Sweet Surrender

One of so many Hallmark films, superficial, nice and predictable. An inn in financial problems. A nephew and his late grandmother. The huge pressure, the romance and the difficult decision. And, sure, the solution. Enough for fans. So, not easy to define it as good or bad. Only nice , first for the performance of Arielle Kebbel. In rest, romance in huge portions, fake drama and Jonathan Benett in a sketch of role..

Too much rehash of overused plot lines. I'm so tired of save-the-family-_____ (B&B). One of the leads isn't sticking around. Misunderstood scene witnessed through the window. Can't take a chance because I was burned in the past (Bethany). And on and on.

Too much of cardboard villains. The acting is bad in general, but especially the two villains. I usually like to see Arielle Kebbel, but she really disappointed me in this one. It didn't seem like she believed in the part she was playing.

Too predictable resolution. I was so hoping they weren't going to pull this likewise cliché resolution to the B&B's problems. But they did. Almost straight out of one of the most classic movies of all time except no tinkling bell. And you knew dad was going to get involved somehow. But it was all done so poorly.

Too much lame dialogue.

Too much going on at one time. The story was all over the place and transitions were clumsy. The romance is rushed too much.

Too sappy. And I like sappy.

I've really poured on the criticism , but if you can overlook some of these things, especially the predictable and reused plot lines, there's a nice love story, even if it's rushed.

The only thing I have to add to the previous reviews is to ask how is the 4 lane highway that is going through Grandma's bed and breakfast (or at least along the border) going to affect the beauty and ambiance and romance of Grandma's "legacy?" More than the usual suspension of disbelief is required to swallow this one. Still, it's not too bad thanks to the actors.

Although IMDb says it is a Drama, Family and Romance movie, there was some great comedy in it as well. It was very real and touching. The acting was exceptional by Adam Mayfield. He made it seem genuine. Arielle Kebbel is cute and plays an awesome police officer. When the Mayor requests her into her office to ask her what should have clearly been some personal questions that were none of her business, I would have written something a bit more 'in-your-face' to the Mayor such as 'And why do you believe my personal life affairs are any of your business?' And then they never got back to the sewer and plumbing repairs for closure. I guess the money they raised was enough to cover that as well?? So those are the only two things I would have changed if I were the writer. Otherwise, excellent Hallmark film!