6.8 stars.
I had to say it, ha ha. This is a run o' the mill made in the cookie factory story. Yes, the leads were stupendous, the story was nice, and the chemistry wasn't bad. What was lacking? Maybe the writing. I'm not sure what was missing to be honest... All the people were great, the whole idea of large corporation buying out small-town company to the demise of small town who relies on said company... All was good, and again I can't put a finger on what was missing. It's about the x-factor, where is the deep emotion that should be evoked? I'm looking for great anticipation, super-charged solve an existential problem, save a relationship... all hands on deck. It was not there.
I had an average experience. I'm sad to admit it, because the sets were great, the music was great, the cinematography was fantastic. I WANT to want to see this again next year, but alas I don't FEEL the wonderment.
The side story with the "fiancé" was clunky at best. Either drop it, or develop it, but don't give us a second-rate effort at whatever that represents. The moment of closure she pours her heart out, that was nice and raised my rating a little. I didn't dislike the guy, rather I felt kinda sorry for him. The flop was in making him a martyr. He was a gallant man and didn't deserve being shrugged off. I think they were dating for a long time, and he's thrown out with the garbage? Clumsy.
The final scene and speech brought some tears, worth a bit more on the star-meter.
