'June Weddings' movie review: 'Wedding at Graceland'
After the whirlwind of a holiday season romance, the next chapter for Laurel and Clay is throwing together a "Wedding at Graceland" (airing June 1 as part of the Hallmark Channel's June Weddings).
In short: Laurel and Clay (Kellie Pickler and Wes Brown) have just three weeks to plan their dream wedding when a last-minute spot opens up at the Graceland Chapel. But their clashing in-laws have very different ideas for the nuptials.
It's hard not to be won over by the charming Laurel and Clay after "Christmas at Graceland" - which is why it's slightly disappointing to see them backburnered by the in-laws. "Wedding" is overshadowed by the fairly broad juxtaposition of Clay's free-spirited parents against Laurel's straitlaced parents. While mildly entertaining, the whole shtick gets repetitive: some garish idea is pitched, but not without a "less is more" rebuttal. The prolonged "traditional versus fun" back-and-forth between the in-laws isn't even played for bickering - it's just Laurel being given two very different ideas, and her not committing to any decision.
Thankfully, just when the in-laws threaten to takeover the movie, the endlessly charming Pickler and Brown remind the audience why "Christmas at Graceland" was such a holiday hit. Clay, Laurel and her daughter Emma are a great trio of characters - and when they share the screen, "Wedding" is grounded in the movie's heart: this couple and this family. Just wish these core characters had more time together, if only to re-affirm what's so loveable about these characters.
If the first movie was infused with the charm of Elvis's estate, "Wedding" ventures out into Memphis. The movie has the texture and warmth of the southern city, as it takes in historic hotels and even a ride on a Mississippi River riverboat. And for movie with such a down home southern sensibility, "Wedding" radiates with the charm of Memphis and old southern traditions. Most Hallmark movies exist in fictional or completely interchangeable small towns - but "Wedding" necessarily exists in Memphis and at Graceland.
Final verdict: "Wedding" delights when it allows Laurel, Clay and Emma to be a family -- and drags when it wallows in the "how are they going to put together the wedding so quickly?!" Sadly, the movie spends more time on the wedding logistics and not enough time with Laurel and Clay.
Score: 3-out-of-5 bridal bouquets
"Wedding at Graceland" is rated TV-G and has a running time of 90 minutes. The movie premieres on The Hallmark Channel on June 1.
