The plot wasn't anything much. It follows the usual formula:1) successful career-woman with useless boyfriend gets fired and goes back to small hometown to recharge. 2) Meets Old boyfriend she has been avoiding for 10 years due to misunderstanding. 3) 2 interfering mothers, sensible father 3) A festival is saved after the 2 exes are forced to work together. 4) they fall in love again only to have another blow-up which sends heroine back to the big city with terrible boyfriend. 5) they come to their senses and re-unite for a happy ending. Not to mention: 6) black actors relegated to the best friend zone.
So why does this get high marks from me? The Acting and Appeal and Chemistry of Bethany Joy Lenz and Luke McFarlane. Luke has long been a favorite of mine and they both breathe life and humor into unremarkable lines that in less talented actors' hands would result in a snooze-worthy cookie-cutter romance. The 2 love scenes were emotional and steamy, especially the slow dance near the end. Their break-up was tense and sad, and in-between, they were funny both together and apart. The end scene was cheesy in the extreme but at least it didn't end with the smooch and some loose ends were tied up.
30 Reviews
Watched this during troubling times
monklinda-701696 September 2020
Bethany Joy Lenz and Luke MacFarlane - great actors - great movie
jewhitmer253 August 2021
I always enjoy Bethany Joy Lenz and Luke MacFarlane in HM movies, I know they will always give a good performance.
If you haven't seen Bethany in The Christmas Secret you need to put it on your wish list, it's my favorite.
As for Luke, he has done such a good job in many movies that I don't really have a favorite. If Luke MacFarlane is in a movie you know he will give you his best performance.
This was a pretty basic HM movie, no surprises.
It's a Valentine movie so no snow ball fights.
The script is pretty good for a formula movie, I really enjoyed it.
The supporting actors were all great, so kudos to the entire cast.
My advice - watch the movie, it's fun.
If you haven't seen Bethany in The Christmas Secret you need to put it on your wish list, it's my favorite.
As for Luke, he has done such a good job in many movies that I don't really have a favorite. If Luke MacFarlane is in a movie you know he will give you his best performance.
This was a pretty basic HM movie, no surprises.
It's a Valentine movie so no snow ball fights.
The script is pretty good for a formula movie, I really enjoyed it.
The supporting actors were all great, so kudos to the entire cast.
My advice - watch the movie, it's fun.
Isn't Valentines Day in February?
rscawley25 August 2021
Matchmaking moms come to the rescue in this second chance romance.
cgvsluis2 May 2023
Natalie returns home after being fired from her reality tv hosting job. While her director boyfriend scouts for a new gig, Natalie's mom together with Natalie's ex-fiancé's mom cook up a plan to try to reunite these former lovebirds by forcing them to work on the town's big Valentine's dance event.
The event has an auction that Natalie and Zach have to not only put on together but cultivate the items for...and they have a puppy kissing booth!!!! (That is such an adorable idea and would be a great fundraiser!)
The most romantic scene in this second chance hallmark romance is this beautifully crafted dance between Natalie and Zach at the Valentine's dance. It was the most lovely scene in the film. What makes this film is the love and support of the moms.
The event has an auction that Natalie and Zach have to not only put on together but cultivate the items for...and they have a puppy kissing booth!!!! (That is such an adorable idea and would be a great fundraiser!)
The most romantic scene in this second chance hallmark romance is this beautifully crafted dance between Natalie and Zach at the Valentine's dance. It was the most lovely scene in the film. What makes this film is the love and support of the moms.
A Valentine's Match
studioAT13 February 2023
Hallmark films are a very subjective thing, with every one liking the formula delivered in a certain way.
Personally I liked this film. I'm on a run of watching a few duds from the channel, so really did enter into this one with added enthusiasm, and felt it delivered.
Bethany Joy Lenz tends to be able to make her characters highly strung and yet likeable, and delivers on that again her, while Luke Macfarlane does a nice line in puppy dog looks.
All in all for me this hit all the right notes, and was a good example of a Hallmark film to watch before Valentine's Day.
It seems that I am in the minority though.
Personally I liked this film. I'm on a run of watching a few duds from the channel, so really did enter into this one with added enthusiasm, and felt it delivered.
Bethany Joy Lenz tends to be able to make her characters highly strung and yet likeable, and delivers on that again her, while Luke Macfarlane does a nice line in puppy dog looks.
All in all for me this hit all the right notes, and was a good example of a Hallmark film to watch before Valentine's Day.
It seems that I am in the minority though.
Great movie
dianamarinelli27 November 2020
What a great movie . I notice Bethany does a lot of hallmark movie I'm not complaining. She really does a good job in these hall markntype of movies and her talent is so underrated. Anyways the movie was great her and the lead guy had wonderful chemistry and the acting was so believable
Above average Hallmark
SunnyDaise1 April 2021
There's plenty of the usual Hallmark checklist items in the movie, but a few new twists raise it above many (for example the last two scenes as well as the 'best friend' being a new acquaintance). The plot and characters could easily be built on so they should do a sequel. The young married couple could also have a movie of their own, maybe a prequel. Either way, there's a lot of cross-generational fun to be had.
Melodrama
sarajimi17 February 2020
This might've been cuter if the main characters were in high school but they aren't. The main characters are so immature, it's hard to believe they are adults. The mothers are so obviously manipulative yet the two leads seem oblivious to it. Most of it was so over acted that it would have worked as a silent film.
Definite good watch
angelicsk200115 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I love Hallmark movies but it has been a while since I've really laughed and enjoyed one like this. Yes, it has the same old same old storyline however the swing in the characters' life choices, where they ended up and how they came back to one another were somewhat creative.
There were some really nice comical scenes like when Natalie tried to exit the Hardware store at the beginning. The dancing scene in the barn was so sweet and romantic....I loved it! And when Zack tried to apologise a of couple times but got interrupted was a great spin....loved that too!
I was really engaged with this movie. I am a fan of Bethany Joy's and Luke's performances so watching this match up was exciting. There was nice chemistry between them. I wouldn't mind if they did another movie together.
This is definitely tagged as one of my favourite Hallmark movies that will be watched over and over.
There were some really nice comical scenes like when Natalie tried to exit the Hardware store at the beginning. The dancing scene in the barn was so sweet and romantic....I loved it! And when Zack tried to apologise a of couple times but got interrupted was a great spin....loved that too!
I was really engaged with this movie. I am a fan of Bethany Joy's and Luke's performances so watching this match up was exciting. There was nice chemistry between them. I wouldn't mind if they did another movie together.
This is definitely tagged as one of my favourite Hallmark movies that will be watched over and over.
Where does this movie take place?
pmtilton-8805110 February 2022
It seems that this movie takes place in Oregon (we see the plane landing at Portland International Airport when Natalie returns home). But is there a Hudson Valley in Oregon? Many times during the movie we see the sign on the barn that says "Hudson Valley's 25th Annual Valentine's Day Festival". Excuse me, but the Hudson Valley is in New York, just north of New York City.
Love it!!
scottkenneth-0602117 March 2020
One of the better Hallmark movies
lmgannon23 June 2020
A Valentine's Match was a pleasant surprise after the last few really bad Hallmark movies I have watched. These days it seems like a struggle to be able to even tolerate half of them, especially the newer ones. This movie was well acted and had a few touching scenes. Even though it was the usual done-a-hundred-times-before plot, I really enjoyed all of the characters and thought it was well put together.
Nice movie
kevcampbell9 February 2020
Not for me
Becky14511 February 2020
I found the main female character to be completely annoying the entire movie. I don't know if this was Bethany's interpretation or if she was told to present this way. All the other characters and acting were great. I think it's the first time where I was hoping the couple would not get back together. I felt like she didn't deserve him for many reasons. I saw no chemistry between them. Halfway through, I wanted to give up but I decided to watch to see where the storyline went. The ending was just weird. I would not watch again. The best part was the Shihtzu puppies. Oh and her lashes were waaaay too much for daytime scenes which was 99% of the movie. They were party scene lashes. I couldn't help but notice them throughout the whole movie because they were so out of place and large. You couldn't miss them.
A Romance Dance?
ppetretich-12 February 2020
Old relationship between the old "friend" has a chance to be renewed? Their mothers try to pick bring them together again. She left town he stayed so they lost something. What makes this interesting is how they go around and around, dancing around their past? The story is well paced, wait until the end!
Romance, high school couple reunited, antique picking
ilovefreddiem14 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Hallmark is my escape from reality. The love and romance that always has a happy ending. A few sweet kisses here and there. Hand holding. Bethany J. L and Luke M made a cute couple. Good chemistry. Bethany almost always plays the girl with a bold personality protecting her heart. So, I know what to expect. My favorite movies of hers are with Andrew Walker. They have great chemistry. I always like the movies where the high school sweethearts find each other again. It's a nice dream I think a lot of us ladies have. And how nice to have a mom who wants you to find love and to be happy. Usually a kind, caring Dad also hoping the same. The plots are similar and I always know which one I am in the mood for. Their Valentine's dance in this movie, with the music playing, which fit so well, was sweet and romantic. You could imagine them back in high school at the Homecoming dance. I always like the endings where they both go looking for the other and both end up at the same place or when one returns and surprises the other. Anyway. If you watch Hallmark it's not to do a lot of thinking it's just to relax, enjoy a romance that can cheer you up and improve your mood. I liked the very end of this movie. I thought it was funny and an original one. So silly but what the heck.
A valentine's mismatch
TheLittleSongbird17 March 2022
Really wanted to like 'A Valentine's Match' a lot more. The story is very familiar ground formula wise, but the premise sounded cute. Have also liked Bethany Joy Lenz and Luke Macfarlane in many other things, while finding the filmographies of both hit and miss both of them are very likeable actors that can never be accused of phoning in. Also have nothing against Hallmark, far from it, though they have always been wildly variable (especially their Christmas output).
'A Valentine's Match' did have some potential, but it never lives up to it. It lacks charm, is too overdone on the goofiness factor, it feels tired and it was very difficult to connect with the characters despite the efforts of the cast. Despite how all that sounds, 'A Valentine's Match' is not a complete dud and has its good things, but those good things are too far outweighed by the bad, and the worst of the bad things are very bad indeed. It is not one of the worst 2020 Hallmark films, but it only just about avoids being down there.
There are good things. The scenery is beautiful, almost always a given with Hallmark, and is nicely photographed. There are a few amusing and touching moments and glimpses of sweet chemistry.
Macfarlane is the best actor in the film, he is easy going and nicely subtle.
However, a lot is wrong. Lenz's character is agreed over the top annoying and she tries too hard to make her work, as a result the performance comes over as over-compensated and exaggerated (not like her at all). The rest of the cast also overact shamelessly and the supporting characters are caricatures with nothing whatsoever appealing about them, a notable example being the overdone manipulation. Macfarlane's character is the only character with any degree of likeability, but eventually he gets dull. He and Lenz have no chemistry together on the whole.
Furthermore, the script goes well overboard on the juvenile and exaggerated comedy, which is generally not all funny and feels forced. There is also too much of it and any charm and heart is generally lost. The story is very old-hat and has absolutely nothing new to it, also found it very bland and silly. The ending is too neat and leaves one exasperated. The direction is merely workmanlike if even that and there is nothing memorable or fitting about the music.
Overall, pretty mediocre. 4/10.
'A Valentine's Match' did have some potential, but it never lives up to it. It lacks charm, is too overdone on the goofiness factor, it feels tired and it was very difficult to connect with the characters despite the efforts of the cast. Despite how all that sounds, 'A Valentine's Match' is not a complete dud and has its good things, but those good things are too far outweighed by the bad, and the worst of the bad things are very bad indeed. It is not one of the worst 2020 Hallmark films, but it only just about avoids being down there.
There are good things. The scenery is beautiful, almost always a given with Hallmark, and is nicely photographed. There are a few amusing and touching moments and glimpses of sweet chemistry.
Macfarlane is the best actor in the film, he is easy going and nicely subtle.
However, a lot is wrong. Lenz's character is agreed over the top annoying and she tries too hard to make her work, as a result the performance comes over as over-compensated and exaggerated (not like her at all). The rest of the cast also overact shamelessly and the supporting characters are caricatures with nothing whatsoever appealing about them, a notable example being the overdone manipulation. Macfarlane's character is the only character with any degree of likeability, but eventually he gets dull. He and Lenz have no chemistry together on the whole.
Furthermore, the script goes well overboard on the juvenile and exaggerated comedy, which is generally not all funny and feels forced. There is also too much of it and any charm and heart is generally lost. The story is very old-hat and has absolutely nothing new to it, also found it very bland and silly. The ending is too neat and leaves one exasperated. The direction is merely workmanlike if even that and there is nothing memorable or fitting about the music.
Overall, pretty mediocre. 4/10.
Love lost via communication blunders
MickyG33326 January 2023
7.9 stars.
Same old repetitive story of soulmates that failed to communicate, so they parted ways...Now she is back in town and the old love is rekindled.
Does this scenario ever happen to real people? Do people throw it all away for some strange sense of pride, or because they don't want to hold back the other person from pursuing their dreams, or miscommunication of epic proportions?
Why did the lead male apparently head for the hills and leave her wondering what happened for years to come? These questions and more will be answered if you watch. Welcome to Hallmark trope #5.
This match up is one of the best combinations of leads I could hope for. Bethany Joy Lenz is one of my all-time favorite females, and Luke MacFarlane one of my favorite male leads.
The writing and directing were out of whack in 'A Valentine's Match'. Something was missing in the timing and dialogue. I have to blame the director, who else can I? Both leads made the best of what they were given. The chemistry between them is real, and the change of Lenz' character from whiny and shrill to calm and centered was perfectly executed. As soon as they return to being friends, and are on good terms, her personality makes a drastic shift. He is a very quiet and troubled man, but his transformation is also noticeable, although not as profound.
I feel it was rushed and could have been more polished, but at least the leads have passion, good interactions, great body language.
In case you are wondering, my top ten female leads for Hallmark are: Bethany Joy Lenz, Taylor Cole, Jen Lilley, Kimberley Sustad, Ashley Williams, Merritt Patterson, Emilie Ullerup, Aimee Teegarden, Jessica Lowndes, and Rachael Leigh Cook. To qualify for my top ten, the actress must appear in several movies. But I have several more women I really love, honorable mentions go to: Eloise Mumford, Erin Cahill, Nikki Deloach, Autumn Reeser, and Cindy Busby. And sadly there are those who rarely grace the screen but would be in my top ten: Mallory Jansen, Brooke Nevin, Scottie Thompson, and Katrina Law.
Same old repetitive story of soulmates that failed to communicate, so they parted ways...Now she is back in town and the old love is rekindled.
Does this scenario ever happen to real people? Do people throw it all away for some strange sense of pride, or because they don't want to hold back the other person from pursuing their dreams, or miscommunication of epic proportions?
Why did the lead male apparently head for the hills and leave her wondering what happened for years to come? These questions and more will be answered if you watch. Welcome to Hallmark trope #5.
This match up is one of the best combinations of leads I could hope for. Bethany Joy Lenz is one of my all-time favorite females, and Luke MacFarlane one of my favorite male leads.
The writing and directing were out of whack in 'A Valentine's Match'. Something was missing in the timing and dialogue. I have to blame the director, who else can I? Both leads made the best of what they were given. The chemistry between them is real, and the change of Lenz' character from whiny and shrill to calm and centered was perfectly executed. As soon as they return to being friends, and are on good terms, her personality makes a drastic shift. He is a very quiet and troubled man, but his transformation is also noticeable, although not as profound.
I feel it was rushed and could have been more polished, but at least the leads have passion, good interactions, great body language.
In case you are wondering, my top ten female leads for Hallmark are: Bethany Joy Lenz, Taylor Cole, Jen Lilley, Kimberley Sustad, Ashley Williams, Merritt Patterson, Emilie Ullerup, Aimee Teegarden, Jessica Lowndes, and Rachael Leigh Cook. To qualify for my top ten, the actress must appear in several movies. But I have several more women I really love, honorable mentions go to: Eloise Mumford, Erin Cahill, Nikki Deloach, Autumn Reeser, and Cindy Busby. And sadly there are those who rarely grace the screen but would be in my top ten: Mallory Jansen, Brooke Nevin, Scottie Thompson, and Katrina Law.
Stop the music!!
a-ross1-941-92707821 January 2022
I usually enjoy the Hallmark stuff as a distraction, and like Lenz in a lot of other stuff but this one s so trite ..... I couldn't get 15 minutes into this without being TOTALLY annoyed by the incessant background music.
In Oregon??
jentealphoto15 March 2020
Was just ok
LtlHippo5 February 2020
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