Release Date: November 22, 2011
Rating: NR
Running Time: Approx. 90 minutes

Joanna Garcia (“Gossip Girl”) and Luke Perry (“90210”) star in this heartwarming holiday drama on DVD for the very first time. When a twenty-something wedding planner disapproves of her mother’s whirlwind romance, she decides to take control of it. There are disasters as plans go awry and moments of heartfelt emotion, as the daughter learns that letting go works both ways.

Without the decorated Christmas trees & Christmas lights here and there as well as the idea of a Christmas themed wedding, A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride has no place in the Christmas movie category. This is a love story, a story about growing up and letting go, a story about learning to trust yourself in trusting others, a story about acceptance and learning that it is okay to let people in… there are so many lessons to be learned in this romantic dramedy. Unfortunately, none of those lessons are heavily connected to Christmas themes. There’s really just a Christmas backdrop here. So in that regard, this film was disappointing. But letting go of this factor, this is actually a very memorable Lifetime film.

The acting for one is excellent. Joanna Garcia is such a delight to watch on screen. Luke Perry is as charming as ever and Jason Priestley’s brief screen time is not to be missed. The long list of Canadian actors also make their country proud bringing their talents to this film, not letting the “Hollywood” actors outshine them. Another reason the film is so memorable is because it is not only relatable but also uplifting as it brings so many people together. What is “it” though? Well, “it” is love. Love works its way into each individual’s hearts in ways they may not have ever anticipated.

That said, A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride doesn’t have the ending that you may predict and still it is very satisfying. In fact, it is more satisfying. Simply put, A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride delivers another heartwarming Lifetime movie, (“Christmas movie” should be used very loosely) that I would not hesitate to recommend.

There are no Bonus Features on this DVD.

Own A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride on DVD November 22, 2011.