Nearlyweds

The most positive thing I will say about this movie is that it is unlike all the other usual Hallmark rom/com stuff. Much of the comedy is a little on the silly side for me, so this doesn't get top marks from me for that. As for romance, these couples have already reached the point of getting married, but I really wonder how any of them made it that far. We really don't get to see much of what brought them together. Even so, Erin and David seem like a good couple, but mom is so awful I don't see how Erin got past that to the altar. How did Stella not see Mark's domineering character? Casey and Nick might have been good together since what caused their problems doesn't show up until after the wedding. In their case, the basic red flag I see is Casey's insecurities.

I mentioned the silly humor. Much of it was based on over-exaggeration like some of the things the dog did, or Renee. There is definitely an audience for this kind of humor, but I like a little less over the top. There are some good lines.

There isn't much romance. Every time something romantic was about to happen, there would be either a comical or annoying interruption, or both. Given that, and splitting screen time among three couples, there's no real chemistry.

There is at least one thing that doesn't turn out like I expected. A twist, if you will, given the genre, but it made as much sense as anything else in the story.

The story is derivative, and I've seen a couple of treatments in movies from years ago. Couples who got married find out the marriages aren't legal because the minister forgot to sign and file the marriage certificates. In this case he had a heart attack before he could get the job done.

All three marriages already had some hiccups going on, and for some reason the writers decided it added tension for the three "wives" to get the official notice and not tell their "husbands" for a week. We didn't buy that particular piece of business.

Then a husband hides a job offer in the trash because he doesn't want his wife to work? Again, not believable.

All three strains were as cliche as they could be, but despite that the last act was tolerable.

Erin, Casey and Stella all decided on a June wedding so these gals are newly weds three times over. But, alas, problems arrive. Casey, who owns a dog care business and lives in the apartment right below, experiences woe when a former flame of her new hubby's applies for the job as his assistant. She gets it, ugh. Naturally, the husband doesn't see a problem. Stella, alas, discovers her mate is one domineering guy. Yes, he's wealthy and successful, so Stella had a secure feeling, but he soon resists her accepting a terrific job for herself, saying she doesn't need to work. Meanwhile, Dr. Erin has the difficult mother in law of all mothers in law, Renee (Naomi Judd) move in with her and her handsome husband. What results is no privacy, no peace. Into these situations comes an even greater curveball. It appears the minister who conducted all of their ceremonies passed away before he could sign the marriage certificates. NONE of them are truly married in the eye of the law. The gals learn this information and wait to tell their partners, for all of them are now having second thoughts about their futures together. Will these folks all walk down the aisle again in a month or so? This fun film has one attractive, talented cast although none of the stars is famous, except Judd, who is a hoot and a half as the domineering mama. Also quite gorgeous are the costumes, sets, and makeup jobs. Add on a clever script and a fine direction and the end game is a nice rom-com for all dedicated fans and even those who aren't.

Good movie. great cast yes it is well worth the watch. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 1/10/2021

Three newly married women discover they are not actually married in this 2013 Hallmark Channel movie.

The same gimmick was used in a minor comedy in 1952, WE'RE NOT MARRIED and its appearance here is also a gimmick, permitting the makers to hold the sanctity of marriage at risk without using the ugly word "Divorce". The point here is laid out in the prologue: do you want a marriage or just a wedding? Although the focus is on the women, the serious point underlying this movie is that couples must talk and reach agreement.

Although the situations are sitcom material -- one has an evil mother in law, another has her old high school tormentor and ex-girlfriend of her husband working for him and the third has gotten a dog and he wants a baby -- all the actors are good looking and very competent. I wouldn't go looking for this one, but if you find yourself looking at it, you should stick until the end.