Easter Under Wraps (2019 TV Movie) User Reviews

This is lame, but we still like it.

[Onetrack97 · 6/10 · 23 April 2019]

Some really bad writing, I feel sorry for the actors. Fiona is a top notch actress.

At one point I said "this is lame". My wife said, "they all are, and they're predictable, but that's why we like them."

Bunnies

[Jackbv123 · 7/10 · 30 April 2019]

Very predictable especially tying up all the loose ends so that everyone gets a treat, except poor Carter.

You knew Bryan wouldn't be happy with the secret identity, but let's face it, there is a television series about executives going under cover in their own company. The principle makes sense. Bryan basically threw a tantrum. As to who was responsible for the success of his project, anyone who knows big business knows that sometimes doors are securely locked against you until someone opens one for a special opportunity. Unfortunately, without this plot device, there would be no climax - it was just unfortunate how clumsily it was done.

There were some sweet (I had to say it) moments that helped rescue the whole story.

The acting was OK. The leads were OK. They had some chemistry, but nothing outstanding. The little girl was too cute (as in too much).

Typical Hallmark brings a sweet story.

[savethewatchmaker · 6/10 · 29 April 2019]

This movie is standard fare for Hallmark, nothing super memorable but not cringeworthy either. Even without much chemistry, the two leads are all right together and tell the story of their budding romance convincingly enough. The downfall of this movie is the male lead's, Bryan's, young daughter from a previous marriage. Hallmark often throws in these widowed spouses with children, presumably to continuously sell the message that love is just as good the second time around, or at the very least, allowed, even after losing a spouse -- however, in this movie, Bryan's child is little more than a plot device to spur the romance onward. She exists purely to finagle Erin into spending more time with her, and by extension, her father, and then vanishes whenever this is no longer required. There are scenes when she will appear momentarily only to be whisked away a second later to allow the main characters to have a romantic stroll by themselves. Later on, she delivers a few child-like but inconceivably wise pieces of advice to encourage her father to forgive Erin for her betrayal. She is nothing but a tool in the story, and her mother's death is glossed over.

While Easter Under Wraps is certainly not the first movie Hallmark has made with this particular oversight, I can't help but compare it to another Hallmark movie that I found deals with this matter with more depth: A Taste of Romance. In it, a widowed father's daughter bonds with the female lead. While she encourages the romance, that isn't her only role, and the movie does its story the justice of giving the father and daughter a scene in which they discuss (and cry over) the absence of their respective wife and mother and how important it is to preserve her memory while moving forward with new commitments. These sorts of healthy conversations in the wake of a tragic loss is really the only way to respectfully handle this plot device without using it as little more than a cog in the romance machine.

As a bright spot, I enjoyed the concept of an Easter film, and as usual, Hallmark does wonders with bringing spring to life with beautiful colors and blooming nature. One of their greatest strengths is how charming they always make small town living appear, and this movie is no exception.

Loved every cast of the movie

[CeruleanB · 7/10 · 3 May 2019]

The story line was fairly obvious from the start. It didn't bored me and had enough energy and interesting conversations to carried me through the end. What I really enjoyed was that how good the whole cast were. Not only the main two but the kid, the people work(worked) in the factory or in the HQ, even the two from rival company. All have their moments and acted well. In the end the movie was pleasant enough.

Easter Under Wraps

[studioAT · 6/10 · 4 April 2021]

After a rocky start this settles down to be a rather good Hallmark film, their first Easter themed one I believe.

Lots of nice moments here, I enjoyed it.

i love brendan penny

[jessbir-23618 · 13 May 2019]

This movie is far from being one of the best hallmark movies ever but I found it very charming and enjoyable. im a big Brendan penny fan and I thought he did a great job here the female lead was good to the story and writing could have been much better but overall I really liked the movie.

Just about worth unwrapping

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 26 May 2022]

Fiona Gubelmann is an amiable enough actress and Brendan Penny is good with the right material and leading lady (and also if his character is written well, all three have varied). 2019 was a mixed bag of a year for Hallmark and the Spring Fever block had both winners (i.e. 'Bottled with Love') and misfires (i.e. 'A Brush with Love'), but was very interested in seeing a Hallmark film centered primarily around Easter, which luckily is made the most of here without being abused.

'Easter Under Wraps' is worth seeing. It isn't great, with a few noticeable and not exactly small shortcomings. As far as the 2019 Spring Fever films go, it's neither one of the best or worst. Likewise with the whole 2019 Hallmark output overall. Instead solid middle and one of the just a little above average inoffensive one time watch type of films. Which is not too bad a position to be in. So quite liked 'Easter Under Wraps' without being mind blown.

Am going to start with the shortcomings. It does start ropey with some awkward, cheesy dialogue and dull pacing, while also not connecting at all with Penny's character (a case of character flaws being taken to extremes). Like a vast majority of Hallmark's output, 'Easter Under Wraps' is formulaic plot wise, a familiar structure done little new with.

Wasn't a fan of the daughter character, do agree that she was too cute and too much of a superfluous plot device.

However, 'Easter Under Wraps' works in many ways. Gubelman is immensely charming throughout and once Penny's character relaxes his quiet charisma and easy going nature shine throughout. While not exactly firing on all cylinders, the chemistry between them is there and is natural and sweet. The supporting cast on the whole are solid. The characters aren't complex but also don't come over as one-dimensional, though Penny's character was close to that to begin with.

It is a good looking film, especially the scenery. Something that Hallmark often delivered on, even in their misfires. The music isn't over-scored or too constant. When the film gets going, the script flows more and becomes more mature (without being too sentimental) and manages to balance amusing and sentiment well as well as individually. The story doesn't start off promisingly, but again when it gets going it is light-hearted, warm and has a lot of charm and sincerity.

Nice, undemanding if not exceptional Spring Fever film on the whole. 6/10.

very cute, but she annoyingly forgot her fake name

[novagirl11 · 6/10 · 9 May 2019]

How is this the first ever Easter Hallmark movie? Haha...I understand that she was undercover, but why couldn't they have told everyone that at least her first name was the same (if they really didn't know who she was) or at least similar to her own, so she doesn't seem so completely aloof when someone is trying to get her attention or when she tries to introduce herself. Also, I have to mention that in the kids' play, I thought the carrot was a pumpkin and was very confused about the Halloween/Easter crossover event.

Brennan Penny is in it, "nuf said

[jewhitmer25 · 9/10 · 25 July 2021]

Brennan Penny is consistantly excellant in HM movies, I always look forward to watching him. Not sure if I've seen Fiona Gubelmann before but she did a good job, there was chemistry between the two leads.

This was really a very good movie, entertaining without straining our credibility. Of course Brennan Penny alone is worth the price of admission.

Sophia Reid-Gantzert was adorable and a pretty good actress for one so young.

Basic plot: sales are down for Cavendish Chocolates, Papa Cavendish sends daughter Cavendish (Erin) undercover as Veronica Erinson. She came uo with the last name herself when she accidentally started to call herself Erin. (They really should have given her a better bio before sending her in undercover.)

But long story short, she discovers some problems at the factory, like using machines to make everything. She discovers quality goes down if you don't hand sort the cocoa beans., resulting in bitter chocolate. Easter baskets are not as attractive when a machine fills the basket versus having a human do it.

This movie has it all: Tragedy

Madison's bunny costume is all done except the ears and tail.

Madison can't sew.

Bryan can't sew.

Alas and alack what shall they do.

Undercover Erin can sew. She saves the day.

But, who made the rest of her bunny costumw? Enquiring. Minds want to Know.

Wisdom Bryan has discovered undercover Erin's real identity, he is angry, he was lied to, she played him for a fool, he is bitter.

Then Madison innocently asks Bryan if Veronica was going to come to the Spring festival, he informs her that Veronica isn't her real name. To which Madison replies, but she's still the same person. I'm playing a bunny in the program, but I'm still me. Bryan turns and looks at her amazed that she has displayed such wisdom from one so young.

Bryan and no-longer-undercover Erin make up. Erin is promoted . Flo is promoted, Bryan is promoted. Plus Erin arranges for him to go to Switzerland to study with a world famous chocolatier, so he can be an even better head chocolatier for Cavendish Chocolates. Erin and Madison will also go to Switzerland with him.

My Advice: Don't miss this movie, it is really very good.

Predictable Plot, but Good Movie

[tiffanytallent1981 · 6/10 · 22 April 2023]

In almost every hallmark movie, a problem arises between the romantic leads. And then one of them, or both, overreact to the situation & storm off. But of course they make up at the end. This time I feel that the male character, Bryan, had every right to be hurt and angry.

The female character, Erin, posed undercover at one of her family's chocolate factories, with the name Veronica. Her dad wanted to find out how smoothly the automated machines were running as well as any other hiccups. Since Erin had never been the face of the company, it made since that she'd go as a new employee, undercover. I understand she had to lie about her name, resume, & life while she was doing the job. However, when she and Bryan started becoming closer & it got personal, the truth should've been told. Erin even met his daughter!!

Instead, she convinced Bryan to work with her on a project to show the board. So here are Veronica aka Erin and Bryan presenting this project to a room of corporate who are now ALL IN ON it. They all know that Veronica is really Erin. When Bryan learns the truth on his own, he feels betrayed. And the fact that the board let him pitch a project with her, made him feel foolish. Erin needed to tell him sooner. Predictably, you can guess how it turns out for them though.

On a hallmark movie scale of 1-10, this is a six. First off, it's an Easter movie! I'm not sure I've ever seen one prior to this, aside from faith based. The acting from everyone is really good! They all play off of each other very well. And I just like the vibe of the locations: headquarters, factory, small town. My favorite thing about the movie is a coworker (Carter) of Erin at headquarters. He comes off as someone who might go behind your back, but turns out to be a good person. He's just really passionate about his job! Overall, this was definitely worth watching, at least once.

I really wanted to like this movie.

[vsteach-11717 · 5/10 · 16 March 2022]

I chose this movie based on the 2 leads. I like all of the other movies that Brendan Penny has stared in. And I like Fiona Gubelmann's character on The Good Doctor. However, they weren't strong enough to carry this script. I began to get annoyed with the way the Daughter's character was acted, too forced? I wish I had my 90 minutes back.

Easter & Chocolate, can't get better than that!

[marsmii · 9/10 · 21 April 2019]

Very good movie with excellent acting by lead actors! Interesting story line, so refreshing from the usual Hallmark romances which are so predictable & monotonous! Watching it on Easter Sunday, a pleasant, feel good experience.

Filming locations

[curbappealdesign · 4/10 · 14 June 2021]

The movie was as good as any of this type, where there is always a happy ending. However, I was very disappointed that there was not a single mention of the filming locations in BRITISH COLUMBIA. The only mentions were of the aerial shot locations. I hope this information will be included in future film information. A movie is of particular interest if you live in or know the location. Some will list appreciation for a particular caterer, restaurant, hotel, building, etc., and this often leads to tourists visiting that location. We are fortunate to have so many films of this type on location in BC, and we are proud to welcome visitors to our wonderful Province.

Predictable but cute

[wwschuster07 · 8/10 · 24 March 2020]

A usual Hallmark predictable movie but very cute. I love the family story behind the fun chocolate business. A bit... more diversity at least as almost main characters. But the usual just placement of them for demographics. Worth a cute watch right before Easter.

Below Average Hallmark Movie

[EPMD57 · 3/10 · 21 April 2019]

You know what you're getting with Hallmark movies, but this one was more boring than usual. I just didn't see a lot of entertainment value here, and I didn't believe the lead male character at all. His entire essence was off, like he wasn't human in some way. He was a chocolate expert but was also in great physical shape. He was really intense about chocolate, to the point where even I as a chocolate lover thought he was over the top. There were a couple of moments early in the movie where I thought the other characters would have been better off running away than hanging around him.

Undercover Boss

[dowdnl · 9/10 · 28 April 2019]

As usual this was a enjoyable Hallmark Movie although it did remind me of Undercover Boss!

Flat and boring.

[rightisright · 5/10 · 21 April 2019]

I've never seen a Hallmark movie with Fiona Gubelman in it that wasn't entertaining. Until this one. I spare you the mind numbingly boring details. Let's just say that her co-star Brendan Penny brings his usual lack of charm and energy However, the movie gets extra points for the presence of one of my favorite Hallmark extras, Alvin Sanders.

Great movie

[dianamarinelli · 10/10 · 3 April 2021]

Overall great movie the leads were amazing and the storylines were good.

EASTER UNDER WRAPS - *** out of *****

[unclejeff · 5/10 · 31 March 2024]

There's a delicious irony that a movie from Hallmark, a channel not necessarily known for originality in its output, would produce a film largely centered around assembly line production. And this one is no exception - overworked corporate female, hunky small-town single dad, fish out of water storyline, break-up to make-up last quarter... I'm learning that the main component of reviewing a Hallmark movie is your engagement with its lead characters. And I must say, Gubelmann and Penny (sounds like an accounting firm) are appealing if not overly memorable. I was getting major Kristin Chenoweth and Luke Wilson vibes from their performances here. Yes, it's as substantial as a Peeps Marshmallow bunny, and yes, you'll be able to predict everything that happens after the first 15 minutes. But I can't say I wasn't entertained, and there's lots of chocolate, which doesn't hurt. You'll forget its existence by Memorial Day, but you'll have a reasonably good time.

Hallmark sales demonstration

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 21 April 2023]

7.9 stars.

I like 'Easter Under Wraps' for two primary reasons. First: Gubelmann and Penny have amazing mutual attraction and great charisma. Any film with a salvageable romantic theme is augmented by the two of them working hand in hand. Second: it's a soothing and comfortable story about a good natured woman and a hard working widowed father. An added bonus is the undercover boss theme, which adds another layer to the plot. It is especially beneficial for the audience because this undercover boss is a total sweetheart. Nobody has quite the same adorableness mixed with a glimmer of naivety and innocence as Miss Gubelmann. And Mr. Penny, he literally has the same qualities in a male, a mirror image of her in many ways. He's a soft and down to earth man with an understated and irresistible mirth. The undeniable connection between these two actors carries this love story several notches above the norm.

I will ignore the glaring theme which is to sell chocolate, because everyone knows that chocolate and Hallmark go hand in hand.

So, persevere through the monotonous chocolate factory plot and set your sights on the romance, and you might have an entertaining encounter with 'Easter Under Wraps'.