The Professional Bridesmaid (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

Original profession, unoriginal script

[mamachikn · 5/10 · 10 April 2023]

I liked the main characters and the basic bones of the script.

Unfortunately, it was more of the same old, same old.

Main female lead, X, has to hide her true identity.

Main male lead, Y, falls in love with X but doesn't know she isn't who she says she is.

Y overhears a private conversation that reveals the identity of X.

Y gets offended and confronts X, then walks away without hearing the whole story.

Two other women tell Y that it's obvious he's in love with X.

Y returns and forgives X.

X is sorry.

They kiss.

Other side issue is resolved.

The end.

In between all these things is a lot of wedding planning mishaps and X has to jump through hoops to make everyone happy, including finding the hoops.

Just tiring to watch. I was glad when it was over.

Some minor twists on common theme

[Jackbv123 · 7/10 · 9 April 2023]

The professional bridesmaid angle is close but slightly different from the wedding planner premise. The overall flow of the movie follows this plot thread. It includes the requirement that she keep the big Secret of her identity. The other part of the premise is an investigative reporter sent to cover the wedding. This premise usually leads inevitably to a certain conflict near the end, but not here which I found refreshing. Henry was only mildly annoying in his reporter persona which allowed him to be likeable on the whole. Another thing I found refreshing was skipping the usual initial antagonism between the leads. Henry and Maggie/Maise met and engaged nicely with one another.

Some of the elements used for mild tension in the heart of the movie are a little weak. We're told the mayor can't be confronted by Henry because the electorate will be evenly divided no matter what stance he takes on the park. Unlikely. More like his campaign doners' interests will be contrary to the majority of the public. And then there's Chloe. Her thread is just a mess with some unlikely details also.

Another minor twist is the source of the inspiration for the resolution of the Conflict which results inevitably for obvious reasons.

The acting is decent. Hunter King and Chandler Massey have chemistry. Other players did their part but I can't decide whether Lillian Doucet-Roche succeeded as Chloe deliberately or just fell into the portrayal of this sadly confused woman. The dialogue is decent but not sparkling. This movie lacked an opportunity for Hallmark's signature scenery.

I rate this movie slightly on the high side of my average for this genre because of the unexpected plot lines and because of Hunter King as the appealing Maggie.

Rough start, but wonderfully warm male lead brings the romance.

[cgvsluis · 6/10 · 25 April 2023]

I had trouble initially with the lead actress...there were some early awkward moments and I almost bailed on the movie altogether, but with a little help from her male lead played by Chandler Massey I warmed to the romance. Chandler Massey put in a stellar performance as the fish out of water investigative reporter Henry, who has been asked to cover the wedding of a politicians daughter. He was warm and really pulled this in to a sincere romantic film. Meanwhile, Maggie has been hired to be the professional bridesmaid at the same wedding. Unfortunately, this means discretion and keeping both her true identity and profession under wraps. Then she is handed the added responsibility of distracting Henry, which she almost successfully does...during these distractions the film almost becomes an advertisement for weddings as it is loaded with wedding trivia...like that the bridesmaids dress the same to "confuse evil spirits" and that the bouquet is tossed because it to was thought to ward off evil spirits. (Lot's of evil spirits.) Queen Victoria is the first to wear a white wedding gown.

The wedding facts were fun and if you can get over some awkwardness with the lead actress particularly at the beginning of the film...I think fellow romantics will warm up to the romance thanks to Chandler Massey and enjoy the film. Not my favorite Hallmark romance offering, but different and still a recommendation. I hope we get to see more of Massey.

More of the Same

[paul32344 · 4/10 · 11 April 2023]

As usual, user reviews are somewhat split on this one...some like it, some don't. Personally I totally unimpressed. I've asked before (rhetorically of course) why every Hallmark movie I've ever watched was based on an outright lie, an identity concealment, or the invention of a goofy and mostly unbelievable line of work. I'll close with an opinion I'm sure will be very unpopular with some, but what writers keep creating leading men who are so dense, whiney and gullible! (no reflection on the actor). There doesn't seem to be many normal male characters lately...just men who are weak, misogynistic, not very bright, and/or bumbling idiots who behave as if they've never spoken to a woman before. Lol.

The Actors

[thelist-53644 · 10/10 · 21 January 2024]

The Actors made this movie and the writing had some more depth. They made their love so believable. They both several times had tears in their eyes that was very well done. Instead of calling her out he continues on with her despite all the warnings signs, because he's falling for her. The story between the Maid of honor and the Bride that was also real. How many times in weddings do the bridesmaids not step up to their responsibilities. When she dropped the ball and then then they brought in the mom's best friend for tea, I wish they had dug into that relationship a little more and the tea was shown a little more. But there was more depth in the writing in this movie. The 2 main characters should play in more movies together. Would love to see a playful love story with them. They have a similar acting style and it works!

The most awkward ending scene.

[gfrasmd · 4/10 · 10 April 2023]

Any movie which is not totally uninspired and forgettable will leave you with the recollection of one or few defining moments that express its message and represent the good or bad overall impression that you may retain. The warmth of a smile, a kind gesture, a gaze of folly, a cruel word, or other will stay forever linked to its title.

This one, if ever remembered, would be defined by its ending scene.

The movie is watchable, free of offensive elements and with occasional cute moments. The production is rather generic, rich in overused ideas, presented with a minimally new spin. Hunter King does an appreciable job and renders her character lively and likable. Chandler Massey has less vitality and gives his "lover boy" character no dimensions. The story proceeds at an acceptable pace toward the inescapable conclusion. Normal fare for a Hallmark romantic flick. Regretfully, the final kissing scene dispels whatever romantic atmosphere the film might have generated to that point and screams to the sky that any chemistry between Maggie and Harry was, indeed, a fake. Massey in that scene is rigid, distant, averting from his partner, and the eventual kiss is brief, cold and formal, almost forced. The entire body language suggests she had eaten too much garlic or, at any rate, he would rather be anywhere else.

Were these two actors miscast together?

No matter what the problem between the two, he is supposed to be an actor and should perform far more convincingly.

Reporter becomes the story

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 22 April 2023]

7.9 stars.

Say what you will, but this is a refreshing novelty film for Hallmark. Maggie is a professional bridesmaid which is totally unheard of, but what the heck, let's go with it. She is unable to secure a business loan to take her concierge bridesmaid business to the next level, but is offered a very involved and demanding opportunity to provide her services to the mayor's daughter. This could be exactly what she needs.

Next, we have an investigative reporter named Henry who wants to pick the mayor's brain about his plans to allow developers to erect several condominiums in the city park. Instead of getting the story he wants, Henry gets stuck covering the mayor's daughter's wedding. Little does Henry know that Maggie is placed undercover as a regular bridesmaid in order to keep him on a tight leash. She is instructed to make sure he doesn't stray from covering the wedding by diverting his attention from the mayor and his political views about the condo project. Maggie's other duties are to insure the wedding is a success, secretly applying her skills as the "The Professional Bridesmaid". Maggie's true identity as a professional bridesmaid must remain a secret and in the midst of this balancing act Maggie and Henry fall for each other.

We all know how this story ends. Eventually he will discover who Maggie is and she will have no choice but to win back his affections. It's run-of-the-mill Hallmark fare, but I enjoyed it because King and Massey provide us with a twenty-somethings version of love rather than the usual thirty and forty somethings.

Ugh. Worst lead actor and actress

[babygurlj · 2/10 · 14 April 2023]

Ugh. Worst lead actor and actress. I love Hallmark movies but some are really great and some are really bad. This one was cringe-worthy although I did watch it until the end but that's just my personality. The two leads were incredibly awkward together. I feel like the characters were supposed to be a little awkward with one another but this just felt like extreme awkwardness and bad acting. There were so many pauses in the dialogue that I think I spent 75% of the movie rolling my eyes. A couple of the other actresses could use some acting lessons as well I think. Not every actor is meant to be a lead.

UGH!

[dalear · 1/10 · 10 April 2023]

I couldn't get past the 20 minute mark! I think this was the worst lead actress that Hallmark Movies has ever cast. I remember a similar movie from the past by Hallmark that I could actually finish watching. Story, acting, and script seemed way subpar. Been there-seen this.

Been there, seen this.

Been there, seen this. Is the quality of Hallmark Movies sinking further down the quality scale? Or is it just me? I never rated a Hallmark movie lower than a 5 in the past, even when some of the acting was making me cringe!

It seems like every plot has the same characteristics, anymore. I sure miss the high quality of The Hallmark Hall of Fame movies of the past!

Few surprises, but a good show.

[tom-496-522106 · 9/10 · 10 April 2023]

The first thing that occurred to me on this is how much Hunter King looks like Rachael Leigh Cook.

As the story progressed, of course it was pretty formula for Hallmark, but I thought it was pretty well put together. There were the right amount of mishaps. There was just enough tears to go with the laughter. And I think it was just enough short of sappy to be a good way to spend a couple of hours.

Peter Benson has managed to successfully navigate the course from bit part, to old boyfriend, to leading man, and now does an admirable job as director.

It isn't Oscar worthy, but only because it wasn't striving for greatness. It's what is expected from a Hallmark movie of the week, which is wholesome entertainment which leaves you with a smile on your face while not forgetting to show a bit of real heart. 9/10.

Hard to keep awake

[linda-plant2 · 3/10 · 13 January 2024]

Back in 2012 Brooke Burns appeared in Undercover Bridesmaid, a similar theme to this film, but the difference in both productions were as wide as the Mississippi. Forget this offering and watch the other- a million times more enjoyable - one being Burns can ACT !

I found it difficult to watch Hunter King without concentrating on her lips - in various scenes her lips were either "filled" or not, most disconcerting. And as for the male lead, it's only the beard that makes him look older than 16 !

This pairing was not made in Heaven, but the storyline could have worked with different actors. I did wonder why the Wedding Planner didn't organise the shower and the flowers, but who cares ? In the end I didn't.

Maggie Marie Bailey (Hunter King)

[aab874 · 10/10 · 16 April 2023]

Favorite Scene with

Maggie Marie Bailey (Hunter King) - Henry learning the Truth about her and Confronting her about it. I Love, Love, Love Hunter King!!! She was Summer Newman Abbott on "The Young And The Restless". I am So Glad that she's a Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies And Mysteries Heroine!!! She is one of my Favorites Ever!!!

BTW, I Loved this Movie! I Loved the Chemistry between Maggie and Henry! Henry - and Chandler Massey - was So Dang Charming!!!

Set in Ohio (Columbus). Although I was Raised in California, my Roots are in Columbus, Ohio - I was Born there and Lived there until I was 3, spent almost all of my Summers there, and went to The Ohio State University.

Abjectly painful

[skpn123 · 1/10 · 14 April 2023]

How many times do I have to write Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain to meet the required number of characters? So unbelievably painful: Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain Chandler Massey is an abject irritating pain What has happened to Hallmark in recent times - this pairing is a disaster.......