Love Hard (2021) Poster

(2021)

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7/10
A funny comedy by Hernán Jiménez
DogePelis201513 November 2021
It is a fun, entertaining movie and the performances by Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang are excellent; it is highly recommended and can be enjoyed on Netflix.
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7/10
It's cheesy as heck but it's fine
Just-A-Girl-1412 November 2021
It's a typical love finding Christmas movie. It's really really cheesy. I usually avoid movies like that but I think it's ok if that's your taste. The acting is good enough although I have to agree that the chemistry between the two leads was a bit off. They are both cute and the acting is fine but there's something missing. I don't think it's the actors fault. They might have been miscast. As for how things play out in the movie, there's nothing new here. I was really hoping there won't be a big revelation scene. It would have been much better if they figured it out on their own without a big fiasco but that's one of the reasons why this movie is so cheesy. You can find all the cliches and cheesy moments we have seen a million times before. The bottom line is this, if you like cheesy love finding Christmas movies, this movie is for you.
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7/10
a x.mas movie...
ops-525356 November 2021
For all the lonely ones out there searching for a soulmate and lovemate, try this plot of love and you will be matched for sure.

A decent christmas romantic comedy with loads of lights and props that gives a rush of x-mas, a story that you will hang on to due to its abnormalities, and last but not least the great and funny acting by the two mains, but also the rest of the cast. Its the chinese kidnapped victim from ''patriots day'' and the little sister of the balded boss of ''need for speed 1'' that recieves the price from the grumpy old man as some of the sweetest youve seen for years.

Yes its sweet, and a little sad too, it has a good screenplay, and the editing gives you quite a few surprises that is so hilarious that i lolled my way through this all on my own.

And that is not an award that i give away so easily, so try it if youre curious, you wont be dissapointed, here theyve hit the target very well.
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6/10
Easy watch
Draysan-Jennings11 November 2021
I'm not a huge fan of Christmas rom-com's but after watching the trailer I decided to give it a shot. It was a simple uncomplicated film with a decent story and some good laughs. I especially liked the cast. I'll definitely be looking out for Jimmy O. Yang films in the future. 6 stars.
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6/10
Entertaining but lacking in chemistry between the leads...
toddsgraham5 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It is no Richard Curtis film, but it is entertaining nonetheless. The storyline revolves around Natalie (played by Nina Dobrev), a Los Angeles journalist, whose column chronicles her unlucky dating encounters. When she falls for her dream guy (from Lake Placid, NY) on a dating app, Tag (played by Darren Barnet), she decides to surprise him for the holidays. Things are not as they seem, as she soon finds out that she has been catfished by Josh (played by Jimmy Yang). And so, the romantic comedy begins as we follow Natalie's attempts to find real love. The film is a light-hearted exploration of the pitfalls of online dating and stresses how focusing on the physical misses the point of love (with some digs at the popular Christmas film 'Love Actually'). The writers draw on a popular plot device: deception/mistaken identity. Though in this film, this has multiple layers. There were several funny scenes and good dialogue between Natalie and Josh throughout the film. You will no doubt have a few laughing-out-loud moments as you watch. Indeed, the storyline kept me entertained and engaged throughout. The acting too was very strong. As a fan of the 'Vampire Diaries', I was looking forward to seeing Nina Dobrev on screen. Her performance did not disappoint. That is, she had a very convincing performance. Jimmy Yang had a decent performance as well (pulling off several funny one-liners). However, one of the weaknesses of the film was the lack of chemistry between the two (Natalie and Josh). Put simply, it was not convincing. As a result, the ending did not land, unfortunately. To be fair, I could feel this develop in Dobrev's performance as the film progressed, but felt no reciprocity here in Yang's performance. He was funny but not very convincing when it came to a romantic connection. Finally, the film had a nice Christmas vibe to it, and the soundtrack was pretty good as well. If you enjoy the romantic comedy Christmas movie genre, then this one is worth checking out.
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7/10
Good wholesome Xmas(ish) fun
thekarmicnomad14 December 2021
A woman goes to meet her online boyfirend at Xmas and finds out he is not quite what his profile suggests but has to hang around anyway.

This is a great little comedy with a Christmasy coating.

The two leads are funny and the situation they find themsleves in (although a bit silly) is entertaning and has lots of room for embaressing farsces to play out.

This pulls at your heart strings as expected, but is more concerned with making you chuckle than it is spearing you with the Xmas message.

This made a nice palet clenser between the sugary courses of Xmas films that I gobble down this time of year.

I had a mini eye-roll when they started complaining about "It's cold outside" but the bit they do is actaully pretty good.

As expected there are lots of beautiful straight-teethed americans, soppy moments and silly antics - a perfect addition to the Xmas movie roster.
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7/10
It s pretty good
mihaela_solca7 November 2021
I 'm not saying that is amazing, but it s pretty good for a Sunday afternoon to watch. Funny with great dialogue and good acting. To be honest I was not expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised with this movie.
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8/10
Yippie Kay Yay ...
kosmasp2 December 2021
Romantic comedies ... I mean we know how they will end, right? But it is not the goal that we look forward to, it is the way that we go together ... the experience we are having watching the movie. And how good the actors are in it. There are a few things that I am quite certain at least a few will not consider politically correct ... but the movie does try hard to be inclusive and really funny without being too offensive. Cut it some slack - comedy sometimes has to be edgy - or silly. Or both for that matter.

Nina Dobrev who I haven't seen in that TV show that made her famous is really the sweetest thing ... well she can also be quite mean. But overall the character is rather sweet. That being said, her love interest is someone I did not expect ... even though he is on the poster. Which I did not really look at before watching the movie. Neither did I watch the trailer - obviously.

A lot of funny moments, a lot of laughs and a lot of heart - or as the saying goes (there is one, right?): Love always ... wins.
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7/10
A Pleasant Film
ThomasColquith7 November 2021
I watched "Love Hard" today and it was just what I was looking for, something light and fun. This film has a nice Christmas vibe and doesn't strain any brain cells, but it is an enjoyable even if predictable ride. Though I didn't like her taking the Baby Jesus statue. Why most films always include such jibes? But other than that nothing offensive. In summary, I give it a 7/10.
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4/10
No chemistry
kjhpck15 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A cheesy feel good Christmas movie. Nice to watch with friends or alone.

The moral of the story is good. But at some points the movie overdoes it. Like the cool guy/nerd guy cliché. It would make more sense if the characters were in high school. But come on they are 30!

Also. The motives of al the characters are not too clear. Like the brother. Why does he wants to sabotage their "relationship"? Because he was jealous ones? It doesn't make much sense.

At least. It's nice that they eventually end up together. But the characters don't have chemistry AT ALL. The chemistry isn't show throughout the whole movie. Sure they seem friends. Sure he says nice things to her. But there aren't really moments where the attraction is shown.

Overall a Christmas feel good movie. Which isn't too satisfying. Though sometimes funny.
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9/10
I really liked it!
brookenichole-980546 November 2021
Love Hard is amazing! I love Catfish: The show so I assumed I would enjoy this. Surprisingly, I almost loved it! This movie had gorgeous Christmas decorations, a beautiful story, and hilarious jokes. Also, I did not know Nina Dobrev could sing? The singing in the movie was something added I never knew I needed. I don't understand why they used a different voice for Harry Shum Jr. When he was on Glee, but I think it was a joke.

I will watch this every year!
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6/10
Lack of Chemistry Between the Leads Prevents This From Being a True Hit
spasek7 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
For the most part, the movie is a good one. It's not entirely your typical Christmas movie, although it does borrow a number of overused cliches, there are a few twists to them that aren't typical.

Nina Dobrev is supposed to sell us her character and make us believe--in the end--that she prefers Josh to Tag. She doesn't succeed. You can see her eyes and body language take in Tag while it's forced and completely wooden in regard to Josh. While the end is a nice idea, we're unable to buy it because Dobrev is unable to sell it.

Still, the movie's premise is actually a very good one. Many people who suffer from a low self-esteem, or those caught up in a very superficial ideal about what a "perfect mate" is supposed to look like, find themselves invariably thrown a curveball. The person suffering from low self-esteem can never truly believe that they are worthy enough. And the person caught up in an unrealistic ideal will always be disappointed by the outcome. Enter Josh and Natalie, each representing these all-too common aspects.

Josh is able to initially win over Natalie by creating a real online dating profile with fake photos. Natalie is completely enamored with the whole package, until she realizes that the wrapping isn't what she thought it was.

We get a very typical and overused plot-line in which--after finding the real Tag--Josh agrees to help her land him. On the other side, Josh asks Natalie to pose as his girlfriend for the sake of his family. Sound familiar? I thought Hallmark had a copyright on these things.

As you might easily guess, the "plan" falls apart. However, the way in which the reveal happens as well as the confession, are actually done quite differently from what you might have expected. This helps save the film from being a total disaster.

The performances are very good across the board. What ultimately prevents this move from really working is the lack of chemistry between Dobrev and Yang. Dobrev treats him more like a kid brother than a love interest. We are unable to buy for a second, that her character has any romantic or loving feelings for Yang's character, which unfortunately, makes us not believe in the contrived ending at all.

In the end, we get a very wasted effort in which we are given a very bland and vanilla ending to what should have been something far more profound. However, the film's ultimate message about learning to just be yourself, is the true winner here.

The movie gets points for its message as well as not using the entire Hallmark playbook that so many Christmas films utilize. It does have some uniqueness to it. It's just so unfortunate that--in the end--the romance is as lacking as a Christmas cookie without any sugar and spice.
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Cute christmas movie
IsabelMovie5 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Exactly what you expect, a cute christmas movie. The weak part of the movie was her dating the other guy. She could have fallen in love with Josh without that and it somehow made it feel less like a christmas themed movie sometimes. The family part felt more natural and could have gotten more depth with the time they wasted on Tag.
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3/10
Eh.. was hoping it'd be better
tlharrison-595468 November 2021
Predictable movie. Main character is impossible to root for as they wrote her to be shallow, selfish, and oblivious. If this were compared to a typical Hallmark Christmas movie, I'd say the acting is better but the plot is just as bad. I didn't feel the main characters had any chemistry at all. I would have preferred to see another female play the lead. Lots of cringy elements, such as Die Hard - Baby, it's Cold Outside - theme from The Breakfast Club. The writers just plucked out common pieces of pop culture to assign the main character a personality... and it was awful. Best part of the movie was probably the Lin family or Kerry. There were some enjoyable moments in the movie, but doubt I'll watch it again.
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6/10
Baby, It's Cold Outside
napierslogs6 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Lyrics to "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (as sung by Jimmy O. Yang and Nina Dobrev)

I really can't stay

No problem, there's the door

I've got to go away

I hear ya, say no more

This evening has been ...

Totally consensual

... so very nice.

I hope you get home safe tonight

My mother will start to worry

Here's my phone, give her a call

My father will be pacing the floor

Adios, say no more

So really I'd better scurry

I've been saying that for awhile

Well maybe just half a drink more

Slow down, that's quite a pour

The neighbors might think

It's just my old friend Troy

Say, what's in this drink?

It's just Lemon LaCroix

I wish I knew how ...

To take a hint?

... to break the spell

Do you know how to spell "farewell"?

I ought to say no, no, no

I'll call you an uber, they're close

At least I'm gonna say that I tried

I feel like you're not trying at all

I really can't stay

Well, maybe just go out

Cause, baby, it's cold outside

Maybe just go outside.
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7/10
Thanksgiving who?
Movi3DO8 November 2021
Wow I wish this is real I wish this is real so hard.

A Christmas romcom added to Netflix. A girl from LA got catfished by an Asian guy, but she agreed to pretend to date him until Christmas as long as he helped her dating the guy she wanted.

Make no mistake, this was a cheese fest. There ain't anything that will surprise anyone who watch a bit of romcom, so it would be a waste of time to talk about them. However, to my own surprise I actually enjoyed this movie. Only some of the jokes were cringe, and the rest did make me laugh. The cast was decent throughout and there wasn't a particular performance that I hated.

I somehow mistaken the main actress, Nina Dobrev, as the beautiful red witch Elizabeth Olsen when I watched the trailer, but I didn't complain because Dobrev is also a quarter.

Overall, Thanksgiving is a myth. Time for Christmas. 6.5/10.
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6/10
Could've been better, could've been worse
aidanratesmovies9 November 2021
Fit with charging leads and atmosphere- but lacking a fitting narrative- Love Hard is more good than bad- but it also could have been a lot more. For a while now I have been a huge fan of comedian Jimmy O. Yang and i'm so glad he finally got the leading man role he deserves. The guy just radiates charisa, along with his charismatic co-star Nina Dobrev who plays our lead character- both with perfect chemistry along the way. The film is well paced and entertaining all the way through, but the script suffers some major issues throughout and doesn't seem to know what to do with its interesting premise. There are a handful of corny moments, predictable moments, and it follows a pretty standard formula in the end. But overall, its charm and lead actors make the film better than the sum of its parts, and make it worth at the very least a one time watch. In the end, I hope to see both Dobrev and Yang in more films of this type in the future, and i'm optimistic for what the future holds for both of their blossoming careers. Its a romantic film with some subpar moments, and maybe that's all it needs to be.

My Rating: 6.2/10.
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7/10
Run of the mill, but a great one at that
AscendeSuperius8 November 2021
Using the backstory of getting catfished, it sets the scene for yet another Christmas feel good romance. Suffice to say, it was nothing special, after the countless Christmas feel good romance that have come out over the years, it isn't much that sets it apart. But what can be seen as a bane is in fact a boon. This trope is a classic, and hey, for a Christmas feel good romance, it still does the trick, giving that flutter in your heart, the dreaminess in your head, and a warmth you feel in your bones, making yourself smile like a fool. Unlike the title, Love Hard, is not a title that is hard to love.
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8/10
Very understated, wholesome and honest Christmas movie. Heartwarmingly recommended.
AristarchosTheArchivist5 November 2021
I don't usually like Christmas movies, but this one is pretty great. It has something that is lacking in many other movies: Honest feelings, no kitsch, good-hearted humor. It's not a romp and there's no gross-out stuff, just a beautiful romance. The story has been done in numerous ways, but to do something like "Love Hard" deserves merit.

Highly recommeded for cuddling into a blanket with hot cocoa.
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7/10
Cute Christmas movie
Applecrumbless8 November 2021
Nina Dobrev and Darren Barnet are the main reason why I wanna watch this movie. Well, everything is cute there. It's very light and easy to enjoy. I think it's just very entertaining Christmas movie.

But somehow there is a bit rush for the ending. I think it's mainly due to lack of chemistry between main casts so it feels like a forced happy ending. Well overall it is still cute though.
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Cute and cosy!
kreminal5 November 2021
Agh... It was funny, heart-warming, well paced but the leads lacked chemistry.. I felt like Nina would have had better chemistry with the big brother. Great movie for Christmas tho!
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5/10
Cute and fun minus the chemistry
aimtrain10216 November 2021
I usually like all these Netflix Christmas rom-coms, even if they're cliche and predictable. This script was good and so was the acting. Definitely had some actual lol moments. Story was good, but lack of chemistry made it a little weird. They had more of a friend vibe than romantic.
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8/10
Actually Good
aheaven200513 November 2021
A nice charming Christmas love atory that is modern and fun. The soundtrack is impressive with some good classics. There's also a lot of references to movies and other cultural items. I actually had a good time.
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7/10
Nice rom-com for the dating apps era.
vithiet22 November 2021
I don't really take this movie as a Christmas movie like some critics seem to think; this is just a nice little rom-com for the dating apps crowd. If you've never had to deal with online dating you might still understand the context but it hits even harder when you've actually experienced all of it. In the end, nothing exceptional but it has heart and I had a few good laughs, which is about as good as it can get for this type of movie!
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4/10
This Isn't Supposed to Be Good, I know
ryanpersaud-5941511 November 2021
The Good: I understand that the Christmas rom-com is a very unique genre; the more schmaltzy and sentimental, the better. Look, I can appreciate a bad Christmas movie and I would rarely "review" them, because I don't think they generally aspire to be anything more than cute, heart warming fare to get you in the mood for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

THAT ALL BEING SAID, Love Hard has some things going for it. Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O Yang are very funny people and have enough charisma and screen presence to carry forward despite the dreck script. I liked the set design of "Lake Placid," as a Christmas wonderland (I mean, what small American town isn't transformed into a Christmas wonderland in these movies, right?)

I also thought there was a fun, bouncy energy to this movie. The final scene at the steakhouse reminded me - weirdly - of Shiva Baby at times and I kinda dug it. The camerawork, editing, and Dobrev's fantastic charisma make the scene work.

The Bad: Okay, but yes, this is a BAD movie. Like really bad. Yang and Dobrev, whom I love individually and who have great chemistry as friends, have zilch as lovers. They fall in love because the script tells them to and even though WE ALL KNOW it's going to happen, it feels like the ending we're getting because we have to.

The movie's morality is also quite questionable; why is Dobrev made to feel like the bad guy when Yang is the one who catfished her, pressured her into faking a proposal, and put her in this awkward position with his family? Again, it's because the filmmakers wanted to "subvert" expectations and not because it's anything that naturally develops from the film.

Like most Christmas movies, this one comes with a cast of "wacky" side characters who are about the most unashamedly clichéd people you could imagine. You got the local hunk, the shameless editor boss, the innocent Grandma, the working class Dad with a heart of gold...all the uninspired characters are here.

The Ugly: There's a lot to nitpick here; I like how Lake Placid (an actual place) is so small that they apparently have 1 Uber and Lyft driver and everyone seems to know each other, yet this is a town with MULTIPLE rock climbing venues and a massive steakhouse. Jimmy's father and grandmother don't have accents, but Jimmy clearly does. There's an awful looking bobsledding scene that looks purposefully bad...but I digress.
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