Why ‘The Groomsmen: First Look’ on Hallmark+ Is the Must-Watch Rom-Com of the Year

If you’re into Hallmark movies and bromantic comedies, you’re probably going to want to check out The Groomsmen trilogy. This Hallmark+ exclusive series, which kicked off in fall 2024, shakes up the usual romantic formula by putting the spotlight on the messy, heartfelt friendships—and romantic misadventures—of three lifelong friends.

The first film, The Groomsmen: First Look, sets everything in motion with a story that’s equal parts funny and sweet. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s got just enough sincerity to hook you in.

The Groomsmen Trilogy: A Hallmark+ Exclusive

Hallmark’s really gone for something different with this trilogy. The Groomsmen gives us romance from a guy’s point of view, which honestly feels overdue.

Jonathan Bennett, B.J. Britt, and Tyler Hynes play best friends who stumble into love across three movies. In the first one, we meet Pete, Danny, and Jackson—their friendship is the glue that holds the whole thing together.

Meet the Groomsmen

So, who are these guys?

• Pete (B.J. Britt): He’s a type-A pediatrician from Philly who falls for Chelsea, a fellow doctor living all the way in Bulgaria.
• Danny (Jonathan Bennett): Pete’s best friend and a celebrity agent, always ready with a pep talk or a reality check.
• Jackson (Tyler Hynes): A single dad and baseball player, he’s got a dry sense of humor and is fiercely loyal to his daughter.

Plot Overview: Love Across the Globe

The movie opens with a runaway bride ducking into a bar, clearly having a day. She starts telling her story to the bartender, and suddenly we’re whisked away to another wedding—one that Pete, Danny, and Jackson are attending.

Pete meets Chelsea at this wedding, and yep, he’s instantly hooked. But Chelsea’s based in Bulgaria, which makes things… complicated, to say the least.

Challenges and Hijinks

Long-distance? They decide to try anyway. Naturally, things don’t go smoothly.

• Miscommunications: When Chelsea’s Wi-Fi crashes during their first video date, Pete’s convinced he’s been ghosted. Ouch.
• Surprise Visits: Pete shows up in Bulgaria to propose—without warning. He promptly loses the ring at the airport and almost gets arrested. Not his finest hour.
• Family Drama: Pete’s free-spirited mom meets Chelsea’s buttoned-up parents, and, well, chaos follows.

A Bromantic Comedy

One thing that really works here is the focus on friendship. You don’t see a ton of Hallmark movies from a man’s perspective, and even fewer that actually celebrate male friendship in a warm, genuine way.

The dynamic between Pete, Danny, and Jackson is the soul of the film. Somehow, it makes the whole thing feel more grounded and a little less predictable.

A New Perspective

It’s refreshing to see a romantic comedy that lets guys be vulnerable and supportive of each other. The movie isn’t just about Pete and Chelsea falling in love—it’s about three friends having each other’s backs, no matter how weird things get.

Cinematic Quality

Visually, The Groomsmen: First Look is a step up from your standard TV movie. There’s globe-trotting from Philly to Bulgaria, and the settings actually look pretty great.

Visual Appeal

The filmmakers clearly put some love into the locations. From busy city streets to peaceful Bulgarian countryside, the scenery adds a nice touch of authenticity.

Tonal Shifts: A Mixed Bag

The movie does wobble a bit with its tone. Sometimes it’s a sweet underdog love story, other times it veers into full-on farce—especially when Chelsea’s parents show up and things start spiraling.

Identity Crisis

There’s a stretch where the focus drifts away from Pete and Chelsea, and it’s easy to wonder where things are headed. But the film manages to find its way back, zeroing in on what matters most—love and friendship.

Memorable Performances

The cast is solid across the board, but Tyler Hynes as Jackson is a real highlight. His dry humor and the way he interacts with his daughter make him feel like a real person, not just a sidekick.

Standout Moments

Some scenes just stick with you:

• Jackson’s Wit: His one-liners and deadpan delivery break up the drama and keep things light.
• Father-Daughter Bond: The moments with Jackson and his daughter Betty are genuinely touching—maybe even a little tear-jerking, depending on your mood.

Looking Ahead

The film wraps up on a cliffhanger. The mysterious bride drops a hint about another wedding, teasing what’s coming in *The Groomsmen: Second Chances*.

That little tease? It’s enough to leave us wondering what’s next for this quirky crew.

So, grab some popcorn. Get comfy, and let yourself be charmed by *The Groomsmen*—this bromantic adventure is honestly one you probably shouldn’t skip.