Bridal Wave

So one of the most annoying parts of a gentle watch, and it's in almost every Hallmark movie yet it makes me angry every time, is that, at the very end, the two leads get engaged or married. They have often met at the beginning of the movie - a movie that spans two-four weeks of time (see Clara's A December Bride post). Maybe this is connected to my conflicted feelings about the institution of marriage or something like that, but really, why does the movie have to end in an engagement or wedding? There's always a big kiss and an exchange of affection, and that just seems like it should be enough. Why is it that audiences need a wedding? Let these people live!

But you know what friends, here is a movie that doesn't end with a ridiculously fast proposal and marriage after meeting four days earlier. The final scene makes you think it will, and seeing a bride and groom is meant to confuse, but then, low and behold, "One Year Later" pops up on the screen. Like sensible people, they waited a whole year! Shocking!

Clara and I found this movie while combing the shelves at the Northeast Branch Public Library and you know what, it's actually kind of a good movie. Definitely at the top of the Hallmark rankings. First of all, it takes place somewhere on the San Juan Islands, but there is an establishing shot of Seattle as the home of our leads. But it's not the normal establishing shot - skyline, Space Needle, red cranes - no, it's of the corner of 4th and Olive, or, the old Seattle Times building. Not a particularly strong establishing shot; not even a very Northwesty shot to set the scene. Clara's eagle eye spotted it and we had to rewind and confirm, but there it was, the building that now holds the Mariners store and the Mayflower Hotel.

This shot, except way closer so it was even harder to recognize

I love this, and the Pacific Northwest seems to be a hotspot for Hallmark romances, but seriously Hallmark? THIS is the establishing shot of your movie? Nobody knows this building. We've both lived here most of our lives and had to rewind and debate if it was Seattle or not.

Falling love while looking at the Pacific is ideal

But, back to the actual movie. Quick summary: our leading lady, Georgie, is engaged to a wealthy plastic surgeon (who she works for), and, while on her way to an unnamed San Juan Island for the wedding, she meets Luke in the ferry line. They banter, sparks fly, but then they part ways. Of course, they meet again at the resort where he lives next door in a beautiful house right on the water. He built the house himself after leaving behind the high power, high stress world of being a handsome architect.

Georgie and Luke get thrown together on multiple occasions and clearly they have chemistry, more chemistry than her doctor fiance. Also, this fiance's mother is terrifying and played by Jaclyn Smith, so, win-win.

Except you know, thirty years older. But still fabulous

What I liked about Bridal Wave is that it's actually kind of believable. It's refreshing that there's no big blowup, no madcap miscommunication, no one is left at the alter feeling spurned. There's an almost kiss and an appropriate reaction when Georgie realizes what she's doing. And then she and her fiance have an adult conversation about how neither of them are actually happy and they shouldn't get married. They've been dating because it's comfortable and it all paints a very pretty picture.

My face when adults act like adults in romantic comedies

There are, of course, some fake outs, and love is declared after only a few days, but, after they get a big kiss, Georgie and Luke DON'T IMMEDIATELY get married! The movie cuts to a year later, where they are getting married, but still, A WHOLE YEAR! Semi-realistic!

There's also a B-story line about how big hotel chains are ruining small towns and beautiful views, but the growing coastal development and destruction of the environment are not what gentle watches are all about.

Alright, ratings.

Cheese Rating: Actually pretty low. This has the typical cheese of a romantic comedy, but what was enjoyable about it was that it wasn't super cheesy.

Wine Rating: This gets a lot of wine glasses. Good chemistry between the leads, pretty locations, and was one of our first gentle watches. It made us want to watch other movies like this, and it's quite possible that no gentle watch (movies, not TV) has lived up to this one.

Hot Men: Handsome, slightly generic, but also kind of Northwesty, which is nice and fitting for the location. I can't find any pictures of any serious plaid, but, still not to shabby.