Mini Reviews

After the cringe and sorrow of recent Hallmark productions, this is a breath of fresh air. Finally, a movie that doesn't make me want to seek treatment for depression. Hallmark did continue its habit of showing people in the aftermath of loss - but it was after some time had passed. And the predictable tropes around a family business were less obvious this time. Speaking of familiar storylines, we see an ex-couple thrown together by circumstance or fate, but it works well with its interesting premise of a reality show.

About the Title: Fitting without being too corny

Theme: Ugh, you again! Oh, wait, I'm actually in love with you. 

Stars

Katherine Barrell: Thank you, Katherine, for showing that women can be a lot of things: smart, capable, trailblazing, kind and cautious. As Jess, a car mechanic and restoration whiz, she nails it. 

Tyler Hynes: Hynes knocks it out of the park most of the time, and this is no exception. He dials back the cool factor and humor to show some heart. 

Overall: We've seen a lot of old flames come and go. This film is either skillfully done, or it's just so much better than those of the past few weeks that it seems stunning.  

Must-see rating: 3 out of 5 

Ending: Throwback happy 

Dear Hallmark, what's up? I watch your movies to have a pleasant experience - to unwind at the end of the day without the shootings and gore that are common in American television (including comedies). But now, from Hallmark, I'm getting: the sudden end of a 20-year marriage, a woman who goes blind while hiking, and a child with a heart condition who might not survive. Oh, and the child has already lost her mother to heaven knows what cause. Tragedy now lurks around every corner in Hallmarkland. What's next? Grandma gets hit by a garbage truck? But stay tuned, because everything is going to be fabulous in no time!

Hallmark already had a habit of showing people in the aftermath of loss - but it was after some time had passed. That was annoying and predictable, but at least the characters weren't getting bludgeoned as I watched. 

"Come Fly with Me" was so awful that I stopped watching. How can I review a movie that I bailed out on? The first 15 minutes were terrible enough that I knew the payoff could not possibly be there. I did not owe any more of my time to this mess. (See also: my new year's resolution in the review below.) It was melodrama at its worst. 

"The More Love Grows" was more tolerable but still too gut-wrenching to tie its serious concerns into a tidy bow by the end.   

Theme: Bad things upon bad things are happening. 

Overall: If you watch Hallmark movies to escape stress, you can forget about that. If you watch to be entertained, you might have to mock them to make that happen. 

Must-see rating: 1 out of 5 

Ending: Not-enough-payoff happy 

*** Fingers crossed: Here's hoping that the upcoming "Shifting Gears," with the always-great Tyler Hynes, is more fun. It premieres March 23.

A few years back, I made a resolution to stop watching movies if they're terrible. I had picked a bad film on New Year's eve - sucked in by "dark humor," which translated to comedic actors in disturbing roles - and I kept thinking it would get better. It didn't. It continued on its awful path, and I began the new year disappointed. 

I've stuck to this commitment to bail out on lackluster films until this one. At some point, I decided to keep watching, thinking, "I have to see how they turn this pile of misery into a happy ending." The title character got pulverized, and scenes of her despair alternated with snippets of a talking dog. Yes, really. It was a disjointed film that was over the top in multiple ways. 

About the Title: Am I alone in finding it condescending?

Theme: Emily is about to go through some crap. 

Stars

Sarah Drew: She plays Emily, and she's great. But even Meryl Streep couldn't have saved this. Best wishes to Sarah on her next role, which is certain to be better. 

Antonio Cupo: He dazzles as good-guy Matthew, and by the time he steps up, the film really needs him. 

Overall: If you watch Hallmark movies because they're feel-good films, skip this one. It does have the expected happy ending, but it feels like being dragged through mud to get to it. 

Must-see rating: 1 out of 5 

Ending: Unrealistically happy 

Hallmarks rolls out another period piece, and it's engaging in spite of its limited plot involving traveling to rich people's houses, staying in rich people's houses and gossiping at rich people's houses. 

About the Title: Classic! And boring

Theme: Who needs a man? (Everyone did, back in the day) 

Stars

Deborah Ayorinde: As Elinor, she's riveting even though she is the calm in the middle of storms. She does finally get tired of the drama, and, in a well-acted scene, she cuts loose and tells her little sister (Bethany Antonia) how she really feels. 

Dan Jeannotte: Playing Edward, he gets to show some range and unpredictability. He gives off a Patrick Dempsey in Enchanted/Sweet Home Alabama vibe.

Overall: Thank goodness for Elinor, since everyone else is a moron. The women characters over 50 are portrayed as deeply shallow and either helpless or irritating. (Why?) Male characters are always dashing off to London for mysterious reasons, which they simply cannot reveal, and it's hard to read their motives and character. The film has soap opera qualities but gets a pass because things actually were different years ago.

Must-see rating: 3 out of 5 

Ending: Periodically happy 

This historical comedy is less predictable than most Hallmark movies. I can hear some of you yelling, "That's not saying much!" And you are correct if that's your assessment. But I genuinely didn't know how this was going to go for a short time. It was a nice change.

About the Title: Pretty clever (comparatively speaking, again)

Theme: Do I want more or do I already have it all? 

Stars

Eliza Bennett: She plays Harriet, who's well-versed in Jane Austen and loves some meaty sideburns. Bennett is often hilarious in the role. She's one of those actresses who makes it tough to imagine anyone else playing the part.

Nicholas Bishop: Playing Mr. Darcy, he's stuck with a character who's supposed to be serious but does ridiculous things. Maybe that's how men were in the Austen era? Regardless, Bennett steals the show again and again, thankfully. 

Overall: Examining the bewildering love lives of the Pride and Prejudice crowd, while also taking a look at modern romance, is a fun ride.  

Must-see rating: 4 out of 5 

Ending: Historically happy 

Starting with a concept that requires suspended disbelief -- the main character hangs out with the ghost of Jane Austen -- is welcome and disarming. I'd rather suspend my disbelief over something paranormal than a ridiculous development that viewers are supposed to take seriously, such as a new author's book being SO GOOD that an editor drives to her hometown family gathering on Christmas Eve to announce her huge book deal.

About the Title: Concise and accurate

Theme: Books are awesome 

Stars

Alison Sweeney: As Lilly, a Jane Austen megafan, Sweeney reels off some great vocabulary, except for "indubitably," which wasn't going to work for any actor. Maybe I'm still impressed by her "Wedding Veil" performances on Hallmark, but Sweeney seems to pick and play strong characters well.

Benjamin Ayres: Playing Trevor, he redeems himself from the early-on jerk status that Hallmark loves to give its leading men. He acknowledges his mistakes and says, "I can learn" in a sincere showing.

Overall: The friendly ghost is an easier fantasy to believe than other parts of this movie, but Sweeney and Ayres bring it home. A couple of funny scenes showed the potential for even more humor with this cast. More fun could have displaced some of the melodrama.  

Must-see rating: 3 out of 5 

Ending: Paranormally happy 

After a rough start to the year, Hallmark delivers something that is not only not terrible, it's fun! Will Kemp has been in other Hallmark fare, but here he's at his best as a historical peacock. This movie shows a more positive way to do "opposites attract." 

About the Title: Good, considering all of the "Darcy" stuff out there

Theme: How serious should we be about Jane Austen? Debate!

Stars

Mallory Jansen: She settles into the role of accomplished professor Eloise, while showing another side as a big sister trying to calm her sibling.

Will Kemp: He's perfect as Sam, a Mr. Darcy impersonator who likes to make Jane Austen fans swoon. He knows when to be hilarious and when to play it straight.

Overall: It lives up to its interesting premise and setting.  

Must-see rating: 4 out of 5 

Ending: Classically happy

This movie was so painful that it inspired me to get back into writing reviews of Hallmark movies. It stopped short of anyone literally jumping over sharks on water skis, but a fire scene is almost as unwelcome. (Note to Hallmark: Most of us who watch romantic TV movies are looking for stories, not danger and thrills. What’s next, a car chase?) The two beautiful people in the lead roles deserve better. We all deserve better.

About the Title: Possibly the best part of this movie

Theme: Isn’t it cute to wreck your life for 20 years? (No, and it’s also not entertaining.)

Stars

Laci J. Mailey: As Betty, whose love life was cursed back in junior high school, this Canadian actress starts out strong, making viewers root for her. You might know her from Hallmark’s “Chesapeake Shores” series. However, her character’s behavior eventually becomes so uncomfortable to watch that it’s more troubling than interesting. The movie’s creative premise goes off the rails altogether. It’s a shame that Mailey’s appeal is wasted on such an odd script.

Marco Grazzini: Playing Alex, Grazzini brings charm and ease to his character. However, it’s no surprise that his acting skills (and experience on TV and Netflix) are also derailed by the plot leaping into the bizarre about halfway through. I’d like to formally request a second matchup of Grazzini and Mailey in just about any other storyline. It has to be better.

Overall: This had great potential, but wow. Just wow. Bad wow.  

Must-see rating: 2 out of 5 

Ending: “Whatever” happy

When life gives you jerks, run in the other direction. It's not opposites attracting; it's your brain telling you that this is not someone to hang out with. Trust your brain.

About the Title: Fitting 

Theme: This obnoxious jerk is actually a nice guy. (Really?)

Stars

Jocelyn Hudon: Her character's story and the broad plot are engaging and even refreshing. Hudon herself is spectacular and adorable without appearing to try too hard. But I'm really over the Hallmark trend of women falling for men who are terrible. If a man is assertively rude and condescending, he's not just having a bad day. He's someone to run from! Flee!   

Olivier Renaud: He plays Bennett, the obnoxious dreamboat. Did Renaud get stuck with a turkey script? Bad directing? Could he have played this differently? We might never know. His character's surly beginning wrecked an otherwise great movie.

Overall: Clearly, I had trouble getting past the jerk factor.

Must-see rating: 2 out of 5

Ending: Meh happy

About the Title: A colorful standout by Hallmark standards

Theme: Everyone loves me - no, really!

Stars

Meghan Markle: Her dazzling smile and more-than-capable acting serve this romance well. With more love interests than possibly any other Hallmark movie, this does get tedious as Markle’s character, Cassandra, struggles to pick the obviously right guy.  

Kristoffer Polaha: He plays Robert, who loves dogs, and if that’s not a tip-off to a great guy, I don’t know what is. Still, you don’t want the movie to be over in 10 minutes, so enjoy watching their story unfold. 

Overall: These two have chemistry, and it proves to be a huge relief when Cass unloads the other guys.

Must-see rating: 4 out of 5

Ending: Finally happy

About the Title: A bit too punny but I’ll accept it

Theme: Old flames are the BEST (even if they are engaged to someone else)!

Stars

Meghan Markle: She disappears seamlessly into the role of Amy. Markle gives a winning portrayal, and you can’t help but root for her journalist character. 

Christopher Jacot: Playing the sweet, confused guy Hank, Jacot makes a tough plot work out to a (relatively) believable conclusion. 

Overall: The nostalgia feels right in this movie about love and family. Even the unthinkable act of stealing your best friend’s fiancé works in this one. 

Must-see rating: 4 out of 5 

Ending: Throwback happy

About the Title: Accurate if not creative

Theme: Old flames are the BEST!

Stars

Amanda Schull: Her eyebrows are the true star, stealing every scene – or at least every scene Amanda is in. Seriously, it’s hard to know what went on in this movie, apart from her eyebrows changing expressions and looking slightly different as the light changed from one scene to the next. 

Peter Porte: I fully believe the reason he acts like a jerk at the beginning – apart from this being a common Hallmark ploy, unfortunately – is that he is jealous of her eyebrows. My theory is that this is why they are arch enemies. Um, sorry. 

Overall: This has a great atmosphere, and it’s easy to root for Schull and her eyebrows. Porte ends up a believable love match for her.

Must-see rating: 4 out of 5

Ending: Believably happy 

About the Title: Spoiler alert! 

Theme: Go away! Oh, wait, I might be in love with you! 

Stars

Danica McKellar: If you know her as Winnie from the Wonder Years, you know time has passed, but Danica is still stunning. Playing single mom Dana, McKellar gives a performance in Campfire Kiss that falls somewhere between her debatable showing on Crown for Christmas and her much better acting in Perfect Match. 

Paul Greene: The always-dependable Greene strikes just the right note as Steve, a single father who’s not afraid to call things as he sees them. He also served as McKellar’s romantic foil in Perfect Match. 

Overall: It’s interesting to add the dynamic of parenthood and kids in a romance. It feels like a more realistic “journey to love” because of it. 

Must-see rating: 3 out of 5

Ending: Satisfyingly happy

Theme: You really should go home (to the beach)

Title: At least it’s not a spoiler 

Stars

Andie MacDowell: She’s the heart of this movie, which isn’t strictly a romance. Her character keeps giving and acknowledging mistakes to mend past misunderstandings. 

Minka Kelly: Another pro with a lot to offer, Kelly works through her personal history with her mother, ex-boyfriend and brother. She learns to embrace what she had scorned previously.  

Chad Michael Murray: While it’s hard not to see Murray through a lens of his past roles, he does a great job of fitting into the group of island locals while still harboring feelings for Kelly’s character. 

Overall: The Beach House has more weight and substance than many Hallmark movies. It’s more heartbreaking and realistic, minus the fluff and diversions of a typical offering. The romance in this is more of a subplot to family issues that have surfaced after the death of a father. 

Must-see factor: 5 out of 5 

Ending: Bittersweet happy

Theme: Marry me instead of the person you’re about to marry

Title: Comparatively good (not too punny)

Stars

Becca Tobin: As Hope, Tobin has the grace of a dancer and perfectly wears those flowy outfits that might or might not be costumes. She fits in the role despite a rather awkward “meet cute,” and her experience on TV’s “Glee” apparently served her well here. 

Niall Matter: Also appearing in Hallmark’s “Frozen in Love,” Matter shows his versatility by moving seamlessly into a very different role. The Canadian native (#ThankYouCanada) plays Eric, who is about to get married when he falls for Hope. Uh oh! 

Overall: This borders on an ugly, unromantic plot, but these two work some magic with it. In their hands, it’s OK that a wedding has just been called off. 

Must-see factor: 4 out of 5 

Ending: Gracefully happy

Theme: Perfection ain’t happenin’ 

Title: Functional

Stars

Pascale Hutton: As fitness instructor Molly, Hutton is charming and capable, but she almost appears to narrate her way through the movie. 

Kavan Smith: Smith plays Nick, a photographer who adds just the right amount of humor and humanity to their romance. 

Overall: Like most Hallmark romances, its couple is likable and easy to root for. But this Perfect Bride sequel is just not as engaging as the original or several other Hallmark offerings. 

Must-see factor: 3 out of 5 

Ending: Imperfectly happy