- Release:
9 februari 2016 - Director:
Sean Garrity
- Cast:
Portia Doubleday (Her, Carrie, K-11, Youth In Revolt)
Marc-André Grondin (Goon, C.R.A.Z.Y.)
Lauren Holly (NCIS, Motive, Dumb & Dumber, What Women Want)
Chris Noth (Sex and the City, The Good Wife)
- Genre:
Romantic Comedy
- Year: 2015
- A Première TV Distribution Release
After the Ball
SYNOPSIS
Kate Kassell's dream is to design couture clothing, but after graduating at the head of her class in fashion school the harsh reality hits -- no one will hire her. She’s the daughter of retail guru and knockoff pioneer Larry Kassell, whose stores sell clothes “inspired” by the verydesigners Kate wants to work for. Kate is left with no choice but to join Kassell Clothing, where she must navigate around a duplicitous stepmother and two wicked stepsisters, whose aim is to discredit her at every turn. But through a budding romance with a prince of a guy in the shoe department, her godmother’s vintage clothes and a shocking switch of identities, Kate is able to expose the evil trio, save Kassell Clothing -- and prove that it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
REVIEWS
- Cinemablographer.com: Fun performances from the spirited cast, especially Doubleday and Grondin, make After the Ball a charming winner. Over-the-top supporting turns by Mimi Kucyk and Carlo Rota as Kate's fairy godmothers are amusing, as is Colin Mochrie's sneering rival for the family empire. This glossy production (a Don Carmody work) has the slickness of a Hollywood studio lark, and offers light, bubbly, and fun. After the Ball is stylish entertainment and a little bibbidi bobbidi boo escapism.
- Rowthree.com: Doubleday is great playing double duty as the two characters, Grondin is charming as the leading man, Lauren Holly is rather brilliant as the evil stepmother, Chris Noth kills the suit and glasses look while Mimi Kuzyk and Carlo Rota (if Stanley Tucci isn't available for your over the top, gay man role, call Rota. Actually, it would be great to see them playing brothers!) steal every scene they're in. After the Ball was a huge surprise, the kind of movie you don't get to see at a festival but which is so sorely needed among the heavy dramas. An endlessly entertaining comedy that fires on all cylinders. I can't wait to see it again!
- Screenrelish.com: I look forward to watching AFTER THE BALL all over again with my daughter who is an uber tween, and I know she will enjoy it. There is enough here for both adults and kids to think about and laugh over together and that in itself is a major accomplishment.
- Aisleseat.com: Portia Doubleday is very good in the lead role, displaying some solid comic timing and a flair for physical comedy.
- Blu-ray.com: Cast charisma keeps it afloat, working the Kate/Nate ruse to pleasing results, with Doubleday finding the right beats of alarm to play as the designer's trouble increases when threatened with national exposure. There's a climatic ball to help the fairy tale out, and some mild shenanigans when Kate is double-booked as Nate, requiring some quick thinking and costume changes. After the Ball is a very soft, easily digestible effort that's out to charm, not challenge. And it works, remaining sweet without causing cavities.
- Straight.com: After the Ball is a likable Cinderfella tale.
- Theglobeandmail.com: Titular ball scene, fancy dress makeover and lost stiletto shoe notwithstanding, the chaste nominal romance is less interesting than the fun, family-friendly Shakespearean shenanigans are.
- Wyliewrites.com: A pleasing romantic comedy that disarms and delights.