COME DANCE AT MY WEDDING (2008)

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Dance is something of beauty to watch. Whether it’s depicting tragedy or something of a more lighthearted jaunt in a performance, there’s something alluring about it. Being a Hallmark usually suggests I’ll enjoy the entertainment but this film had a stronger pull centering on the art of dance.

Come Dance at My Wedding (2008) Hallmark TV Film Review

Preparations are well underway for the annual recital at the Merriman dance studio. Busy as Cyd Merriman (Brooke Nevin) is with wedding plans to her High School sweetheart, she’s still trying to push herself to achieve more than there’s hours in a day. Inheriting the family business, Cyd thinks about accepting a local land broker’s sale offer. She wonders if this will finally allow her to attend school, and become a family therapist. It becomes a little clear when she learns from her mother’s best friend and local lawyer, Laura Williams (Roma Downey), that her mother left part of the studio to the father she doesn’t know. Tanner Gray (John Schneider) has been a drifter his entire life. What he doesn’t know is about Cyd. Instead of simply signing a form relinquishing his rights, he appears on Cyd’s doorstep, which opens old wounds.

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Two well-known stars from popular shows of the past helps to make this title a pleasant little indulgence. Believe it or not the dancing is more “professional” and lovely to watch and it carries the film well. The scenes of Cyd teaching her classes of beginner students are precious; one in particular will leave even the most cynical with a smile. However the adult classes are equally entertaining and cover not only the classics like ballroom, jazz or the tango, but a fun sequence of line dancing. The atmosphere is even moderately adept; if the actors have no dance training, they’re well practiced in the few scenes. Suffice to say, everything looks pretty when need be. The only disappointment in that department is the wedding dancing. Neither one is anything special, but then they’re here to show a kind of happy glow. No matter what it still makes for a pretty picture.

Indifferent to a somewhat “blah” title that perhaps wouldn’t normally entice an abundant audience, this is a delightful film. The small town charm creates a good basis’ for the overall setting and the characters complete that to bring it all to life. Everyone gave a heartfelt performance that nearly make us forget any silly moments among an otherwise strong story that has values and moral character, something many movies are lacking in abundance today. During a quiet evening when nothing of any consequence is of interest, this is one dance invitation there’s no shame in accepting.

Content: Cyd references her honeymoon a time or two with some winking references. Another reference is made to an unmarried couple living together. Classmates make fun of a chubby young girl who cannot master dance steps properly. The theme is one of secrets. Two men share a beer. It rates PG.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

16 comments

    1. Yup. He was on Dr. Quinn first (I'd have picked him over Sully) and then I got five seasons of him as Jonathan Kent on SMALLVILLE. Happy days. =D

    2. My mother (for some reason) never did like 'Dr. Quinn' so I've seen very few episodes of that show. Love Jane Seymour though!

      Ah, yes! I totally forgot that John Schneider was in Smallville. He's a great actor and I like seeing him in these smaller roles. :)

  1. I saw this a few years ago and although I thought the story-line was mediocre, I loved the dances! I remember noting how actually GOOD the dances were for being "just" a Hallmark! It was an enjoyable watch!

    1. Most Hallmark (channel) films are mediocre when it comes to the script but I still love them because they are wholesome and don't require thought. And being the happy-ending girl I am, that's just my cup of tea. :)

      Glad you liked it also, Kellie!

    1. John and Roma are fabulous in this one, Rosie! Hope you can see it sometime – and that you like it. It's a sweet father-daughter story. :D

  2. Ahhhh those Duke boys… ;-)

    I LOVE Hallmark movies, they are such a guilty pleasure for me. My all-time fave Hallmark movie is The Magic of Ordinary Days with Keri Russell. I haven't seen this one but it looks cute. The last movie I saw that involved dancing was Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. It was good but mostly because I loved Romola Garai, she's a brilliant actress. Thanks again for another great review!

    xoxo,
    Renee C.

    1. Everyone says it's weird to see John Schneider in roles like this or the AG movie Felicity versus 'Dukes' but these are the roles I know him by, and he plays them very well.

      Hallmark movies are (one of) my guilty pleasure also, Renee. I love them. 'Ordinary Days' is a beautiful movie and one I simply must watch again! I saw that movie also with Romola – and agree with you: She's a talented actress though the movie was not my most favorite.

      Thank you for reading, Renee – love your input. :)

  3. John is a great actor it's just strange seeing a guy you're so used to seeing in blue jeans and a tee with breeches and a waistcoat like in Felicity. I totally forgot that he played in that movie.

    BTW love your new blog header. Castle RAWKS!!!!

    xoxo,
    Renee C.

    1. LOL! That was unusual, wasn't it, Renee!? Nevertheless I thought John was great as Felicity's father and in fact think that is one of my most favorite AG films. Looking forward to seeing the young actress who played Felicity in the second 'Spider-Man' flick next summer also. :D

      Thanks – I've used these pics before but who can resist the cute-ness of Castle and Beckett!? ;D

  4. I saw this one a while back, but I really enjoyed it. I actually downloaded the song they dance to, "One Little Piece of my Love", for my ipod. Couldn't resist, it's just kind of catchy! Anyway, great review of a fun movie! :)

    1. It is one of Hallmarks cutest, isn't it, Valerie!? Happy you liked it also – and I'll have to check out that song on iTunes. It sounds fabulous (guess I've not noticed in on the movie!).

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