Lost in Paradise (2026)

Someone at Hallmark saw the memes about its movies having only two plots. This movie doesn't fit either of the two molds.

The first half is smooth sailing, even after a plane crash and a couple being marooned on an island. It’s not likely, but it could happen, right? 

However, my suspended disbelief balked about halfway through the movie. Nope, nope, nope. It’s too much. Time to go to bed and see where this ends up tomorrow.
Buoyed by great performances by Lacey Chabert and Ian Harding, the plot almost redeems itself with its twists back toward normalcy.

Spoiler alerts: Thankfully, Chabert's fashion designer and Harding's chef characters don’t rashly get engaged after knowing each other for 10 days or quit their jobs on a whim to move across the country. They end up a fairly realistic power couple. 

Theme: Island time has its benefits … even with snakes.  
About the Title: It avoids being too cutesy.
Overall: This is fun. It has some unwelcome surprises, but the real strengths are the charm and chemistry of the leads.  
Must-see rating: 3 out of 5.
Ending: Believably happy in its moderation.

How to watch: Hallmark rebroadcasts its movies regularly, and they’re also available on Hallmark’s streaming service. 

Theme: Fiji, man!

Title: Ironically, not memorable

Stars

Catherine Bell: As accomplished doctor Jessica, Bell handles everything well, including a short-term love triangle. 

Cameron Mathison: My guess is that Mathison is just like his character Will. Either that, or he’s a good actor. 

Overall: I didn’t expect to like this, based on a first impression. It has a few awkward moments and too many key characters, but its two leads pull it all together nicely. It’s not one to bail out on!

Must-see factor: 4 out of 5 

Ending: Exotically happy

Theme: You really should go home

Title: Spoiler alert!

Stars

Autumn Reeser: A powerhouse actress, Reeser delivers her usual charm along with grit and sly wit. She's impossible to resist, and she also stars in my favorite Hallmark production, I Do, I Do, I Do.

Jesse Metcalfe: Believable as a famous country singer, Metcalfe plays a confused guy in a true-to-life way. The camera loves him like his fans do.

Overall: These two stars combine for one of Hallmark’s best offerings. Even though you have an idea of what will happen, it still feels suspenseful, startling and a little heartbreaking. 

Must-see factor: 5 out of 5 

Ending: Big-hug happy