Lara (Alice Eve) a beautiful young actress is set to wed a budding writer, James (David Tennant). The trouble is, the press follows her everywhere, especially paparazzi maniac, Marco (Federico Castelluccio). Each time she and her intended have planned a private ceremony, Marco shows up, even in disguise. So, at the last moment, plans are squashed. However, Lara's next plan seems promising. They will be wed on a far-away island in the Outer Hebrides, where James bestselling book was written. Naturally, their staff will arrange the details needed. This takes some work! Not only for the cloak-and-dagger legwork but because the island's castle is far from photogenic. Also to the island comes native, Katie (Kelly McDonald). She, likewise an author, has come home with her hopes dashed, both career-related and marital. Her mother still runs the island's only B and B so its Katie's choice of refuge. By chance, Kate meets James in an unlikely place and tension springs forth. But, when Lara believes her secret wedding has been once again breached, the staff decides Kate would make a good "decoy", hidden under a veil, with photographers thinking they have crashed the event. Then, the real couple can be wed shortly thereafter. But, will such an idea really work, especially when James and Kate's initial feelings for one another may be altering? Don't be fooled by the title, romcom fans, this is the genuine thing, a nice, funny, and sweet l'il comedy with romance. The main cast is talented and attractive, with old pros like James Fleet also popping in and out. As for the setting, what a treat to see such a remote place of the earth, complete with beauty and ruggedness. Costumes, a swell script and a well-timed direction make this flick quite a pleasure. Genre fans, you know who you are, so act accordingly and find it.
The Decoy Bride
2011
Action / Comedy / Drama / Romance
The Decoy Bride
2011
Action / Comedy / Drama / Romance
Plot summary
Famous actress Lara Tyler can't get married to author James Arber without intrusive paparazzi crashing the ceremony. Because of James's best-seller, Lara's agent, Steve, checks out the little known Hegg Island in Scotland as the site for their next attempted wedding. Unfortunately, James is a hack, and his book (supposedly based on Hegg) relays little of it accurately. Katie, an island native and the only unmarried woman on it, has been unlucky in love. She's working on writing her own guide to Hegg Island when Steve and crew arrive, eventually hiring her as a reluctant decoy bride to distract the paparazzi. In a mix-up, she and James end up married to each other while Lara, having spotted the press, goes into hiding. Katie and James now have to get an island divorce while avoiding the press while other parties seek out Lara (who has disguised herself as one of the elderly islanders).
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Not a decoy romcom, but the real thing; fans will like it
OK Silly rom-com
A-lister Lara Tyler (Alice Eve) refuses to marry author James Arber (David Tennant) while the paparazzi continue to hound them. Lara's people decide the castle on Hegg Island in Scotland, the subject of James' book, would be the perfect isolated location for the wedding. Unfortunately, James is a fake, and his book has a little accuracy problem. Katie (Kelly Macdonald) is an island native spinster. She is reluctantly hired as a decoy bride to distract the paparazzi.
Alice Eve is over the top frantic. Kelly Macdonald is lovely. And this is without a doubt a silly rom-com. The major problem is that there is so many fake premises. Luckily I like the actors. They're not horrible characters. It's certainly fine to like the characters as they bumble their way thru this movie.
Should have been far, far better
This should have been better.
You've got a talented trio of actors in the lead parts, plus able support, and a decent new angle on the rom-com formula.
And yet this film is bland, unfunny, and wastes all involved.
A shame.