When Blair and Marcy decide to move their wedding forward by six months, everyone is scrambling to plan the perfect day in only four weeks — just in time for Christmas! Initially they get some pushback from Marcy’s family, but after a few minor kinks are worked out everyone is excited. Both Blair and Marcy are both in difficult positions with work, but neither tells the other, which leads to twists and turns in the plot. This, coupled with the fact that Marcy’s mother introduces her new boyfriend who is nearly twenty years younger and happens to be Marcy’s ex, make for an interesting holiday for the whole family.
While Marry Us for Christmas shares a holiday love story, it avoids many of the cliches associated with Christmas romantic comedies. The film is funny and dramatic, but not overwhelmingly sentimental. It provokes viewers to argue with the characters’ decisions, making it both relatable and somewhat frustrating. Typically, this might detract from the movie, but the minor frustration encourages the audience to stay involved, wondering how each scene will end.
There are a few scenes that seem too staged. For example, when Marcy and Blair decide to move the wedding Marcy seems more shocked than she should be. Also, in the scene where Marcy’s mother calls her back to hear about the news, the conversation is very short — too short for a phone call in which someone tells their mother that they are getting married in four weeks. These are just two examples of quite a few minor inconsistencies. With that said, these hiccups do not necessarily impact the quality of the film.
Like many movies, most of the plot could have been avoided had the characters made different — arguably better — decisions. As stated above, their decisions are, at times, frustrating. I found it hard to believe that a couple as close as Marcy and Blair seem to be would leave each other out of major work and housing choices just before their wedding. With that said, the actors do a great job sticking to the script and portraying their characters. The film itself is well made, with great scenery, camerawork, and audio.
Marry Us for Christmas is, in some ways, a typical holiday romance film, but it is set apart from the others by avoiding overwhelming love scenes and by giving the audience things to think about and challenge. While unique, the plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next. A perfect movie for evenings around the fireplace with family or a holiday girls’ night in!
Marry Us for Christmas is Dove approved for ages 12+.
The Dove Take
Marcy and Blair learn that communication is the most important piece of a marriage just in time for their Christmas wedding.
