This middling mystery set in a boating marina has a few twists and turns as a man investigates the death of his Brother. He meets a lady marina owner. Kelly Rowan is lovely as always but Nick Mancuso is too old to play her love interest. They have no chemistry and argue a lot.
12 Reviews
Read the book instead.
desertsunspot12 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I was so excited when I saw "Loving Evangeline" on the TV guide, because I am a Linda Howard fan and this was one of my favorite of her books. I am also a big fan of Nick Mancuso and everything I have seen him in prior to this movie led me to believe that he would do justice to Robert Cannon. Not only did the producers of this movie totally ignore Linda's plot, they massacred the characters, also. Robert Cannon was a shrewd, tough, very competent businessman/part-time spy. They had Nick play him as a bumbling, incompetent, nerdy guy who was totally clueless. I have seen Nick's chemistry with other female stars and it sizzled--what happened in this one? Zilch chemistry. The Evangeline Shaw in this movie was totally different to the Evie in the book. What an injustice to Nick AND to Linda's story. Don't bother seeing the movie--just read the book. And if you already saw the movie, make it a point to see some of Nick's other movies such as Fatal Exposure--he's great!
Not worth your time, even for Linda Howard fans
janms190028 February 2005
I love all of Linda Howard's books, and was thrilled to accidentally run across this film on WE. I couldn't have been more disappointed. Not only was the plot completely different from Ms. Howard's storyline, the acting was mediocre at best. I was dismayed at the complete lack of chemistry between the two lead actors. I am a big fan of escapist romance, and I can forgive a lot of schmaltz and cheesiness in a low budget film if there is a credible connection between the characters and the plot is even halfway believable. But this movie embarrasses a genre that to begin with does not have much to recommend it in terms of higher artistic value. Don't waste your time watching this movie - especially if you are expecting it to resemble the book in any way whatsoever. But do check out some of Linda Howard's novels. She writes quality romantic escapism without forsaking skillful character development and interesting, suspenseful plots. She is a talented writer. My sympathies to Ms. Howard for having her name attached to such an embarrassingly sub-par movie.
HUGE disappointment :(
orchid7923 March 2006
I was very excited when I saw Loving Evangeline was going to air on WE. It's one of my favorite Linda Howard books and I couldn't wait to see it 'live and in color'.
I only wish I would have come here first and found out how horrible this movie really was.
After watching this farce I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I realize that sometimes the movies have to take liberties with the books; but the writer, director and producers completely ruined a wonderful story.
In fact the movie is NOTHING like the book aside from the title and the lead characters' names. The acting was sub par, the storyline was ridiculous and the characters were NOWHERE near as great as their book counterparts.
Bottom line, don't rent this flick. Don't buy it. And if you see it on TV change the channel. Don't bother to waste your time.
Instead, get the book and see how the story's really supposed to go. You won't be disappointed.
I only wish I would have come here first and found out how horrible this movie really was.
After watching this farce I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I realize that sometimes the movies have to take liberties with the books; but the writer, director and producers completely ruined a wonderful story.
In fact the movie is NOTHING like the book aside from the title and the lead characters' names. The acting was sub par, the storyline was ridiculous and the characters were NOWHERE near as great as their book counterparts.
Bottom line, don't rent this flick. Don't buy it. And if you see it on TV change the channel. Don't bother to waste your time.
Instead, get the book and see how the story's really supposed to go. You won't be disappointed.
Ditto to the previous reviewer
possumb3 July 2003
I love Linda Howard's books, (although I found 'Loving Evangeline' less likeable than any of her others, and the lead character Robert Cannon an unredeemable rake) but as the previous reviewer said, this movie is crap. There is absolutely no similarity between the book and the movie. Even in it's own right this movie has a total lack of redeeming qualities. I feel like Ms. Howard deserves an apology from the producers for doing such a thorough hack job of her book. If you have the option pick up another Howard book instead of watching this nonsense.
I liked it.
mjarvis018 November 2008
The first thing I must say is that I have not read the book so I can only go by what I saw on the small screen and at this point a further introduction is necessary. Loving Evangeline appears to be one of twelve Mills and Boon/Shilloute romance novels that have been brought to the small screen. I have seen 10 and these are:- Another Woman, A change of place, The awakening, Broken Lullaby, Hard to forget, The Waiting game, This matter of marriage, Diamond Girl,Recipe for revenge and Loving Evangeline. So to get the best out of these movies or to see the worst you must view them in the context of this being a romance novel brought to the screen. It is a pity if these movies do not follow the course of the original book but still view it as a mills and boon brought to film nonetheless. So how does loving Evangeline rate? Well I liked it! Out of the ten that I have watched I would put it at position 5 and to explain this I will run down what is needed to bring a mills and boon/shilloutte romance to film. First of all the couple must look the part the man must be strong and handsome and the woman beautiful and their must be the chemistry! The background story must not overshadow the romance so to overcome this our couple should be seen together in 70% of the film. The Mills and Boon man must have integrity. For example in Broken Lullaby there was a seen where our heroine was shot at now she was understandably upset and as a result got close to our Mills and Boon man and one thing led to another if you get my drift. The Mills and Boon man should have checked with the lady and made sure it was okay to proceed but in this case he just got down to business. Points lost. Another thing that is essential for a Mills and Boon man is that if he is going to get into a fight he should win. In broken Lullaby and Loving Evangeline both mills and boon men got into fights and lost!! Finally there must be a marriage resolution at the end of the film. Loving Evangeline did not have the marriage resolution and I would not have pegged our hero as a typical Mills and boon man but the film did keep me going because of the competency of the actors and a none too taxing storyline so I did like it!! Now if you are wondering what my top five films are I shall tell you. 5th Loving Evangeline. 4th Recipe for Revenge. 3rd Another woman. 2nd The Awakening and my number one Mills and Boon film is DIAMOND GIRL. I managed to get nine of these films via ebay at extremely good bargain basement prices so you could check out all ten and even get the ones that I have not seen yet and these are Treacherous Beauties and At the Midnight Hour.
Horrible adaptation of a Linda Howard book
pontmarie6 March 2000
I can't even tell you how horrified I was to watch this awful movie. The book and the movie are NOTHING alike. The secondary characters and even the plot are not from the book. If someone truly wanted to make an awful movie, fine, but why use the title and lead characters from Ms. Howard's book when the story is completely different? There is no Grant Shaw in the book, Grant Shaw is the actor from Melrose Place. And who is Mrs. Beacham? She is not in the book, either.
Anyone who has read this book and may be tempted to watch this piece of cheap filmmaking, don't bother. It is not worth it. Even if it wasn't based on a Howard book, this movie is not worth your time. Paint your nails, hammer some nails, eat some nails, anything other than watching this drivel makes more sense. And I hope Ms. Howard has more sense than turning over her work to producers who will butcher it.
Anyone who has read this book and may be tempted to watch this piece of cheap filmmaking, don't bother. It is not worth it. Even if it wasn't based on a Howard book, this movie is not worth your time. Paint your nails, hammer some nails, eat some nails, anything other than watching this drivel makes more sense. And I hope Ms. Howard has more sense than turning over her work to producers who will butcher it.
Now, now, now, it wasn't that bad...
treighsea29 May 2005
Okay, I admit it, I approached this from the perspective of a Nick Mancuso fan. I'd never read any book at all by Howard, let alone this one, so I have to take the movie at face value. Beautiful scenery, appealing heroine Rowan, nice moments between her and Nick. I took the movie more as a study of how he changes throughout -- he starts out so stiff and rigid (Ultra Businessman) and ends up relaxed and charming, particularly in their dessert scene. Was it a cinematic masterpiece? No. Was he meant to be a dashing hero? Um, no; he got knocked out cold the first time up to bat with the bad guy, and in the end the police did all the hard work. Bad guy (creepy and menacing up to that point) gave up too easily; Shari Belafonte was oddly stiff -- and there were a lot of things left unclear, like how Cannon's brother figured out what was up in the first place. It was lightweight, yes, but it was hardly hate-worthy. I did get pretty tired of Nick pushing up his glasses, but on the other hand, was highly intrigued by the Mars Bar dessert. Hey. Take what you can get. And Nicky, well, he's still got it. So if you've never read the book (I still haven't) and you like Nick... g'wan. Try it. Hardly hurts at all.
Poor Linda
heathentart1 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I've met Linda Howard a few times. I know Linda Howard's writing. And this movie is NO Linda Howard plot. In the true tradition of Harlequin Romances, their movies strip any semblance of passion, pacing and plot.
Linda Howard is known throughout the womens' fiction world as being a writer with very tight plots, slick and sassy words, and the hottest, most erotic love scenes.
How they managed to strip ALL of this, including the original story, from this movie, I don't know. But it must've taken a monstrous effort.
We have Cannon, the hero, who is no Alpha male, by any stretch. He's so New Age, you can smell the Brie on his breath. Which is sad, as Nick Mancuso is a fine actor and capable of so much more. If only it had been written for him! And the heroine... what can one say about the heroine? The eponymous heroine, Evie, has about as much sizzle as an uncooked rasher of bacon. Part of this is due to the lamentable script which never met a cliché' it didn't like. Part is due to the actress, Kelly Rowan, whom I've never seen before. She's petite, meek, and, even when angry, makes you wonder where the fire went. During the climactic scene, where you might think she'd be in fear for her life, she acts as if she's shopping for bread and milk.
The story here bears little resemblance to Ms. Howard's story. The main protagonists have been dumbed down to the level of ho-hum. There's no real pacing, in fact, the entire movie feels more like a stroll in the park. Where is the emotion of two people falling in love, yet not trusting each other? Don't look for it here.
Oh, why go on? Any tension is in the viewer, wondering when it will all end.
The result is a film not worth viewing. Please don't judge Linda Howard's work by this film. It's lamentable that her name be attached. I do hope they paid her a truckload of cash for this travesty.
Linda Howard is known throughout the womens' fiction world as being a writer with very tight plots, slick and sassy words, and the hottest, most erotic love scenes.
How they managed to strip ALL of this, including the original story, from this movie, I don't know. But it must've taken a monstrous effort.
We have Cannon, the hero, who is no Alpha male, by any stretch. He's so New Age, you can smell the Brie on his breath. Which is sad, as Nick Mancuso is a fine actor and capable of so much more. If only it had been written for him! And the heroine... what can one say about the heroine? The eponymous heroine, Evie, has about as much sizzle as an uncooked rasher of bacon. Part of this is due to the lamentable script which never met a cliché' it didn't like. Part is due to the actress, Kelly Rowan, whom I've never seen before. She's petite, meek, and, even when angry, makes you wonder where the fire went. During the climactic scene, where you might think she'd be in fear for her life, she acts as if she's shopping for bread and milk.
The story here bears little resemblance to Ms. Howard's story. The main protagonists have been dumbed down to the level of ho-hum. There's no real pacing, in fact, the entire movie feels more like a stroll in the park. Where is the emotion of two people falling in love, yet not trusting each other? Don't look for it here.
Oh, why go on? Any tension is in the viewer, wondering when it will all end.
The result is a film not worth viewing. Please don't judge Linda Howard's work by this film. It's lamentable that her name be attached. I do hope they paid her a truckload of cash for this travesty.
Good Movie To Watch
tennhills8 September 2008
Loving Evangeline:
I have seen this film a number of times and I think it's a good one, unlike one comment that did not like it at all and wished others not wasted their time on it, I also think that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
People should make their own minds up if they like or don't like something, in this case a film. If someone says, don't watch the film because....! It is their opinion and their dislike not yours. make up in your own mind if you like or don't like. Critics most always try to get you to change your mind and sway towards the negative aspects about a movie. Reminds me of the news we see on TV, most always it's about bad things 90% through out the news cast. What about the good news !
I like it! what about you..
Dave THP
I have seen this film a number of times and I think it's a good one, unlike one comment that did not like it at all and wished others not wasted their time on it, I also think that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
People should make their own minds up if they like or don't like something, in this case a film. If someone says, don't watch the film because....! It is their opinion and their dislike not yours. make up in your own mind if you like or don't like. Critics most always try to get you to change your mind and sway towards the negative aspects about a movie. Reminds me of the news we see on TV, most always it's about bad things 90% through out the news cast. What about the good news !
I like it! what about you..
Dave THP
better than the stuff on Lifetime
thenewnumbersix-120 December 2005
Sorry it wasn't like the book, but by not having read the book, I wasn't restricted by what to expect or compare. It had a little of everything (scenery, plot, dessert scene) to keep a guy sticking around past a zillion commercials on WE to find out what happens in the end. "Why did you move from California to - here?" is a question only found in a typical Canadian TV production like this. But hey, less crying than most Lifetime movies offer. Also, when you consider what is out there in the theaters these days at $10 dollars a head (plus, all the other "necessary" expenses - food, soda, etc.) this is inexpensive fare for the eyes and the brain. The popcorn at home was fine. The author should have sued anyway.
Not the same as the book???
jimsbaddog15 October 2017
Unlike most of the reviewers written here, I have not read the book, but it does sound as if it would be a very good book to read.
Thus my rather simple review. I'm not going to reveal anything within the movie, only adding my opinion.The filming was excellent, the sound was good but not great, I'm hard of hearing so I know. Even though the budget for this movie may have been on the low side, because after all, love movies may be loved by many but they don't normally bring in hit revenue. With these things considered I thought the movie was very good. It would seem to me when comparing a book (which lets the imagination run wild) to a movie most people would have some disappointments. But for me, I particularly liked the actors chosen, I thought they all did a good job, except for the so called VP of the company. I thought his acting was rather shallow or empty. The secretary was also very good. The story had a rather low point at the end, but considering it was a love story that is normal. The producer has to throw in disappointments etc. Tell me what you think. Enjoy!
Thus my rather simple review. I'm not going to reveal anything within the movie, only adding my opinion.The filming was excellent, the sound was good but not great, I'm hard of hearing so I know. Even though the budget for this movie may have been on the low side, because after all, love movies may be loved by many but they don't normally bring in hit revenue. With these things considered I thought the movie was very good. It would seem to me when comparing a book (which lets the imagination run wild) to a movie most people would have some disappointments. But for me, I particularly liked the actors chosen, I thought they all did a good job, except for the so called VP of the company. I thought his acting was rather shallow or empty. The secretary was also very good. The story had a rather low point at the end, but considering it was a love story that is normal. The producer has to throw in disappointments etc. Tell me what you think. Enjoy!
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