BETTING ON THE BRIDE
US, 2017, 88 minutes, Colour.
Karissa Lee Staples, Peter Mooney,
Directed by Marika Grabiak.
This television film was made for the Lifetime channel, very popular with the average audience, target of frequent criticism by critics and bloggers.
The ingredients for this film are very much what might be called old-fashioned yet are traditional values. The central character has had three engagements but has broken off, even at the altar. She is looking for “the one� with whom she could spend her life. The other central character is a rather carefree bachelor, Damon, very effective in his work at an advertising agency. He is challenged by his friends at the bowling club to try to get a girl to marry him within a month, relying on his charm. He accepts the bet.
The two characters meet at a social, Melanie’s sister wanting their personal training business to get some branding and sponsorship. Damon becomes a client, with frequent contact with Melanie for gym work, diet and nutrition – and some shared interests, especially their history with the scouts and their volunteer working with them.
Both fall in love, Damon calling off the bet, but one of Melanie’s fiancés overhearing the men in conversation and reporting it all to Melanie.
However, on the occasion of Melanie’s parents’ 30 years anniversary and renewal of vows, Damon apologises, proposes – and is accepted.
Very much rather affluent middle-class American setting – although some of the scouts are of ethnic background and, at the end, the finals Minister for the ceremony is African American.
1. Popular television film? Old style? The wide audience? Themes and issues?
2. The American town, affluent homes, business offices, personal trainers, and gyms? Church and weddings? Restaurants? Comfortable Middle America? The musical score?
3. Melanie, preparation for the wedding, her doubts, the fiance, getting dressed, the procession, at the altar, her running away? Her previous breaking of engagements? Her reflection with her sister? The fiance not being the one to spend the rest of life with?
4. Introduction to Damon, at the bowling, with his work friends, their marriages, his boasting, the boss and his challenge, the bet?
5. The social, the advertising agency, the men and their talents, the advertising campaigns? The boss, flirting with Melanie, not getting anywhere? The challenge to Damon, his talking with Melanie? Suggesting he be a client, her sister urging him on?
6. Melanie, reluctant? Damon and his card, the appointment, the examination, his physical health and balance, his diet? Melanie and her advice, going to the market? The food?
7. Damon, discussing with his friends at bowls? Melanie and her effect on him? Wanting to cancel the bet?
8. The friendship, progress, exercise, food, with the scouts, his talent and feel for the Girl Scouts, the dance movement with the bespectacled girl? Melanie and her appreciation? Sharing memories, families, parents? Scout achievements?
9. Rod, landscaping, continually turning up, Melanie wanting to return the ring? Playing basketball with Damon and Melanie’s father? His overhearing the conversation, reporting it to Melanie? Melanie and her chance encounters with the previous boyfriends and their getting on with life?
10. Melanie’s parents, 30 years married, preparation of the ceremony, her mother interfering and setting people up, biting rod? Damon and the burnt food, Melanie bringing him home for the meal, sharing with the parents? The preparation for this ceremony? Perfect? The ceremony and the renewal of Bowers?
11. Melanie, in love with Damon, he with her? The fallout because of the bet? The importance of the proposal, her proposing? His decision, coming to the ceremony, declaration of love, on his knees, the ceremony?
12. Wholesome traditional values?
