The Decoy Bride
Metascore
42 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 3 out of 7
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  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    Mar 8, 2012
    90
    The script, by Sally Phillips and Neil Jaworski, mocks celebrity culture but never turns too caustic. The movie, like an island vacation, passes pleasantly and all too quickly.
  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Calum Marsh
    Mar 6, 2012
    63
    The film recognizes how resolutely derivative it is, and it deigns to relish rather than efface that quality. The result is a trifle, but a fairly amusing one.
  3. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Peter Bradshaw
    Mar 18, 2012
    60
    It's indulgent, but Macdonald's performance is attractive and relaxed.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Frank Scheck
    Mar 10, 2012
    50
    A bland romantic comedy in the Richard Curtis style, The Decoy Bride is mainly notable for its proof, if any was needed after "Boardwalk Empire," that Kelly Macdonald is a major talent.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Alison Willmore
    Mar 7, 2012
    33
    Tennant and Macdonald are appealing performers, but they aren't given scenes that convey they even like each other, much less that they're irresistibly drawn to each other, circumstances be damned.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    Mar 16, 2012
    30
    If you've seen most any rom-com you know where this one's headed. Unfortunately, under director Sheree Folkson's unsteady hand, getting there is more frustrating than fun.
  7. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Michael Atkinson
    Mar 6, 2012
    10
    Pernicious tripe suitable only for masochists and the intellectually disabled.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. movieboy
    10
    I'm so sick of pretentious dribble by critics who slash movies because it might be too cute for their jaded taste. The hack job by the Voice is a perfect example. I loved it! And I grew up stimulated by Bergman, Bunuel and Godard. That's why I so appreciate a forum for "regular" folks to counteract critics' negativity. Decoy Bride won't change the world, but it will make you smile and laugh and maybe shed a tear. Boardwalk's Kelly Macdonald is brilliant as the charismatic center of this little movie, which continues a tradition of classic Scottish charmers like Local Hero.… Full Review »
  2. zxyw
    10
    I loved this movie. It's funny and charming - the vitriolic reviews make no sense at all. Don't let them put you off - if you like romantic comedy as a genre then you'll love this movie.… Full Review »
  3. Kissellian
    7
    The Decoy Bride is an inoffensive romantic comedy. I laughed out loud several times, but I can't say I was surprised by anything while watching it. I mostly saw it because I'm a huge David Tennant fan. He wasn't at his best (some critics' accusations of him merely going through the motions have merit), but Kelly Macdonald almost makes up for it. She is brilliant, charming, and not your standard Rom-Com heroine as a mildly desperate small-island girl on the hunt for an eligible bachelor. My final say is if it looks like something you might enjoy, you probably will, but it is in no way spectacular enough to win over anyone who doesn't like romantic comedies and is doubtful of it going in.… Full Review »
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