Hallmark Movie Lover

Cast: Beau Garrett, Benjamin Ayres and Brenda Strong
Release Date: April 16, 2016
Movie Description: Claire, an ambitious pastry chef, is busy running her new restaurant, but her meddling mom is preoccupied with her lack of love life. Without her knowledge, Claire’s mother finds her the perfect man, but when Claire finds out it wasn’t fate that brought them together, it could ruin the relationship.

Pros:

• Clair’s dad, Sam. He knew exactly how crazy his wife was with the matchmaking and never made excuses for her ridiculous behavior. I also appreciated that he trusted that his wife was faithful to him, when Claire’s uncle approached him about Helen possibly having another man in her life.
• When Eric called Helen out for her crazy behavior. To be specific, when Helen asked Eric what was wrong he said “Her mother!”

Cons:

• The storyline was irritating.
• Helen. Her intruding in Claire’s life was beyond annoying. It actually gave me a headache every time she mentioned setting her up.
• Claire. Stop letting your mother tell you what to do. Even what dress to where. Seriously, if you want to wear the blue dress, wear the blue dress. Don’t change into the red one, because your mother finds it more flattering.

My overall thoughts on this movie: Ok, so here’s the thing. I’ve seen this movie several times. The first couple times I watched this movie, I found it watchable. Mainly, because of Benjamin Ayres. The last couple times I’ve watched it, it wasn’t so great. Today when I watched it again to review, it was utterly boring. I actually paused it to do more exciting things like balance my checkbook, do laundry and check Facebook. I just couldn’t get over the irritating mother. I’m roughly the same age as Claire, and still single. If my mother was trying to set me up in the ways that Claire’s mother did I would be more assertive with telling her to butt out. If she wanted to set me up with someone, I would appreciate it if she asked me about it first then give my phone number to someone.

Would I recommend this movie to others: Nope, I sure wouldn’t.

My rating: 1/5 (Horrible)

Cast: Shantel VanSanten, Victor Webster and Brittany Bristow
Release Date: February 14, 2017
Movie Description: Perfumer Violet is desperate to formulate her late father’s unfinished signature scent. Under great pressure to finish by Valentine’s Day, Violet hires an inexperienced botanist with an uncanny ability to identify scents. It’s not long before their professional relationship turns romantic, threatening their deadline and feelings for each other.

Wow, this movie was just not good. I’m not even making a PROS and CONS list. There is no PRO to this movie, and way too many CONS. This movie fell flat for me. It’s unfortunate, because I really enjoy Brittany Bristow and Victor Webster in their other Hallmark movies. Stefan was too much of a slime ball for me, it literally made me cringe. I just couldn’t even watch on any of his scenes. Don’t even get me started on the character of Olivia. Towards the end of the movie I was starting to lose interest and kept looking at the clock to see how much of the movie was left. I think it’s obvious that I would not recommend this movie to others.

My rating: 1/5 (Horrible)

Cast: Jason Dohring, Bree Williamson, Frances Fisher and Corbin Bernsen
Release Date: March 14, 2015
Movie Description: A prominent fashion photographer returns to her small town roots at the request of a friend. Surrounded by both memories and loved ones, she must consider a choice between a successful future and rekindling both the love of her life and of her home.

Pros:

• Oh. My. Goodness. It was truly amazing to see Jason Dohring in something Hallmark. I was completely obsessed with him in “Veronica Mars” and “Moonlight (if you haven’t seen either of these TV shows, it’s a MUST.)
• Luke’s (Jason Dohring) smile.
• Luke with his daughter.

Cons:

• I found myself to be bored at moments throughout the movie.

My overall thoughts on the movie: Even though I’m a fan of Jason Dohring and this movie had some adorable moments, it didn’t quite deliver. As mentioned under my CONS, I found myself to be bored in this movie. As always, I enjoy a second chance at romance. I was happy Luke and April were getting their second chance, and April decided to turn down her job offer to stay with Luke.

Would I recommend this movie to others: You know, sure, why not.

My rating: Because Jason Dohring was in this, I give it 3/5 (Good)

Cast: Jen Lilley and Brendan Penny
Release Date: February 11, 2017
Movie Description: When an aspiring chef lands an assistant job at her idol’s restaurant, she’s convinced her big break is just around the corner. After a rocky start, she befriends the handsome executive chef and they begin bonding in the kitchen. But her joy is short lived when she discovers her idol’s stealing her recipes and fires them both to protect her secret. Together, they set out to create their own pop up restaurant and discover the most important ingredient is love.

Pros:

• I always enjoy seeing Brendan Penny on anything Hallmark related. He has such a sweet, and charming quality about him.
• I’m definitely thankful for the slow build relationship between Paul and Nikki.
• Although it was odd, I liked Nikki’s unique way of cooking. Her use of peanut butter in the beef stew made me pause to make myself a PB&J sandwich.
• The two friends and co-workers of Paul and Nikki’s, who liked each other, eventually said “screw it with the no dating co-workers” rule and went for it.

Cons:

• Holly. She was awful.
• I’m not always a fan of a parent who is “disappointed” in their child’s career choice, or not following the parents career path.

My overall thoughts on this movie: Here is another Hallmark movie that revolves around cooking, and yet again, it didn’t disappoint me. I thought there was good chemistry between the two leads. Paul, played by the adorable Brendan Penny had me smiling like a fool. There were a couple scenes that I found a little weak, but I easily overlooked it. In my opinion this movie was rather enjoyable.

Would I recommend this movie to others: Yes, it’s such a sweet movie.

My rating: 4/5 (Very Good)

Cast: Taylor Cole, Jack Turner and Lauren Holly
Release Date: August 6, 2016
Movie Description: PR crisis manager Deidre and her assistant Mandy fly in when rebellious royal Prince Colin is arrested in small-town Idaho. But when Deidre faces her own fiasco, Mandy finds herself with unexpected career (and romantic) opportunities.

Pro:

• Prince Colin during his community service and his moment with the little girl at the children’s hospital.
• The scene between Prince Colin and Mandy as “Deidre” when they were talking about their fathers and what Prince Colin wants in his life. It shows the moment their “relationship” starts.
• The absolutely gorgeous face, and um, body of Jack Turner!
• Penelope, she was sassy and I loved it.
• The music of REO!

Cons:

• Some of the acting through the movie was weak, or moments of “over acting.”

My overall thoughts on the movie: I watched this movie when it first aired and loved it. After rewatching the movie, I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. I didn’t love it, or didn’t hate it. I thought the two leads had chemistry, and enjoyed seeing them together.

Would I recommend this movie to others: Yes, I think I probably would. It wasn’t the best Hallmark movie, but it wasn’t bad enough to deny others from seeing it.

My Rating: I went back and forth on this rating and settled with a 3/5 (Good)

Cast: Nikki Deloach and Andrew Walker
Release Date: April 22, 2017
Movie Description: When her high school boyfriend, a superstar baseball player, returns to town, a single-parent finds the inspiration to reinvent her struggling diner… and revisits the past to find something even better for the future.

Pros:

• I’m a fan of sports, so I enjoyed the baseball aspect of the movie.
• I really liked Jessica’s son, Wesley.
• I adored Chase and Jessica’s relationship. I always like the story of second chances, when it comes to relationships.
• Two words: Andrew Walker!
• It was nice to watch a Hallmark movie, where there is no “villain” trying to interfere with the main characters lives, or just being plain nasty.

Cons:

• I have absolutely NOTHING against this movie

My overall thoughts on this movie: I absolutely adored it. The movie came pretty close to Hallmark perfection! The ending was amazing, with Chase getting everything he wanted in life. The chemistry between Chase and Jessica seemed natural, which is always refreshing to see. The mother/son relationship, between Jessica and Wesley was sweet. The overall relationships throughout this movie were pretty darn good. Chase building his strained relationship with his father. Seeing Jessica’s newest ex, Brett, happy for her and Chase at the end. It all made me so happy. “The Perfect Catch” is one of those feel good Hallmark movies that I would watch again anytime it’s on.

Would I recommend this movie to others: 100%, yes!

My rating: 4/5 (Very Good) – Even though this movie was close to perfect, I felt there was something missing.

Cast: Maggie Lawson and Paul Greene
Release Date: June 24, 2017
Movie Description: Potential Northwestern fellow Tess Harper lasers through her best friend’s wedding planning like the star doctor she hopes to soon become. In fact, Tess puzzles through any problem – provided it’s not her own. When she meets divorce lawyer and groom’s best friend, Michael, Tess maneuvers around him like a gurney in the emergency room until she discovers this best man has a few moves of his own.

Pros:

• Paul Greene. He is adorable in this Hallmark movie, as always.

Cons:

• Everything else in this movie.

My overall thoughts on the movie: I’m sorry Hallmark, but I just didn’t care for this movie. At all. Thankfully, it had ONE of my favorite “Hallmark actors” in it. The movie was slightly better towards the end, but was still relieved when the movie finally ended.

Would I recommend this movie to others: Nope!

My rating: 1/5 (Horrible)

Cast: Vanessa Marcil and James Denton
Release Date: August 9, 2014
Movie Description: When a driven HR exec loses her high-powered job, she travels to Puerto Rico in an attempt to save her career at a business conference. But as the trip quickly becomes a disaster and a hurricane shuts down the whole island, she meets a handsome world traveler who gives her a new perspective on finding passion in life-and love.

Pros

• James Denton is in this movie. I enjoy watching him on Hallmark’s “Good Witch.”
• The scenery in Puerto Rico.
• Stella with her cat on a leash!
• I enjoyed Stella’s messages to Tess about God and his timing.
• Luis, who works at the hotel.
• Tess finding that girl who she fired at the beginning a job.

Cons

• I wasn’t too crazy about how Tess’ mother and the conversations she had about her work. However, I was happy to see she had a “change of heart” when Tess explained she wanted to let loose a bit.
• Len. I know he came to realize how much Tess did for the company and wanted her back at the company. It almost came off like he wanted her back, so he didn’t look bad when it came time for the presentation(or whatever it was that was coming up in less than 2 weeks.) He wasn’t prepared and had no idea what was going on with anything in the company.

My overall thoughts on the movie:
This movie just didn’t have the usual charm that I love in Hallmark movies. I wasn’t invested in the movie, or anything that was happening in the characters lives. Although, I thought the acting was decent between the two leads. I didn’t think their romance was that believable. It was another Hallmark movie where the romance was “built” too quick and didn’t have me convinced that these two really felt what they supposedly felt for each other.

Would I recommend this movie to others: I’m keeping it simple. No.

My rating: I went back and forth on my rating for this movie and I’m settling on 2/5(Just Passing By)
 

Cast: Arielle Kebbel, Andrew W. Walker, David Haydn-Jones and Jaclyn Smith

Release Date: January 17, 2015

Movie Description: As her wedding day draws near, Georgie Dwyer (Arielle Kebbel) has doubts surrounding her plans to marry Dr. Phillip Hamilton (David Haydn-Jones), a dashing and prominent plastic surgeon. Though Phillip qualifies as the “perfect” fiancé, Georgie feels a romantic spark is missing in their relationship. Tensions rise even further when Phillip’s sophisticated mother, Felice (Jaclyn Smith), blatantly frowns upon Georgie’s working class origins. On the picturesque island, Georgie keeps finding herself in chance encounters with Luke Griggs (Andrew W. Walker), a handsome ex-architect, who walked away from a high-end architectural firm to enjoy a simple, no-frills life. When an undeniable chemistry develops between Georgie and Luke, Georgie must decide if she’s going to move ahead with her rapidly approaching marriage to Phillip.

Pros

• Georgie’s dad. I did like the mom, but there were a couple scenes where I found her a tad overbearing.
• Georgie’s sister, and brother-in-law. I always enjoy seeing the actor who played the brother-in-law (Matty Finochio)
• Georgie’s dress for the rehearsal, and those heels!!
• I loved the small wedding of theirs at the end of the movie. It’s the size I would want for my wedding in the future.

Cons

• Phillip’s mother.

My overall thoughts: In my opinion I thought that movie was just ok. It didn’t hold my attention throughout the whole movie. I enjoyed the chemistry between Georgie and Luke. I was happy to see them together again in another Hallmark movie (they also appeared together in “A Bride for Christmas”.) I’m not always a fan of “instant love” relationships. Even though they never confessed their love for each other right away, I felt their feelings for each other were a bit too strong right away. I’m thankful for the “1 Year Later” wedding. Even thought this movie didn’t do much for me, I’m still giving it a good rating. I wasn’t bored with the movie enough to give it a lower rating.

My rating: 3/5 (Good)

Would I recommend to others: Honestly, it’s not a Hallmark movie I would recommend for others to watch. If you’re a huge lover of Hallmark movies, then absolutely!

Cast: Ali Liebert, Brett Dalton, Janet Kidder and Kimberly Sustad

Release Date: February 11, 2018

Movie Description: Optimistic and cheerful TV producer, Kelly, doesn’t have time for love. Bad boy celebrity chef, Stephen, doesn’t have time for anything besides cooking. Fun with a side of love ensues as Kelly and Stephen are paired on a children’s cooking show.

Pros

• The kids in this movie were adorable and didn’t annoy me. Not that kids annoy me. I love kids, but sometimes in movies kid actors come across as obnoxious.
• Chef Stephen is absolutely gorgeous, and that smile, wow!!!
• I really enjoyed the scene where Kelly cooked the spaghetti meal for herself, and took a picture of it to Stephen. His reaction of her cooking a meal on her own was sweet and flirty. I loved it.
• Stephen’s relationship with the kids on the cooking show was precious. I adored how he signed the cookbook for Becca.

Cons

• Jeremy was a huge slime ball and his character really got under my skin.
• This may be a very unpopular opinion. I thought Chef Betty was annoying. I like the actress in other movies she has been in, but I didn’t care for her character in this movie.

My overall thoughts: I personally enjoyed the storyline of the movie. I thought the acting was good. I was super happy to see Kimberly Sustad. I adored her like I always do in Hallmark movies. I loved that fact that it wasn’t instant love between Kelly and Stephen. I enjoyed that their relationship was a slow build, from annoyance and worked it’s way to love. Their chemistry didn’t seem forced and I liked seeing the two together on screen.

Would I recommend this to others: Yes, absolutely! I thought this was a great Hallmark movie, and in my opinion is a Hallmark movie I would watch anytime it is on.

My Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)