Roadhouse Romance (2021 TV Movie) User Reviews

Lauren and Lockheart

[rebekahrox · 7/10 · 15 September 2021]

This was very enjoyable thanks to the charisma and southern charm of Lauren Alaina and her chemistry with Tyler Hynes. The plot wasn't much, but I do love a fish out of water story and two loves being from different worlds. Lauren is back home from her stint in the army and is upset to find that things haven't stayed the same as when she left her small southern town or Lockheart Tennesee. Her boyfriend has found someone else, and her family's charming barbecue roadhouse is on the verge of failure. If that weren't enough, her dead grandfathers barbecue sauce recipe has been lost and they now use store bought(!!!) Because it's Hallmark, only a festival can save them, but ticket sales have been slow. Enter Tyler Hynes as a Hollywood TV director who gets stuck in town while driving his girlfriends birthday present to her in Nashville. Tyler's gradual thawing to the ways of a small southern town, and coming to appreciate Lauren, was involving. The shallow girlfriend threatening from the background kept up the tension and suspense.

Unfortunately, the conclusion left a lot of loose ends and questions. Bad girlfriend agreed to give the festival a social media push in exchange for Tyler directing her movie. She holds up her in end, but he welshes on the deal! Not Good. Another thing that bothered me was the dissonance between the plot and the theme. The moral of the story seemed to be that change brings good opportunities as well as sadness and disappointment. Yet instead of developing her own recipe for BBQ sauce, which would have symbolized moving forward and a fresh outlook she just finally finds her grandfathers. And finally, how are Tyler and Lauren going to make their relationship work when they live in different worlds? Will Lauren leave her small town to develop a singing career? Or will Tyler give up his successful profession to hang around Lockheart Tennessee? Neither option was given any time at all. Like Lauren's own BBQ sauce and Tyler's lack of integrity, it was left dying on the back burner.

Saving the roadhouse

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 10 May 2022]

'Roadhouse Romance' is the first Fall Harvest Hallmark film of 2021, in a year that was not a consistent or exactly great one but turned out to be a lot better than it could have been. All the previous seasonal blockings of 2021 were a mixed bag, especially the Summer Nights one. Another reason for seeing 'Roadhouse Romance' was for Tyler Hynes, he is one of those actors who has a hit and miss filmography but is nearly always one of the better aspects in all of them.

Which is the case here. 'Roadhouse Romance' is not one of the best Hallmark films of 2021, but it is also not one of the worst. Somewhere in the middle if anything and my feelings on it were mixed to fairly positive. It is not too bad a start for the 2021 Fall Harvest block and is above average. With a good deal of good things, a few not so good things and one big aspect that was very mixed. So not great, but a long way from terrible too.

It is a little bit of a slow starter and some of the dialogue in the early stages is awkward.

The ending is also on the too neat and contrived side and inexperience does show, sometimes badly, in some of Lauren Alaina's acting. Sometimes she is charming and easy to like, but at other times she is stiff and tries too hard.

Hynes however is his usual easy going and subtle self and he and Alaina do have a warm and sincere chemistry on the whole, though more caring mentor than romantic. The supporting cast are solid and the characters were not ones that bored or annoyed me.

The best aspect is the music, which is just great. So infectiously uplifting and soothing on the ears. 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.

Overall, decent. 6/10.

Uniform authenticity?

[damezz · 8/10 · 13 September 2021]

When Callie gets off the bus, I'm surprised that Hallmark wouldn't get a military consultant to check the authenticity of her uniform. No rank on hat or uniform, American flag wrong orientation, questionable patches, etc. Otherwise, I appreciated the emphasis on the VA.

Follows the Hallmark formula, cute movie set in Tenneesee.

[TxMike · 25 February 2022]

Set in Tennessee but filmed in Canada, as most Hallmark movies are, and filmed quickly over about 3 weeks in 2021.

For us the best part of this movie is seeing former American Idol contestant, country singer Lauren Alaina. She does three songs as part of the story and for us that was the best parts. She plays Callie who is coming home to her small Tennessee community after a military tour of duty. There is some hope she and her former boyfriend can reconnect but both have changed.

By stroke of fortune a movie man named Luke, aimed at directing a movie in Hawaii with his girlfriend as the star, has a car problem and gets stuck for a few days in the small town, leading up to its annual festival. The story gets a bit interesting with Callie's search for her deceased grandpa's secret BBQ sauce recipe. And as the stories are wrapped up this one takes a familiar path that all Hallmark movies take, and that is why they are all good, clean entertainment.

My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. There is an interesting 5-minute feature showing some of the "making of" cuteness.

Roadhouse Romance

[studioAT · 7/10 · 17 March 2022]

Tyler Hynes has a way of elevating the material he's given in Hallmark films, and this is no exception.

Lauren Alaina does well in her first Hallmark film, and there's some lovely moments here.

Funny, touching, the story holds up, and the leads have chemistry - all the ingredients needed for a good Hallmark film in my book.

Weak Story, But Enjoyed it!

[rkaden-28150 · 7/10 · 13 September 2021]

We liked this movie and were impressed with the job Lauren Alaina did. She seemed very natural. We hope Hallmark finds other parts for her. Tyler Hynes is one of our favorite Hallmark guys!

We watch Hallmark movies because of the feel good stories and this was no exception. I will admit, the story line is a bit weak but, overall we enjoyed the movie.

So enjoyable

[bhar944944 · 10/10 · 2 October 2021]

More Lauren Alaina, please. She is such a breath of fresh air, and I love seeing her in a Hallmark movie. I hope she gets more chances to light up the screen. I've been a big fan since Idol. What a beautiful voice. And Tyler Hynes is one of my all time favorite Hallmark guys. Keep casting him as much as possible! This was a cute and enjoyable movie.

Decent, but not memorable....

[jenrn-09722 · 7/10 · 12 September 2021]

This was typical Hallmark fare. Callie comes home, finds out her boyfriend has moved on while she was gone. She is broken up for about 5 minutes, then meets Luke and forgets she's depressed. There were a few unlikeable moments, like when she leaves Luke stranded on the side of the road because he asks her to stop and take a phone call. She stops and waits maybe 90 seconds and abandons him. So much for country hospitality. Made her very unlikeable at first and took a bit of time to feel sympathetic toward her again. There was no reason for her to take off and leave - she just shouldn't have stopped in the first place...was poor writing....

She spends the entire movie spouting her grandfather's wisdoms, but doesn't quite live up to them all the time - also poor writing. There was good relationship development between Callie and Luke, didn't push too fast or any stupid professions of love. The story could have done without all the side plots, though, there were quite a few that distracted at times. There was some decent chemistry between the leads, but some of Callie's "sass" just came off as snarky and rude. Lauren Alaina was mediocre for her first Hallmark attempt, hopefully she'll improve with time if they plan to cast her again. They chose Tyler Hynes to star opposite the singer-turned-actress because he's a strong actor and can make anyone look good. She has a great voice, but I'm weary of all the singing in the Hallmark movies lately - do they all have a "must sing a song" in their contracts? Better writing and original story lines would do a more effective job of attracting audiences and retaining them than all the singing....

Chemistry and dialogue

[Jackbv123 · 9/10 · 12 September 2021]

I will admit that Lauren Alaina has a ways to go in her acting ability. It's not horrible, but there are many times when you can tell that she is making an effort to deliver her lines or her expression rather than having it flow naturally.

But to say that she and Tyler Hines have no chemistry is going too far. For me the chemistry sizzled. The dialogue helped. When they are sparring at the beginning, it is fun rather than mean. Then it transitions into a friendship on the edge of romance which is only held back by the knowledge that he is already in a relationship. They educate one another in things that are new to the other and do it with obvious good will mixed with good natured teasing. I love watching relationships like this one.

Alaina has a spectacular voice. Hallmark has used a couple other ladies whose day job is singing and Alaina's voice is as good or better than each of them. I'm sorry we didn't hear more of "Run".

The only tension or conflict is the already existing relationship, but that's ok for me because I tend to be adverse to nasty conflict.

BBQ inspired courtship

[MickyG333 · 7/10 · 7 February 2023]

7.4 stars.

A Hollywood director/producer and his co-producer/assistant are on a road trip to deliver a classic car to his girlfriend, they get into a fender bender, and they are stuck in this little town in Tennessee for several weeks until it can be fixed. During his time in this podunk town, he has nothing better to do than fall in love with a military woman who is on leave (discharged?). This woman's mother and aunt run a Roadhouse.

The story is nice, the romance is very slow moving but it has a definite flair and is engaging. The plot is all too familiar, but has enough originality. Not often do we see a Hollywood producer as one of the characters. The military aspect is not the focus of this movie, she just happens to be home from her latest tour. The characters are likable, the script is good, the acting is good.

There is nothing extra special about "Roadhouse Romance" (for me), but it was fun. I recommend you give it a try, many people like this film, don't let me put a damper on it.

Couldn't get past the age difference...

[alar62 · 5/10 · 12 September 2021]

I know the writers used the movie reference bits to get around the age difference but Hines still seemed too old for her. Lauren Alaina's lack of acting experience didn't help either-she just seemed so over her head with the experienced cast. That being said Alaina's singing scenes-what little we got of them-were stellar and it boggles my mind they couldn't work her amazing talent into a better storyline. I mean, seriously, the whole storyline is about her granddad's special sauce. Geez.

I'm hoping Hallmark gives her another movie with a singing storyline and an actor her age because I think she has an honesty about her and given an opportunity she could shine.

Loved it!!

[jennyelaine-03685 · 10/10 · 19 September 2021]

In my opinion, this was one of the best Hallmark movies I've seen! The story was great, I loved the actors, and I thought the chemistry between Lauren and Tyler was great as well. Lauren can sing like an angel, and her acting is so natural. Definitely a 10/10 for me!

Could've been better

[tara-352-975358 · 2/10 · 13 September 2021]

Lauren Alaina has a great voice, unfortunately, that's it. Her acting really needs a lot of work. It was almost painful to watch. Tyler Hines acting was great! But his character seems a bit too old for Callie. I'm glad I watched it once, but won't be wasting my time watching again.

"LOVE" Roadhouse Romance!

[coloradoan · 9/10 · 11 October 2021]

When I first watched this movie, I didn't think that Alaina did a very good job. The more I watch it over again, she is quite natural and is playing herself. It's her happy, delightful personality that I find quite wonderful. It took me a bit to get used to her with Tyler, but it works. Every time it comes on I watch it. Alaina's voice is right up there with the best country singers. I do feel she'll gradually become very popular. WAY TO GO Hallmark.

Sweet Movie

[pattersonjamie-12079 · 9/10 · 24 September 2021]

I wasn't expecting to like this movie but Tyler Hynes was so good and Lauren Alaina was sweet in her role. Lauren has a great voice. The story was cute and funny.

Was ok but..

[ts-0000 · 13 September 2021]

Although the leads had nice moments together,it lacked true romance chemistry. -Felt like he was an older caring mentor.

It was her first movie to my understanding so will overlook her acting,far as music was rather underwhelming too. -Think partly due to how Hallmark,presented those music scenes.

She seemed rather young to been in the military for years,on top of her career stuff she mentioned.

Couldn't Hallmark give a better overall topic,than just about a lost BBQ sauce recipe?

Unless as mentioned was an easy cover-up for a lead,with no real acting experience or pandemic issues.

Scenery & cinematography was ok,but always the music seems to upstage the actors talking.

If the storyline & acting is good,you don't need music to always cover that fact.

Won't be watching it,again.

Disappointing

[jtfraser-68261 · 1/10 · 25 January 2022]

I love Lauren's voice but her acting was over the top - tried smiling her way through it but it didn't fly.

I love Tyler Hynes, he's one of my favourites, but Hallmark didn't pick the right match for him in this one.

My biggest annoyance was the great disservice they did to Paul Overstreet. He composed "When you say Nothing At All." To use that song as one her grandpa wrote was in poor taste. As a songwriter, couldn't Lauren had written a song? Wouldn't waste my time watching this one again.

Gomer said it, Surprise, surprise, surprise

[texasfolk · 8/10 · 12 September 2021]

Can't sing, but can act. Can't act but can sing. SURPRISE! Alaina can do both! I was expecting cardboard. I got a genuine actress. It's actually harder to be who you are in real life. Kudos to the director to let her be her. Jackie did great casting as always. Tyler was Tyler. Any actress will have chemistry with him. He IS Mr. Hallmark.

Tyler reminds me of the actors of the 50s. He IS the character he is playing - ANY character.

Ok. Now the bad. These two outshine the supporting cast bigly. Can't be the script because I have a feeling Tyler doesn't follow a script. Story is cute, but once in a while Hallmark, make a mess of things.

I have it an 9 because Lauren once or twice made me feel she was aware of the camera. That and I know she'll get better the more Hallmark movies she does. Sorry Ms. Pickler, she's already better than you.

As usual great movie from Hallmark.

Bad

[swofford-1 · 2/10 · 30 September 2021]

One of the worst Hallmark movies. The actress who played Callie can't act her way out of a paper bag. Tyler was the best he could be with a really terrible script. Felt sorry for him having to try to act with someone so obviously poorly prepared. Poor research into military.

Fun light and music filled

[mbfnzsqspm · 9/10 · 12 September 2021]

Fun entertaining and with great country songs. Slightly different from the typical Hallmark movies. If you like romance and country music it's a must see.

Tyler Hynes, 'nuf said

[jewhitmer25 · 9/10 · 8 December 2021]

As usual Tyler Hynes was spectacular, I'm a big fan. I saw great chemistry between him and Lauren Alaina. I will buy anything with Tyler Hynes in it, he is an incredible actor.

So far Tyler has done 3 movie with country singers, "It's Christmas Eve" with LeAnn Rimes was great, chemistry wise and plot wise. I have watched this numerous times.

"The Mistletoe Secret " with Kellie Pickler was terrible, the girl can't act and can barely sing. Tyler Hynes and Christopher Russell both tried but even their combined talent could not save this movie. It is the only Tyler Hynes movie that I have not been able to re-watch. Sorry, I strayed off topic.

The plot was fresh and interesting. In spite of several small military glitches, for instance, not removing your cover when you go inside, ponytail hanging down her back, both big no no's. But I loved her line "I'm combat trained, I don't need to poison you with barbecue sauce to kill you." And Grandpa Tucker's country witticisms were classic.

Tyler Hynes always turns in a stellar performance and Lauren Alaina was a nice surprise, beautiful singing voice and great acting job for a first time actress, she is definitely a talent to watch.

The acting on the part of the supporting cast was really great. Loved the budding romance between Aunt Willa and Dan the agent. Also, Rowdy in particular turned in a spot on performance in his interpretation of George Jones, the dog.

Good family film.

My advice: Watch this movie.

Not really worth the time.

[betsylicklider · 4/10 · 12 September 2021]

The story line is ok, But there is no chemistry between any of the characters. The lead female has a beautiful voice, but her acting is not good. I get they want to use recognizable people to get more viewers, but this isn't the first time they've tried to make singers into actors and failed. The lead actor is the only thing holding this together. Not a great Fall Harvest start for Hallmark.

One of the good ones

[brittonwayne-287-425268 · 9/10 · 15 September 2021]

I love Hallmark movies. They all usually have a similar formula however this one is one of the best one of these I've seen in a long time. First of all Lauren Alaina was a surprising delight. I figured a singer doing a hallmark movie wouldn't be much of an actress. She was surprisingly a good actress that brought a great deal of charm to the role. I don't watch American Idol or a country music fan but as a musician I can tell this girl is amazingly talented as a vocalist. When I saw the previews I thought isn't she a little heavy to be a hallmark leading lady. Her co- star in this is very slight of build and I thought that there would be no chemistry. However while watching she may not be a size one but her beauty really stands out. She is my new favorite, I'm sorry Jessica, Lacey, but we had a good run lol. This is a must see for all Hallmark movie fans.

Eh.. fresh story but boring

[thenry-21249 · 3/10 · 13 September 2021]

The story had a different new fresh story line which I appreciated but the actress lacked experience. She returns home from the military (2 years) then expects everything to be the same. Searches for her grandfathers recipe through the 1st half. Cheesy flirting with between the costars while he has a girlfriend and they are planning to make a movie together. The end was beyond boring as we see Tyler Hayes try to be with his girlfriend but secretly love Lauren. The car scenes were beyond hard to watch. When did it become SO FAKE???? I almost turned it off so many times but thought it might get better. Won't watch again.

Great First Movie

[dwnr-37466 · 10/10 · 8 January 2022]

She's a wonderful singer and this was her first movie. For a singers first acting gig it was a slam dunk. She will only get better. I hope she does more Hallmark movies. She's a good wholesome 27 year old woman that will make a great actor.