Love and Sunshine (2019 TV Movie) User Reviews

A "realistic", yet feel good kind of movie.

[MIssM19 · 8/10 · 7 August 2019]

Okay, I'm not gonna lie. I had low expectations about this one. But decided to give this a chance anyways. It started as every other Hallmark movie ever does. But the fact that these characters meet because of a dog? You got me there. The chemistry between the leads was great! And they managed to surprised me. There is one scene which makes you forget for few minutes that you are watching a Hallmark production. That's the pivot point of the movie and it was amazing!

The ending is kind of different to what we are accostumed to but different is good. Definitely worth a watch.

(My only big problem was the mom? Is she old enough to be the mother of the lead? come on Hallmark)

I wish Hallmark continues to make films like this. One where someone can relate to something, where not everything is perfect, but still makes you feel good.

Affable Chemistry

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 2 April 2021]

The owner of a nursery (Danica McKellar) is fostering a dog named Sunshine, whose owner (Mark Deklin) is deployed in the Middle East. At the end of his tour, he comes home and makes arrangements to pick up Sunshine.

Each of them is smarting from a being dumped by their last significant other, and both are dealing with ambivalent emotions because of their break-ups. But they have one thing in common--a love of Sunshine. This is a good setup for two genuinely nice people whose paths intersect. And the two lead actors have an affable chemistry.

This is an enjoyable Hallmark romance that unfolds naturally and allows the characters to establish an authentic-feeling relationship, not relying only on clever lines or mysterious coincidences.

Enjoyable

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 24 August 2019]

This movie has a dog and a veteran in a romance. Not key elements but they add points in my book.

The story was a little more unpredictable than most of the Hallmark movies lately.

The leads connected.

There were some flaws and clumsy moments. McKellar is still acting more like a young twenty-something than her age. Still I enjoyed it.

Finally, A Hallmark movie that makes sense!

[omijer · 5 August 2019]

This movie portrays a mature relationship between two people who meet under very realistic circumstances, each with a history of personal issues that remain unresolved, and the script allows them to slowly and cautiously develop a bond that Hallmark often misses in it's more "fluffy" offerings. Danica McKellar is always reliable in her roles as a mature, intelligent woman and she portrays the female lead in this film with seriousness, with understandable caution moving into a new relationship. Mark Deklin is an attractive leading man, with a captivating smile, but with a serious side that make his role completely believable and valid. It is a pleasure to watch two professionals truly portray their characters. So many Hallmark movies rely on excessive smiling, irrelevant giggling, contrived plots, immature relationships.This one shows how two people, with their own needs and issues and caution about moving forward can learn to trust one another for valid reasons, and allow new hope to enter their lives. The secondary characters in the film do very well.. An older Bess Armstrong as the hero's mother is a strong woman, relaxed in her own values and beliefs. The hero's relationship with his brother is presented realistically.. The heroine's rejected former fiance is shown as a well-meaning fellow who missed the mark when it came to meeting his partner's emotional needs. Probably the real star of this film is the dog..who is so lovable that every scene with her is lit up by her presence. Hallmark, please try to send us more of this sort of movie! Your viewers are intelligent and mature. We really appreciate your respecting that audience and meeting our needs.

Need a new dog caster

[gkops · 7/10 · 12 April 2021]

When Mark Devlin goes to pick up his dog the dog acts as if he's never seen him before, except of course for the salute. Dogs go nuts when they haven't seen their masters in a while. Just found it weird. Other than that good movie.

Feel Good Movie of the Summer!!!

[richshank · 10/10 · 5 August 2019]

Danica McKellar and Mark Deklin are a perfect casting match And bring the story to life through authentic top notch acting. Kudos to Hallmark for showing a positive role models for military service people and smart independent women business owners. I like movies where adults are shown as reasonable people vs. always off the deep end. Even the protagonist in the movie comes to his senses which I liked. Good story and a highly recommended watch for a nice date night.

Love and Sunshine

[allmoviesfan · 6/10 · 31 December 2022]

The difference between a good Hallmark movie and a bad Hallmark movie is the chemistry - or lack thereof - between the two leads and the chemistry in this one is very good.

A bright summery film, "Love and Sunshine" features the always-bubbly Danica McKellar as garden shop owner Ally and Mark Deklin as Jake, a returned US Army veteran. The third lead is Sunshine, a friendly dog who served overseas with Jake for a time, then was sent home and came into Ally's house in a foster arrangement until Jake's service was over. It is Sunshine who brings Ally and Jake together and the rest, as they say, is history. A typical Hallmark romance, but a cut above the usual, thanks to a cast of good actors, highlighted by McKellar. No clunky, awkward dialogue deliveries here.

One of the BEST hallmark movies ever

[nyz_snuggle_bunny · 10/10 · 11 August 2019]

I have seen every Danica Hallmark movie. This one is by far her best one yet. I have already watched it twice. This movie seriously has everything! It is just a heart warming and feel good movie. It doesn't have that usual Hallmark cheesy tone to it.(I'm addicted to Hallmark movies so obviously I love the cheesy themes). All the characters had great chemistry together and not just the main characters. So far this has been THE best summer hallmark movie to date. You get a sweet slow build love story, an adorable dog, a man in uniform and great family scenes.

There is nothing quite like a mom telling you when you are screwing up. Even though we saw pictures on how the story ended, I wouldn't mind a part 2. Hallmark has set the bar high for this one and I'll be hard press to find another hallmark summer movie that holds a candle to this movie. This might seriously be the absolutely best hallmark movie I have seen, if not the best it's definitely in the top 5. It is without a doubt the best hallmark movie if 2019(so far).

hotness differential

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 11 August 2019]

Ally Craig (Danica McKellar) owns a plant nursery and is fostering a dog named Sunshine. She has a way of picking the perfect flowers for people. Ben ended their engagement some two months earlier but he won't leave her alone. It doesn't help that he's her biggest customer. Jake Terry (Mark Deklin) returns from the war. He's Sunshine's handler and is ready to reclaim the military dog.

This is a standard Hallmark romance. The leads are standard romantic leads. It could have been more. There is a love triangle on paper but it's never a threat on screen. There is a hotness differential. Mark Deklin is the hot muscle handyman while Peter Benson is the much inferior dork second banana. There is never any doubt which is par for the course. It is superficial in that their personality differences don't even have to be measured. Their hotness difference is proof enough. It would be so much better to have the movie about the way the men treat her. That's a more compelling triangle.

This is more than sunshine

[fallgood · 10/10 · 5 August 2019]

Really love this movie. The plot is a good one. The chemistry is there. The dog is wonderful. The only thing I can say is Jake says he's a Master Sgt. And his insignia is correct for Army but when he's leaving a USAir Force bus is in the background. Doesn't make sense. Just little details. Thought this was one of THE best Hallmarks I've seen.

I Love Sunshine and Flowers!!

[treakle_1978 · 10/10 · 4 August 2019]

I love the characters of ally and Jake!! The chemistry between them is on point. The cinematography, music and writing is terrific. I'm such a sucker for hallmark original movies. Bring the Kleenex and sit back for a wonderful movie. My favorite dress of hers is the last one with the flower's on it. Definitely worth watching.

What, no Lollipops?

[ArtVandelayImporterExporter · 5/10 · 2 December 2021]

I enjoyed this movie because it was fun to see Danica McKellar from The Wonder Years all grow'd up. Plus it was filmed at locations that are mostly familiar to me. Granted, I don't exactly know where Mckeller's client professes to live, but she appears to own a significant portion of Kitty Islet in Oak Bay. Which would be a neat trick if it were true.

But for heaven's sake, Mckellar is in her mid-40s. And her army boy Mark Deklin is even older. If I saw two friends of mine at that age acting like a couple of lovestruck teens I'd probably want to slap some sense into them.

Also, that guy is no more believable on a construction site than Richard Simmons. Check out the way he chokes up on the hammer when he's building that deck with McKellar. And the hard hats. Too funny.

Then there is army boy's mom, Bess Armstrong. She's only 14 years older than Deklin. It was a little creepy seeing a man that old asking his mom for dating advice. Oh, and what did mom do for a living because her house was easily worth $4-5 million. Not too many sons of millionaires joining the US Army, is all I'm saying.

And the basic premise and major plot points were lifted from a 2013 Hallmark movie called Be My Valentine, starring one of the Baldwins who have never fatally shot anyone on a movie set.

love this movie

[mccoybrandi · 4 August 2019]

The chemistry between the main characters were great. Ive seen most of the movies that Danica is in and this is by far the best one.

It's not perfect, but I love this movie so much

[laramia-garcia · 9/10 · 29 August 2019]

Let me tell you a secret...I've seen this three times already. I just love this movie so much. Of course, I love the retired service dog named SUNSHINE. She's simply one of the best dog actors there is, and she is the reason these two people met.

**********

I'm a military brat so I kind of know some of the things here, and the other reviewer is right, the insignia is correct, but suddenly an Air Force bus fetches him...I know there are Army planes too, but maybe they were in US Air Force territory/hangar. It could happen. The USAF protect the bases, and they seldom get deployed, so maybe a few of them are called to serve along with the Army soldiers. Well, enough of that. I may know a little, but I don't know everything, so maybe I should leave things be.

The important thing about this movie is the beautiful story, and the chemistry between DANICA and MARK as Ally and Jake is the tops.

I know they are not real life sweethearts. Mark is happily married to Jamie, they have two kids together, and they have dogs.

Danica was divorced once, and has one child named Draco. She has been married to Scott for almost five years now.

Watching the two together is like magic. They made me believe that they have an instant romantic connection. The feeling's just so wonderful.

Oh, there was a reviewer who complained because of Mark's real age, he's too old to be Bess Armstrong's son. Why can't we get that she is playing a role? That she is not playing Bess Armstrong. She's Margo Terry. For all we know she could be a very young looking mother.

I, by the way, love the Margo Terry quotes uttered by BESS ARMSTRONG. Please listen to them.

I also like the supporting cast most especially: Toby Levins(Sam), Christine Chatelain(Emma), Vera Frederickson(cutie Lena Terry), Brenda Crichlow(Trisha Collins), Daniel Bacon(Denver Collins), April Telek(Donna), Jessie Fraser(Barb Terry) and Whoever played Lena's brother.

Oh, and you're going to love that the kisses are uninterrupted.

Well, I guess that's it.

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, so I hope you would enjoy it like I still do.

In possible love!

[mar-82095 · 10/10 · 5 August 2019]

This is the most amazing movie ever. Love the ending and has made me cry.

Deklin & McKellar nail it !

[Lew777 · 8/10 · 23 January 2020]

This was a real good grown-up film from Hallmark. I hadn't seen much of Mark Deklin before but he gave a realistic believable performance as a Master Sergeant who loves his Mom, his family, his dog ,and of course falls in love with a Nursery owner/designer played by Danica McKellar. In fact the scenes with Mark & Bess Armstrong who plays his Mom are heartfelt and great. In my opinion this is Danica's best role I've seen her play for Hallmark with a full range of emotions and depth of acting. Trust me, this is one of the better ones !

Adorable Movie

[GeeJoDeeGee · 10/10 · 2 April 2020]

Look, Hallmark movies are Hallmark movies! They are not meant to change the world, but to add a bit of calm and beauty and kindness at the end of what might have been an unpleasant day! I like almost all of the (well, not interested in any of the prince/princess movies! That's my opinion LOL).

Anyhow, this movie is just really lovely to look at - a nursery full of vibrant colors, run by two characters who like each other and the conversation flows and is witty! The dog - a golden retriever - enough said! Mark Deklin - ditto! The family - warm, loving, caring.....gorgeous outdoor yards...

How could this movie disappoint....It doesn't!

Love and sunshine

[judyharl · 4/10 · 16 September 2020]

Danica mckellar awful so childish and as usual a know it all male lead still takes orders from his mom childish very bad written Dog best part .need new hallmark actors and actresses new management new stories

Love it

[ros-73056 · 10/10 · 6 October 2019]

Like most Hallmark movies, it follows a formula. And admittedly, there are incorrect/inconsistent details in the movie like Army uniform and Air Force bus and nobody in uniform wearing covers while outside? But the story is sweet, and doesn't require much suspension of disbelief. The leads have good chemistry. It's so refreshing to not have contrived drama keeping them apart and the evolution of their relationship feel natural. Not to mention the dog, Sunshine fits her name.

Love and Sunshine

[studioAT · 9/10 · 20 November 2020]

I'm sure eagle-eyed viewers will point out its flaws, but I thought this was an excellent Hallmark film.

The storyline is strong, the leads have good chemistry - those are the essential things that a Hallmark film needs, and both boxes are ticked here.

With some nice twists along the way, this was very strong indeed.

the dog

[Kirpianuscus · 2 January 2022]

A military , a dog, a young woman and a decent story, meritous more for the end.

The only sin - the impression about hard effort of Danica McKellar to propose fair traits to her character .

The good point - the dog, off course and, in same measure, the science of Mark Deklan to

A military, a dog, a young woman. The predictable romance.

After so many Hallmark romances, nothing new or real bad. The end can be the good gift for viewer .

Only problem - Danica McKellar seems be not very comfortable in her role.

The good point, no doubts, the dog and the fine manner to explore his character of Mark Deklin.

This was heavenly

[krichter-24724 · 10/10 · 23 June 2020]

I loved this movie. I always love to see Danica McKellar in more movies. Danica and Mark had such great chemistry together. I would love to see a sequel to this movie. These two should make more movies together.

Elliep reviewer comment

[mrzmanlaroc · 10/10 · 11 September 2019]

Ally is a member of American Humane. Those members are vetted before getting a foster animal. Jake told Sam that's why Sunshine did not stay with the Terry family. Also, the plot of this movie is different. Other stories tell of the dog that's overseas and the soldier coming home. Then it's the soldier trying to get the dog home. I loved the idea of a retired service dog back in the U.S. and the soldier is still serving his time in the military, without the dog beside him.

Forgettable but ok for hallmark

[pistachio4136 · 5/10 · 29 May 2020]

I found this movie to be...ok. It was nothing special, but it also didn't make me grind my teeth like some hallmark movies do. The two leads were decent actors and were more or less convincing in their roles. There was some romantic tension in that they are just getting to know each other, but there is the shadow of a possible military summons hanging in the background which adds some conflict to a very saccharine plot. Really, there isn't much else to say about this movie. It isn't good enough to watch again in my opinion.

Goof

[ltmedic72 · 8/10 · 14 February 2020]

Good movie, but all thru the movie the male lead is in the USAF. But at the end of the movie he's in an Army dress uniform at the wedding. I love how no one catches these things.