A Marriage of Convenience (1998 TV Movie) User Reviews

Quite watchable if an unlikely scenario

[phd_travel · 7/10 · 17 March 2019]

Even though the premise about the forced marriage is totally unlikely, I liked this feel good movie. James Brolin is a bit old looking for Jane Seymour. A woman gives up her career to look after the son of her sister who died in child birth. Later on for for various reasons they contact the birth father. He turns out to be a wealthy man. When they can't agree about custody they marry for the sake of the boy and live together, eventually the inevitable happens. It's quite watchable and Jane is always engaging.

Enjoyable Unbelievable Film

[jennie0409 · 6/10 · 15 December 2002]

This movie is just that ... a movie. If you're one of those people who watches movies in disbelief, this is not the choice pick for you. Is "This could never happen" your motto? Then don't check this one out. It's a good movie, that's for sure. But it's unrealistic. It's a good, old-fashioned, made-for-TV movie.

Highly entertaining and pleasant film!

[ary · 19 October 2000]

This highly entertaining movie surprised the hell out of me, because it's really great and compelling considering the fact that it's a TV film.Marriage of Convenience is well-produced and directed, with a modest but pleasant love story.There is nothing new here, but at least you will find an old-fashioned "valentines" motion picture.James Brolin is an underrated excellent and capable actor, and he plays his part with charm.It's a shame the fact that only his son Josh is making success on the big screens (Hollow Man, Best Laid Plans), because James Brolin is an actor who still has a lot to offer beyond being Barbra Streisand's husband. Jane Seymour is great as his romantic interest. The film is sweet and simple, maybe that's why it was so interesting and appealing to me, because nowadays violence and brutal deaths are becoming frequent ways to attract people to the theaters, and seeing something like this soft love story makes you fell good.

Waste of Time

[sueberinato · 1/10 · 18 June 2019]

This could have been a pleasant film but James Brolin spent the time thinking "Wow, I look great. Wow, I am great." No chemistry whatsoever between Jane Seymore and Brolin. The supporting cast was fine - the grandmother, the kid, and the judge.

Warm, well-acted story

[caa821 · 10/10 · 3 July 2006]

While most of us like to purport to enjoy grandiose productions, costing 9 figures, and delivering deep messages - this simple movie, with two engaging adult leads, and one of the few juvenile performances which is not annoying, but equally engaging, is an outstanding piece of entertainment. Brolin and Alexander are handsome and likable, and one can enjoy not only viewing them, but also an old-fashioned "happy ending." It doesn't matter you can see it coming from a mile away, you enjoy it no less. This is a movie which you will look forward to seeing a second time. The only unfortunate aspect, is that while you'd enjoy seeing this couple in a sequel, it isn't probable, since these characters would likely have no problems to resolve, as necessary for dramatic purposes to warrant a sequel (and one would not like to see the happy resolution of this original compromised).

Not enough chemistry

[geobear75 · 4/10 · 21 January 2015]

This had the potential to be a really great movie! And in fact, it looks like something that was probably a really good book. The problem is that they didn't do a very good job of translating that book into a movie. A book has the benefit of being able to narrate thoughts for us. To turn that into an effective movie, you still have to find a way to convey those thoughts and emotions to the audience. Unfortunately, this movie put all of its efforts into the setup and the conflict between the two main characters. There was virtually no indication of any kind of connection between them until the very end, which made the "happy ending" seem rather hollow.

Predictable but sweet

[capechick2730 · 8/10 · 2 November 2007]

This was a very sweet, romantic movie but oh so predictable. A successful woman Chris, (Jane Seymour) raises her nephew after the untimely death of her pregnant sister Shelly. The father of the child is unknown. Years later Chris finds a letter written by Shelly and she mails it to the father, Mason, never expecting what would happen next. A custody battle ensues and the child, who is now about 8 or so suggests to the judge that the best way to settle this dispute is to have Mom and "Dad" marry.

Seymour and James Brolin were very good in their roles and it was a refreshing change from most of the drivel out there in TV land where graphic images of murdered & autopsied bodies seems to be the newest thing.

If you like romance novels you will definitely enjoy this movie. If you're a guy you will most likely hate it. I like feel good movies and this one did that for me.

At home with the other Lifetime tripe

[fuzzy_wunz · 3/10 · 19 April 2005]

My girlfriend loves Lifetime. I mean she really,, really loves Lifetime! I, on the other hand, am left utterly baffled by the swill that appears on that network. This just happened to be the latest show I happened to watch along with my girlfriend, and boy, was it awful! Chimps could write better scripts! The whole Cinderella story should appeal to many women (especially those whose boyfriends are far from princely and spend most of their time working to pay rent), but the plot implausibilities and the unforgivably irresponsible playboy crusades of the male lead make for a very chilly romantic conclusion. Avoid this if you have a sensitive intellect.

Excellent Film - fiction

[carolkraft · 9/10 · 13 April 2015]

I agree with another review here, this was a winning team with Jane Seymour and James Brolin. It is completely fiction but in viewing it, you will find it brightens one's day. Also it is a film with good morals and personal values. The second love of Brolin's in this film portrayed Kari Matchett gave an outstanding performance. You have to love her performance as well. The little boy (David Kaye) in this film served as a good match maker between Seymour and Brolin... his performance was also outstanding. The Judge Lorena Gale also gave an excellent performance. Lorena Gale is a well known actress and playwright with many credits to her name. It is sad she died shortly after this film was made at the age 51. Shirley Knight who was Seymour's mother was a great match for her role in this film.

I think this is a classic film that will be enjoyed for many years to come. This film was based on a novel and many of the best films made have come from books or stories.

Literate, Thoughtful and a mid-life romance with strong leads

[nehamaj-428-397567 · 9/10 · 25 December 2021]

Without relying on profanity or perky leads in their twenties, this is how romances used to be made. Is the premise unlikely? Highly. But Brolin and Seymour are a joy to watch, the long experience as romantic leads making their characters believable despite the premise. The banter is fresh and this movie has something solid to say about why people should marry.

Great story, excellent actors

[cmcklb · 9/10 · 29 December 2003]

I really enjoyed the story line of Marriage of Convenience. The title is quite applicable and though marriages of convenience are less common in our time this movie showed that being "in love" is not necessary to start a good marriage. The actors were excellent in their roles exhibiting individual talent.

A Delightful Romantic Tale

[hmcusn294 · 9/10 · 4 June 2009]

Putting Jane Seymour and James Brolin together in a romantic film is a sure fire way to succeed. This is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable films I have seen. Sure it's a modern day fairytale, but what the heck, sometimes a fairytale is just what we need to escape the drudgery of everyday life. I have long been a Jane Seymour fan and I have added this film to my list of favorites.

I also enjoyed the performance of Kari Matchett as Elizabeth ("you may catch her before she loses your glass slipper"), the other woman in the life of Mason Whitney (Brolin). At times she is a dead ringer for Laura Linney, and just as charming.

If you can put aside the cares of the day and settle into a modern Cinderella story without judging it by the standards of real life, this is the movie to watch. I gave it a 9 out of 10.

beautifully paired by surprise and you got a great movie..

[wolfens29 · 8/10 · 27 September 2017]

i had to watch this twice ...as i was engulf by the story and how they were initially hinged each other and of course.. the lead actors carried their roles effectively but the most important pointer is the chemistry between the lead actors.. it made me feel i had butterflies in my stomach.. i love watching them interact and not to forget the revelation handsome boy who was the culprit to all the innuendos in the movies..plotting not against but FOR his guardians.. i mean parents sort of... Just cant stop liking this movie..a bit cheesy but ultimately wonderfully done... all the scenes will capture your liking.. til the end... 5 thumbs up for fun , romantic, all family made movie for this one...