Country at Heart (2020 TV Movie) User Reviews

Above average but didn't quite make it to rewatchable.

[rebekahrox · 7/10 · 4 October 2020]

I am a Niall Matter fan and a Jessy Schram fan so this had a little bit more going for it. Add a plot that is a bit off the usual template, and it should have been a big winner. It wasn't. But it was definitely above average. The Lucas Bryant plot line was interesting and added a bit of suspense. Was he going to be even a bigger jerk than he started off as, or would he turn over a new leaf? An 8 star and above Hallmark, for me, is one I will watch again. This did not earn that 8th star. Perhaps it was the lack of humor. Lack of focus? Lack of a really bad villain or real charm in the characters. The characters were lack-luster. Not talking about the actors.

And one more thing. Jessy is a TERRIBLE singer. But I seem to be in the minority opinion there. When she was doing her audition, I thought they were making her bad on purpose for the plot. But nope. Niall wasn't great either, but he wasn't really supposed to be.

A really good lovely film to watch!!!

[chloegalley · 7/10 · 10 January 2021]

Country at Heart ( Love Song ) is 2020 Hallmark Romance drama. A struggling country singer meets Nashville songwriter in need of inspiration. Starring Jessy Schram, Niall Matter and Lucas Bryant. What a beautiful story with lovely country western music in. The story telling was very believable it was not rushed and was directed very well. Jessy and Niall played the characters really well and certainly had the love, romance and chemistry there. In fact all the cast were good. One of the best Hallmark films I have watched very light hearted with beautiful music in and is very up lifting. It was that good I would definitely watch it again everything about this movie was perfect I was so surprised on how good this was. So if you like a really good uplifting light hearted romance and you like music then this your film you won't be disappointed it's truly a lovely movie to watch with family or friends. Don't leave it to long it's currently streaming on Netflix right now. Get watching

This could've been great.

[kuna16-423-376882 · 6/10 · 19 October 2020]

This movie had a great story, great actors and terrible writing. I so wanted to like this one but the movie didn't flow and the conversations were awkward most of the time.

Probably 2nd best HLMK movie .....still way behind A Country Wedding

[fxaxrx · 6/10 · 4 October 2020]

Overall this was a good movie. The movie had a story and plot while the actors portrayed their characters honestly. The surprise of the movie was the singing. Jessie proved she can aptly carry a tune from start to finish. Lucas and Niall ably carried their musical performances. Now for the weaknesses of the movie. 1. Was a romance a consideration for the movie between Grady and Shayna? At times Grady looked confused, do I like her or mentor her? Grady's expressions were at best like a dog comically turning its head from side to side figuring something out. 2. Did Grady have to reveal to Shayna about the stolen songwriting credit? She wasn't helping out for credit since the record label required Grady to crank one out for Duke. 3. Who was Duke Sterling? Was he a big music star who was shallow or a humble music star? He straddled between the following: 1. Hurt by Grady 2. Upset at Grady 3. Does he want to help Shayna etc etc. The only time Duke was authentic and not confusing was singing.

Like I said, it was a good movie in spite of some movie flaws.

So the lead female,was actually singing?

[ts-0000 · 5 October 2020]

If so there was times,it felt as though she was lip syncing. Sure it probably was to her studio recordings for sound purposes,but still felt artificial & off. Not sure how a decision is made on casting,but if it's a movie on singing & so forth.. You can't find actors that not only look good on screen,but have the talent for selling you on the storyline? Have liked these actors previous,just feel the movie could of been great. So far.. This years Fall movies,haven't been worthy.

Charming country

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 31 March 2022]

Expectations were mixed here. Music is a big part of my life and this is the sort of story that is relatable to me. While country is not my favourite style of music, there is still a lot of love for it. Jessy Schram and Niall Matter have both been good in other things, Matter has given very few bad performances. Hallmark do vary though when it comes to their music-related stories and the previous two 2020 Fall Harvest films did nothing for me.

'Country at Heart' turned out to be very worthwhile. It is the first good 2020 Fall Harvest film and is one of the best ones overall of the 2020 Fall Harvest films. It is among Hallmark's better music-related endeavours, both Schram and Matter are very well served where one can see their appeal and it certainly doesn't put me off country music. It is not quite one of Hallmark's 2020 output, but it is leagues away from being one of the worst. If anything it's in the high middle category.

It's not perfect. The lip sync tends to be off, and not just a little but very. Seeing the lip movements and music being so obviously out of sync for much of the film was rather distracting. Some of the dialogue is on the awkward side, especially early on.

Maybe it's on the slow side to begin with.

So much works in 'Country at Heart's' favour though. The best aspect is the music, which is just great. So infectiously uplifting and soothing on the ears, actually though Schram and Matter didn't fare too badly in the singing department. Not great but there has definitely been worse. Schram is like a ray of sunshine, while Matter is a subtle easy going contrast. Really liked their truly endearing chemistry, that amused, charmed and heart-warmed. Lucas Bryant was clearly having fun and his subplot is as equally interesting as the main plot.

Furthermore, it looks good. Especially the scenery. The script has some awkwardness but is suitably light-hearted, the rapport between the two leads made me smile. The story may be formulaic and not exactly original, but its energy, charm and ability to lift the spirits more than made up for that. Not to mention that it was to me easy to relate to. The ending is sweet and doesn't ring false.

Overall, well done and so much better than the previous two 2020 Fall Harvest Hallmark films. 7/10.

Mixed Feelings

[manfredpeter-09628 · 6/10 · 10 November 2023]

This is second time around with this movie. I liked it better the first time. This time I am reminded of some very annoying things in the writing. Jessie Schram's character is just too flaky. Is she supposed to be writing a song or what? She is so starstruck by Duke, it's cringe worthy. How old is she supposed to be? Time is of the essence supposedly but she continues to casually waste time with casual distractions. The music and Niall Matter are the best parts. Looking back, it is pretty much a lot of disconnected scenes. I suppose I am just in a bad mood because I see here that I previously reviewed this movie. Probably taken away by the music first time around.

Couldn't find someone who could sing?

[grahamjohnmichael · 2/10 · 5 October 2020]

Typical story, that is fine as that what makes Hallmark, well, Hallmark. But none of the three could sing a note, corny songs, at least try Hallmark.

For Once All the Characters Talk to Each Other

[mounthebron · 9/10 · 31 August 2021]

One of my on-going gripes about the Hallmark movies is they rely so often on some ridiculous misunderstanding because the characters never take the time to actually talk, or more importantly, listen to each other, unlike real life, and then story feels completely contrived and way too emotionally immature for people who are supposed to be grown-ups. This movie though actually goes to the trouble of making sure every character tells the others exactly what's going on in their head and even bothers to ask questions of the other characters to learn the truth, which is what real adults do. The male leads are even written to be complex instead of one-dimensional, where both are sometimes in the right, and sometimes in the wrong. In the end it's a well done movie script that is refreshingly honest. Even the love story portion is almost secondary to the story itself, which is an amazing departure from the norm. Ultimately Hallmark moved away from some of the same old cliched tropes and plots to write something that was new and enjoyable to watch beginning to end.

wish I could have given this movie negative stars

[taylornan · 1/10 · 4 October 2020]

This is the worse that I have ever tried to watch. Jessy Schram cannot sing at all and I can't believe that they did not have her lip sync the songs. It was so painful to watch that I fast forwarded thru the scenes where she was "singing" and I ended up turning it off at less than an hour in. I have watched other movies with Jessy Schram and Niall Matter and like both actors but this movie was a horrible.

Hallmark gets it right.

[savethewatchmaker · 10/10 · 6 October 2020]

After a string of subpar Hallmark movies, I expected nothing special from this movie, and ended up being seriously (and pleasantly) surprised. With their movies being very hit or miss lately, this movie is a total hit. The chemistry between the two leads is incredible, and I actively found myself both rooting for them and being excited for their inevitable romance. Jessy Schram and Niall Matter are also not only playing likable characters, but also playing them very believably.

Also a plus is that this movie at no point feels rushed. The romance takes its time, the story takes its time, and the character growth takes its time. A lot of background was set up in this movie without ever disturbing the forward flow of the plot, especially the turbulent relationship between superstar Duke and male protagonist Grady. (Speaking of Duke, I fully expected him to be an almost villianous caricature of an over-the-top character, but even he was well developed and was both relatable and likable.)

For once, I have no complaints for a Hallmark movie. I was just very impressed. Excited to watch this one again!

a let down

[msarajoy · 2/10 · 20 August 2022]

I love Hallmark movies and I love the 2 leads in this movie but in my opinion, there was no chemistry. The conversation between the 2 leads were awkward and I love country music but really did not love the music in this show which was tuneless, it wasn't foot tapping and it didn't tug at the heartstrings.

Very good movie

[delrioannie · 10/10 · 5 October 2020]

I have seen this movie three times now. It really good, the scenery was beautiful. Niall Matter is one of my favorite , he and Jessy Schram were wonderful together. Lucas Bryant was really good on his part . The movie is relaxing and the story is nice.

Refreshing plot from Hallmark!

[bwpkap-30220 · 10/10 · 7 October 2020]

Love the plot line and that there isn't really a bad guy. Yes there is tension and a friendship that has been strained, but both of them are still good guys. Great songs and singing too!

Well that makes a change...

[darronboden · 8/10 · 27 February 2021]

Woman returns to her hometown but.... doesn't open a candle shop or a bakery and big plus....Wait for it.........it's not Christmas either! Watchable but still predictable. There's far worse out there

One Of The Best For 2020 on Hallmark.

[dellataxes-38677 · 10/10 · 14 October 2020]

Loved the movie! Can not get enough of the singing! The actors are three of my favorites, but Lucas Bryant is a fantastic actor. He delivers every time. I have seen him in Haven, and all his movies that are G-rated, and whatever the character is, Lucas brings it to life. He is a charmer as well. Far superior to Hallmark's regular actors. Just having Lucas in this movie made it great. Have already watched 5 times!

Great Movie!!! Great love story!!!

[beategajda · 10/10 · 1 November 2020]

I discovered that Movie two weeks ago. Since the first time I watched it, I watch it every day over and over again. I love the cast, I Love the story, I just love everything about it. Hope the story will be continued!!!

Great performances all round!

[carolynwestbrook · 10/10 · 29 December 2020]

I love this movie!

The chemistry between Grady (Niall Matter) and Shayna (Jessy Schram) is fabulous but the chemistry between Shayna and superstar, Duke Sterling (Lucas Bryant) is also fabulous so it is difficult to know how it will end. I really liked Lucas Bryant's character and I thought he played the role really well. I am a huge Niall Matter fan but this movie has also turned me into a big Lucas Bryant and Jessy Schram fan. I also love all the music, brilliantly performed by Jessy, Niall and Lucas, so much so that I would actually like to hear much more music by these guys ... maybe in a sequel?? Well done to everyone involved! It is an excellent movie!

An actual film storyline from Hallmark

[suzanne-iovaldi · 10/10 · 4 October 2020]

Easily one of the better plots and storylines from Hallmark. This had depth and the actors were great with chemistry!

The MUSIC makes this work!

[kristindwebb-87737 · 8/10 · 17 October 2020]

Been a fan of the lead actress since her teen days acting in the 'Jane Doe' series as the teenager daughter. Knew she was aspiring talented singer and pleased she was selected for a lead in a singing role. Lucas Bryant was excellent as Duke Sterling; broad range of talent and convincing in this role as the brooding country singing star! Niall Mater has become a fav actor over past several years; however, took a while to be convinced he could pull off this role. Had no idea he could sing! The songs made this movie; I wanted to download the music! Well done!! Unfortunately, sound editing and dubbing were not in sync with actors singing and I that found distracting. Even watched on replay evening, hoping it was a flaw of 'opening night'! Sadly, no! But, the melodies and lyrics of songs still engaging and aided carriage of movie plot. Fun to see the exercise of crafting a hit tune; very realistic! Greatly appreciated have a moral issue to resolve plot and characters demonstrated integrity and loyalty. In these diverse challenging times, it was encouraging and edifying to see high character traits displayed! WTG, Hallmark! Thank you for an original plot for a change and talented acting cast!

Hallmark can still do it!

[sailingStu · 10/10 · 5 October 2020]

After a couple of real duds, this one delivers good Hallmark entertainment. A believable plot with nice chemistry between the two leading characters. Jesse Schram has progressed nicely from child star to leading lady. She's one of the best in Hallmark's group of female stars.

One of the best Hallmark movies in a while

[timhds · 8/10 · 4 October 2020]

My wife and I have watched over 130 Hallmark movies, and this was one of the best we've seen in a while. Nice original music, great acting, good chemistry between all the actors. Nice work Hallmark.

Sing

[Jackbv123 · 10/10 · 4 October 2020]

I've said before that I love this kind of movie when performance quality artists get to sing a lot. And this movie is a great one for Jessy Schram. I'll recuse myself about the two guys.

But in addition to her singing, Jessy Schram always brings a joy and energy to her Hallmark characters. She's a good enough actress that she can do the whole range, but for me it's that energy that makes her fun to watch. There is contagious excitement seeing Shayna get excited and her fans feeding it in her.

The story is not to hard to figure out. I was following on Twitter and major plot developments were called out (predicted) simultaneously by several people at once. Maybe a twist I didn't see coming at the end. And there is a bit of the early parts of Star is Born but with two veterans finding the newcomer.

Niall Matter and Jessy Schram have definite chemistry.

Shayna Judson (Jessy Schram)

[aab874 · 10/10 · 16 November 2020]

Favorite scene with

Shayna (Jessy Schram) - Giving Duke the song/Duet that Grady put his name on, and getting a second chance to audition.

Love this movie

[hmstargazer · 10/10 · 23 January 2021]

This movie hits home for me on many levels.

I just love everything about it. The characters are believable and loving. The music is great, and the storyline amazing. The casting is perfect. Great job everyone.

I knew that Lucas and Jessy could sing and both very well; but Niall surprised me. I thought all three leads were great, love all their voices. They all sound great either solo or together. Maybe they could do an album together one day. I would love to be around for that amazing show.

Had this movie ended differently this could be my life story.

Great movie don't miss it!!!