Junebug

A children's book editor, who really wants to be a writer, but isn't, "runs into" a very talented muralist.

At about the same time, her "eight year old self" shows up in her life. The little girl that plays that role is awesome!

The lead actress breaks up with the predictable, regular steady guy and goes out on a limb with the new muralist Illustrator. They begin to do a book together.

BTW Hallmark is putting the first kiss earlier and earlier into their movies.

Of course, the arc of the plot has to have a disappointing moment, and this one does.

This is funny, Hartfelt, and inspiring. I recommend you give it a try.

Junebug Review

The noted playwright Paddy Chayefsky wrote for Hallmark Hall of Fame. Today's Hallmark Channel is moving away from mushy romcoms and putting out some mature films. Junebug, a 5-year endeavor by the multi-talented actor and producer Autumn Reeser, recently came to the screen. Her project was well worth the effort.

Reeser's acting range is broad, from serious drama to films like this, slapstick with a touch of poignancy. She's an intelligent artist and this film demonstrates her talents. Her screen partner, Aaron O'Connell, is a good match and there is definite chemistry here. The screenplay is very solid with a crisp dialogue. The young effervescent Mila Jones adds joy to the cast.

It must be mentioned that Autumn Reeser shines with a talent for cometic timing (See her film I do, I do). She as well as the audience is having fun. Yet, the film is a fable, and has serious undertones. Rediscovering the lost child in a person so they can move on with a fuller life. Not easy to pull off these days. The photography is beautiful as is always, Autumn Reeser. A pleasure to watch her again and again. The cast, crew, writers, and producers all deserve kudos.

Love Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Connell is okay, so wanted to check this out. Read an article that it took Autumn five years to get this made, so thought it would be something special. As I watched, I had the feeling I'd seen this before. Did a little digging and, sure enough, If You Believe was the original. I remember enjoying that film with Ally Walker and Hayden Panettiere. Junebug changed some details, but not enough to make this film original or warrant a five year production cycle, in my opinion. Autumn is always great and has wonderful chemistry with any scene partner, so if you're a fan of Hallmark movies you'll like this one. I recommend you watch the movie it's based on as that one was really good.

I always enjoyed Autumn Reeser in her movies on Hallmark. She always brings a freshness and realness to her characters . This movie was no exception . And Aaron O'Connell has a naturalness on camera and he's very handsome to look at.

This movie was very enjoyable. The two leads had a wonderful chemistry and the young actor playing the child Junebug was adorable and talented. I also love the actor playing the café employee. I have seen them in a few other roles on Hallmark. They really need to be included in many more.

The scenery was beautiful. The whole movie gives you a warm, cozy feeling, and puts a smile on your face.

I initially thought the kid was going to be a real turnoff, but she ended up being more endearing than I expected. The film is really saved by the chemistry between Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Connell. The overall story is ok, but the romance is the reason to watch.

A shout out to the parents in this film...I kind of liked their kooky and cohesive unit.

Now my Seattle rant, while I love that Hsllmark wants to set these films in Seattle and uses some stock footage along with a couple name drops to solidify their "location"...it is so blatantly obvious that it isn't actually Seattle. As someone who lived on Capital Hill for more than two decades, I can spot a fake from a mile away. Why not set the film in Canada if you are going to shoot it there? Would anyone really care? Or...and here is a novel concept why not actually set it in Seattle if you are going to say it is Seattle, pay the money, bite the bullet and film it in Seattle.