbering joy of every man on seeing said women wearing the dress).
The only part of the movie that made sense was the divorce.
Also, the dog's acting seemed fine.
By the halfway point, I was watching the movie for the pleasure of seeing my husband repeatedly bash himself over the head with a piece of styrofoam (you'll find this is a typical reaction to this film). We giggled more and more helplessly as the dialogue continued with heartfelt and subtle lines like: "It's even more beautiful than I remembered. . . and so are you. And so are you." Recommended drinking game: Drink whenever something bad happens to the dress; whenever a character does something criminally stupid; and whenever you swallow vomit due to a particularly heinous line of dialogue.
Actually, just drink without stopping. That's the only way to watch this movie.
I really like this sort of movie
PinkBunnySlippers2 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Actually I did like it. I like movies where a character or an item travels either through time, or around town affecting various people in different ways. This one did both, and I found the characters rather likable. I found it neither fake nor cheesy, but it is meant to be watched from beginning to end, as it takes the entire movie to reveal the meaning to the whole story. If you have to leave the room, hit "pause". I like the interconnection of all the characters through the dress.
Another similar movie I liked was "20 Bucks". Same type of storyline, but that story was edgier and had more of life's harshness to it.
Another similar movie I liked was "20 Bucks". Same type of storyline, but that story was edgier and had more of life's harshness to it.
No, that's not how it works.
christopherjim28 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is a good example of how not to do an ensemble romance. I couldn't manage to care about any of the multiple story lines, or almost any of the characters. Some I would have liked to have vigorously beaten around the head.
The concept is fine, of the wedding dress passing through various hands until it returns, as destined, to the original couple. However, the utter predictability of the story and uneven pacing, combined with slight genre shifts made finding out how it could get worse the only reason to keep watching. Each segment was a schmaltzy short, twitching unevenly between scenes, each teaching us a new and incorrect life lesson ( sometimes, those battling neighbours aren't hiding sexual tension, they just genuinely dislike each other ). Chemistry between many of the pairings was weak, and the better actors were just phoning it in. Be warned, despite his face being on the poster, Neil Patrick Harris does not have much screen time, and he plays the romantic role straight and sappy.
A train wreck, not quite in Birdemic's league, but enough to make me think of it.
The concept is fine, of the wedding dress passing through various hands until it returns, as destined, to the original couple. However, the utter predictability of the story and uneven pacing, combined with slight genre shifts made finding out how it could get worse the only reason to keep watching. Each segment was a schmaltzy short, twitching unevenly between scenes, each teaching us a new and incorrect life lesson ( sometimes, those battling neighbours aren't hiding sexual tension, they just genuinely dislike each other ). Chemistry between many of the pairings was weak, and the better actors were just phoning it in. Be warned, despite his face being on the poster, Neil Patrick Harris does not have much screen time, and he plays the romantic role straight and sappy.
A train wreck, not quite in Birdemic's league, but enough to make me think of it.
A wonderful treat!
val122412 January 2006
I just saw this movie today for the very first time. It's been a long time since a movie has drawn me in like this. It was filled with wonderful anticipation, waiting to see what the next twist was going to be. It was wholesome, funny, sad, romantic, and just an overall delight. This is a great movie for moms & daughters to watch together - or anyone who enjoys a movie with a really great story. The writer did a wonderful job of weaving a tale that keeps one guessing, though it is a little predictable at times. Tyne Daly, as always, is just great to watch. Neil Patrick Harris is one of those few who has made a smooth transition between "child actor" and full-blown "actor". I particularly enjoyed Kathryne Brown (Tyne Daly's "real-life" daughter). What a beautiful girl and her acting is very sweet and natural. This movie has good guys, bad guys, and bad guys who become good guys; one of the underlying themes of the movie is that of personal redemption. It's a movie of hope and warmth and the belief that true love will always win out. As the other commentator said, we want more movies like this!!!
Superior made-for-tv movie. Multiple love stories ensue as the dress winds its way on a somewhat fantastic voyage.
8-Foot2 November 2001
The uniquely beautiful wedding dress of the title makes its way through multiple lives and romantic relationships, even though used only twice. The journey is a rather improbable closed loop, via chance and small-world-isn't-it connections of the disparate characters. An awfully lot of story is packed into 90 minutes or so, yet because of its serial nature is not hard to follow or decipher. Details will not be supplied here; the ending will not be surprising, only the means by which it is eventually reached. While unabashedly sentimental, this story never becomes sappy. O.K., maybe just a tad sappy near the end.
So much second, third, and fourth rate stuff is out there that it's a joy to see first-class movie story telling. Acting is superb throughout, with a large and rewarding cast.
(In case you've missed Neil Patrick Harris' latter-day works, as I have, our "Doogie Howser, M.D." is now indisputably an adult, fully normal, and still a good actor.)
So much second, third, and fourth rate stuff is out there that it's a joy to see first-class movie story telling. Acting is superb throughout, with a large and rewarding cast.
(In case you've missed Neil Patrick Harris' latter-day works, as I have, our "Doogie Howser, M.D." is now indisputably an adult, fully normal, and still a good actor.)
Cute feel-good movie!
Mich-156 September 2002
Don't expect much else of this movie, than to be entertained and brought in a good mood. It is definitely NOT a very serious love-drama-whatever... It is nonetheless a movie worth spending time on as it IS a sweet feel-good movie that makes a necessary and needed difference to mostly everything else on the tube. I hope they'll release it on DVD/VHS as I didn't get to tape it. :-(
Too CUTE of a movie!!!
mame771 November 2001
Being Neil Patrick Harris's BIGGEST fan, this movie was to cute!! The plot line was something very unique and nothing I have ever heard of in the past. After the movie I logged on to Amazon to see if it was based on a book, however, sadly I didn't find anything that said it was. And of course it helped that the movie ended just the way it should!! If you missed it the first time, find someone who taped it or look for it in reruns because it's worth the effort especially if you love Neil Patrick Harris too!!
Great movie--Peter Wingfield is magical!
kellynickell15 November 2001
I could have done without the youngest couple that appeared sporadically throughout this movie, but the rest of the show was wonderful! Tyne Dailey is always a treat. Margarent Colin and Peter Wingfield together--the sparks just flew!! Some day PW will be rewarded for all his hard work. Some day tptb will sit up and take notice of this rare, genuine talent!
Predictable, but the journey was delightful!
scrapdawg17 November 2001
I loved this movie. Yes, it is predictable as far as you are pretty certain what the end will be. But the journey to get there was entirely enjoyable and full of sometimes far-fetched twists and turns. Good chemistry between all the cast. It's a "wifey" movie for sure, sweet and romantic. I watched it twice the weekend I taped it and smiled through it both times.
Good feel-good movie
MEEdmo421 January 2003
This movie does have many stories in them, but I found it interesting how they dovetail together. It is a movie well worth watching. Tyne Daley has certainly handed down her acting skill to her daughter (especially when she plays her own daughter). I enjoyed it and found myself "feeling good" when it ended. I watch for enjoyment, not necessarily for reality.
Great light entertainment
jim-122519 August 2006
This was screened on TV yesterday afternoon, and I thoroughly enjoyed an hour and a half of relaxed light entertainment. I am in full agreement with the great majority of reviewers of this title who indicate their strong approval. If your taste is for sexual promiscuity, foul language and tragedy, this is definitely not for you. It is not moralizing, but is strongly supportive of the sanctity of marriage with one exception. While it would be quite easy to find fault, you will be well rewarded if you concentrate on the cast of attractive and believable characters for whom you should feel a warm affection. There is an abundance of situations and dialogue which tie together beautifully in fairy tale fashion, which is the strength and charm of this delightful movie. It's a shame there's no Region 2 DVD at present, but do make an effort to watch it somehow if you have a romantic side to your nature.
I loved this movie, I just regret not taping it!
HermioneGranger1671 September 2002
This movie is in the fine tradition of a good Hallmark Hall of Fame movie...though it was produced by CBS not Hallmark. I'm a sucker for a good love story, and this one did it for me...with a box of kleenex being required to make it through the ending. If you're not one who likes to pay attention to a whole movie, then don't bother with this one, cause the story keeps changing, each segment following the journey of a wedding dress and the lives it touches, and changes forever. The only thing that disappointed me about this movie is that I did not tape it when it was on.
Kathryne Dora Brown shines...
morrowinder1 January 2003
This was a Hallmarky TV movie that would have been a tepid time waster but for the sweet shine of Kathryne Dora Brown as Zoey. I loved the beginning of the movie and I marked time to the end, hopeful that she would reappear.
It didn't occur to me until almost the end of the movie that she might be Tyne Daly's real daughter but when I saw the resemblance to Daly and Georg Brown, I was surprised I hadn't known all along. I have to say that this is one "child of" who could easily make it on talent without connections.
It didn't occur to me until almost the end of the movie that she might be Tyne Daly's real daughter but when I saw the resemblance to Daly and Georg Brown, I was surprised I hadn't known all along. I have to say that this is one "child of" who could easily make it on talent without connections.
Cute and sentimental...in other words..a "chick flick".
Tygrlovr1 January 2003
Ok, ok so this movie won't win any awards but it was entertaining. Basically, the movie followed a wedding dress from the time it was made in the 1940's for a wedding that never happened to present day. The journey the dress takes is cute, funny, often touching, sometimes sad but very entertaining.
It's pretty much a "chick flick"...but I have to say that my fiance enjoyed it as much as I did.
It's pretty much a "chick flick"...but I have to say that my fiance enjoyed it as much as I did.
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