I only watch Hallmark during the holiday season, and for that short period I tend to give up all expectations of actual good writing and directing (although to be fair the acting is often quite good in spite of those obstacles).
This movie, though, took me completely by surprise. (As an aside, Hallmark needs to rethink their promos and teasers. I nearly didn't watch this movie because the promos turned me off so much.) But this is not just a good "for Hallmark" movie. This turned out to be an actual good movie, better than many stupid rom coms that make it to the big screens.
The characters were engaging and endearing, and well played by the cast. Rick Hoffman in particular was kind of adorable and comforting as the dad, which was strange for me because I usually associate him with the absolute jerks he plays in so many movies. The boyfriend was a bit two dimensional (the comic shop guy would agree), but that was actually rather satisfying because it made him an easily dislikable character. The two main characters were both likable and - more importantly - not stupid. The actors had good chemistry and seemed at ease in their characters.
The writing and directing were some of the best I've seen from Hallmark, continuing a trend this year. (Three Wise Men and Baby immediately comes to mind.) I found myself genuinely engaged by the story and the relationships between all of them, and I was absolutely invested in the outcome even though I knew it would have a Hallmark happy ending. I also found myself pleasantly surprised by the little family twist at the end.
Satisfying and fun. Absolutely worth watching! I will watch at least once more this season and it has absolutely made my regular holiday viewing list.
This movie, though, took me completely by surprise. (As an aside, Hallmark needs to rethink their promos and teasers. I nearly didn't watch this movie because the promos turned me off so much.) But this is not just a good "for Hallmark" movie. This turned out to be an actual good movie, better than many stupid rom coms that make it to the big screens.
The characters were engaging and endearing, and well played by the cast. Rick Hoffman in particular was kind of adorable and comforting as the dad, which was strange for me because I usually associate him with the absolute jerks he plays in so many movies. The boyfriend was a bit two dimensional (the comic shop guy would agree), but that was actually rather satisfying because it made him an easily dislikable character. The two main characters were both likable and - more importantly - not stupid. The actors had good chemistry and seemed at ease in their characters.
The writing and directing were some of the best I've seen from Hallmark, continuing a trend this year. (Three Wise Men and Baby immediately comes to mind.) I found myself genuinely engaged by the story and the relationships between all of them, and I was absolutely invested in the outcome even though I knew it would have a Hallmark happy ending. I also found myself pleasantly surprised by the little family twist at the end.
Satisfying and fun. Absolutely worth watching! I will watch at least once more this season and it has absolutely made my regular holiday viewing list.