Ms. Matched Review
As June rolls in, the “Heart of TV” network (we’re talking Hallmark Channel, of course) prepares for their annual June Weddings promotion (a month of four premieres). Nevertheless, their previous movies should not be forgotten. Most especially true is this of one as romantic (and sassy!) as Ms. Matched.
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Perfection is her business. This is why Libby Boland (Alexa PenaVega), and her upstart company Weddings by Libby, is poised to be one of the most sought-after wedding planning services. Or that’s the dream. Libby makes everything perfect for her clients, even if that means extravagances not every couple can afford. Excellent at crafting the fairy tale for others, the happy ending eludes her. Until she meets a handsome stranger at a client’s wedding.
Ben Reynolds (Shawn Roberts) is handsome and exactly the kind of man Libby is looking for. When they meet again at a wedding expo, it seems fate is on Libby’s side. Then she learns Ben’s purpose for making an appearance at the expo. Ben’s book all about wedding “dos and don’ts” directly contradicts the dreams Libby sells. Needless to say, sparks (good and bad) begin to fly.
When you see a child actress who you “grew up with” (in a generational sense) all grown up in a role, it evokes some sense of awe. Alexa Vega is well known for her role in the Spy Kids franchise, and now years later, she’s co-starring as the leading lady in romantic comedies. Much as she was in the now dated albeit cute franchise, she is still an exuberant performer that the camera loves.
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In this role, she plays a vastly different role than we’re used to (she’s also familiar if you saw the wonderful Hallmark drama Follow the Stars Home), and to her credit, she plays it well. I loved her type A personality and pert opinions.
Roberts’ Ben is an equally fun personality. He’s opinionated like Libby, but as we know he’s bound to, he’s intrigued by Libby, who happens to be his opposite. Together, this pair plays off each other wonderfully; I like the quips and their ease with one another. In short, I’d like to see both of these actors in future Hallmark films. (Alexa is starring in an upcoming “June Weddings” that we’ll see next month.)
If romantic comedies like The Wedding Planner or The Wedding Date are your movie bliss or any of the Hallmark originals with this kind of appeal, you’ll enjoy Ms. Matched. It’s cute and romantic with an unconventional end that finds a way to work to the advantage of its characters and story.
Where to Watch: You can catch re-airings of Ms. Matched on Hallmark Channel; check your local listings.
Content Note: Ms. Matched is rated TV-G, and contains nothing offensive.
OVERALL RATING
“The stuff that dreams are made of.”
ROMANCE RATING
“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.
I have loved none but you.”
Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media
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