Second Chances (2013 TV Movie) User Reviews

Who are these reviewers?

[bobbadger-1 · 8/10 · 16 June 2015]

I have read all six reviews that appear before this one, and I find it almost unbelievable that the three someones who obviously don't care for "Hallmark style" television movies would take the time and effort to pan it on an internet forum. If you don't like it, just change the channel.

Yes, the movie is somewhat formulaic, but I challenge you to name me many movies that don't follow some formula. Intro, character and plot development, conflict, and resolution.

The devotion that Jenny shows for her children caused her to eschew Jeff's affections despite his obvious adoration for her entire family. Jeff was disappointed by her decision, but honored it despite his feelings for her and the children.

The children were well portrayed, but seemed a bit more precocious than was necessary. The ancillary characters were represented with believability with the exception of the Ed Asner "Buddy" character, who came across as too good to be true.

Nonetheless, the movie was enjoyable and I have watched it more than once, and will probably watch it again.

Second Chances ***

[edwagreen · 8/10 · 19 August 2013]

An average Hallmark film where a 911 female dispatcher finally meets "The Cowboy," a fireman she has often worked with via the emergency telephone system.

Jenny is NOT a widow as indicated on the summary line. She is rather an abandoned mother of two very precocious children.

When "Cowboy" is forced by an injury to rent a room from Jenny, love shall obviously blossom between the two with the aid of the children.

This then becomes a story of hesitation. Jenny worries that with Cowboy's dangerous job, the children will be vulnerable to losing a father a second time.

Ed Asner co-stars as a senior in an old-aged home who knew Cowboy's father, long dead from a fire.

The children really show compassion by reading to seniors at the home.

It's a nice movie with traditional Hallmark themes.

A great movie for all times and ages

[druatlax · 8/10 · 24 March 2022]

Loved this movie. Both Greg Vaughan and Alison Sweeney were wonderful . I really enjoyed the excellent writing, without the cliched storyline and the two fantastic child actors who were the center of this Hallmark offering for Valentines Day. (The children are 9years older now).

Add the excellent screenwriters, the fantastic actors, both young and old, and the homage to both firefighters and the emergency 911 operators, and you have what is now called Hearts on Fire.

You will definitely not be disappointed.

Hallmark recipes

[Vincentiu · 2 January 2014]

a film without surprises. the plot, the problems, the end , the pink sauce - all is well known. but it is not boring, not dusty. and, in few scenes, it becomes almost charming. the secret - first, the Prince Charming represented,in a honest role, by Greg Vaughan. than - the children. and, sure, Ed Asner in a not great but useful role.dramatic and dramatic story of a fireman and a dispatcher, the past, present and future in a impressive combination, the choices and the hesitations, the wise kids and the best choice. a family film who represents another page for life lesson. for Hallmark - a must see. for the others - a not so bad oasis of comfortable entertainment.

A Life of Incidents

[boblipton · 6/10 · 28 July 2013]

Alison Sweeney, single mother of two, has her hours cut back at the emergency call center where she works and decides to rent out a room in her house. Greg Vaughan, a fireman with a broken leg needs such a room -- he can't climb the stairs to his third floor walkup.

Bingo! You know they are going to fall in love, but the way they get there is charming. He does magic and her adorable kids -- who, in response to the home emergency, have gotten themselves jobs reading to people at the local retirement home -- are enchanted.

The only problem I have with this movie is the thought that these two people are unattached at the start of movie. Why haven't they been snapped up by other partners already? The movie is strengthened, as are many of the Hallmark TV movies, by the casting of older but excellent actors in some small roles. Here it's Rance Howard and Ed Asner as two occupants of the retirement home.

Endearing and Heartwarming

[smithduke · 10/10 · 12 February 2017]

I loved this movie! Yes, I am a fan of Hallmark movies, but this one is on the top of my list. The main actors were genuine and believable, as well as the children. The story itself was very endearing and touching. This movie had a lot of depth to it. It dealt with life and death matters, losing a loved one, and told a story of the dangers first responders face doing their job. The firefighter's pranks were entertaining and added a believability to the movie. I even wonder if they were real firefighters because they were uncredited. If you like Hallmark movies, you can't go wrong by watching this one. Just a note: As for the loud background music, a reviewer was referring to; it wasn't even noticeable to me.

Fantastic feel good movie!

[debbiemac73 · 10/10 · 23 February 2017]

I loved this movie. The acting was good, the plot very entertaining. It's hard to find good wholesome movies to watch any more. When firefighter Jeff gets injured he needs a temporary place to live. He ends up renting a room from a single mom with two children. There's love, laughter and tears, all the makings of a good story that will leave you feeling good at the end. Hope they put this one on DVD. It's a keeper!

even if you don't like cute kids in movies, try this one!

[momcat316 · 9/10 · 6 June 2015]

POSSIBLE spoiler. I first read the blurb, decided not to watch it being off cute kid movies, but in an otherwise dull evening I DID watch it and found the two children drew me in. I have looked at schedules ever since, so that my husband, also off cute kid movies, will have a chance to enjoy this very Hallmark story. Hooray for the writers who finally used cute kids in a very positive, inventive manner. I encourage other writers to be as creative with children's roles as those who put this brother and sister to work. I look forward to seeing these young performers in other productions. and thanks to casting for a great role for Greg Vaughn, the age of my daughter, but never too old to look!

happy to report my hubby enjoyed the movie almost as much as I did, notwithstanding the importance of the two cute kids, which neither of us found too precocious, in fact I will happily watch it for the 4th time if schedules permit.

What if

[Jackbv123 · 10/10 · 27 April 2020]

On the scale of would-I-watch-this-again, this movie gets the highest possible rating. Another reviewer has the title "Feel Good Movie" and it is, over and over.

Yes the story is derivative. So many plot devices are overused, but I didn't care. Yes, you really need to suspend reality at times, but that's common for Hallmark-like movies. (I think this is Hallmark, but I've never seen it there.)

There are no really unreasonable people in the movie, who I can find annoying. So much is predictable. Again, I didn't care. So many things were done so well. I didn't find the story slow at all because there was enough going on.

What are those things done so well? The kids are definitely precocious, and they are definitely interesting. Charlotte Labadie is definitely cute even if I find it hard to believe she is 8 years old. Both kids handle their roles well and it's entertaining.

The "what if" hanging over most of the film brings a deep emotional feeling. Allison Sweeney makes it real. Combine her what if fears with what she has already been through and what Jeff's been through and it draws you into the story. But it's the kids that turn out to be the smart ones.

The kids and their story telling job does throw in a slightly different angle, and it is a sweet one. In fact there are so many sweet moments.

In recent years, I've grown to like Allison Sweeney as being a reliable veteran for Hallmark and similar movies. This movie was before I knew her that way and I couldn't tell experience-wise that this wasn't one of her latest performances. Greg Vaughan was solid and had chemistry with Sweeney and the kids. In fact, maybe it was obvious too early that this group clicked together. The kid actors did a good job also, but the kids were written a little too mature. (And they get around with little supervision way too much.)

There's good values and respect. There's none of the negative stuff like sex or bad language.

This movie will be too cheesy, or to predictable, or maybe even too slow for some. But it is exactly what it sets out to be, and it is done very well to that end in acting, directing, production, and story.

Ok but I don't like the pranks. However overall could be developed into a series.

[SunnyDaise · 4/10 · 15 January 2023]

The story is fine and there's a good cast / age range, but I don't like pranks so this movie wasn't for me. In someways that makes the movie a bit different to most in this genre, but for me, I just couldn't relax watching. Life is stressful enough without additional energy-draining and time-wasting hassles. I like most of Alison Sweeney's other rom/com and cosy mystery movies so I'll stick to those. I'd also like to see more all-age / family-friendly rescue drama episode / films, so they could do a spin-off / reboot of this in a ongoing format. I know the silliness is intended to balance out the trauma, but something more feel-good would be better.

Cute movie

[toncincin · 9/10 · 14 January 2020]

I really like this movie. Watch it every time it's in. Greg Vaughn and Allison Sweeney have great chemistry. The kids are cute - and learn from reading to senior citizens in an assisted living home. The story is nice - feel good! The firemen are hunks LOL). The only thing that bothered me is the mom's anger when she finds out what the kids are doing - it's sweet what they are doing and they are learning! Yes - charging wasn't the best - but they found a way to help the family - and $1 for a read? Cheap! Other than that - loved it.

Allison Sweeney

[bmiller59 · 10/10 · 24 January 2021]

If I had seen Second Chances and not known who Allison Sweeney is I would be wring a rave review about the movie and Allison. It was a wonderful movie. Very touching and heart warming. It had a real story and talked about things such as loss of a father, fire fighters and their dangerous jobs. It was a real drama with many emotions being felt.

That it starred Allison Sweeney made it even better. As with all of her roles, she was absolutely believable and the chemistry with her co-star Greg Vaughn was palatable. Of all the leading females, Allison is the most talented. She knows how to take a script and make it real, versus delivering the lines off the page. Yea, I'm a fan...can you tell.

Yes, it is a typical Hallmark formula movie. If you watch Hallmark movies you know what to expect, nothing wrong with this. If you don't like the Hallmark formula, don't watch them because they all have it. I honestly believe those that mock movies such as these with nonsense reviews do so because that is who they are. I enjoy reading their reviews and giving them a "thumbs down."

One thing I look for in every, I mean every Hallmark movie is where it was filmed. And finally, here is one not filmed in Canada. Great to see a film done in the U.S.

Favorite Hallmark Movie

[diane-83419 · 10/10 · 29 July 2020]

This is one of my favorite Hallmark Movies. This is one that you like it so much that you wish Hallmark would make a sequel!!!

Really enjoyed this movie, especially the kids

[tamsmith-83026 · 9/10 · 9 January 2021]

This movie was delightful with a plot very different than most Hallmark movies. I think it was a nice spin on the typical romance. I think the lead male fell in love with the kids first! Greg Vaughn and Allison Sweeney were both great, using their soap opera experience to illustrate true angst and great chemistry. This is the highest rating I've given a Hallmark movie. Again I think the kids made the movie for me...their acting was phenomenal. Wish I had found this movie sooner given it's a 2013 film.

Jeff is killed by Ed Asner.

[dalbert-101-3379 · 1/10 · 7 September 2014]

No, he isn't. I only wish that Ed would do a little murdering. This movie is terrible. The only reason you're going to watch it is because there's an elderly woman controlling the remote and you're not going to have the guts to punch her out and take the remote.

Spoiler: Ed pulls up and ask her if she knows what two and two means. She of course knows the answer. They kiss and a crowd of firemen applaud. Roll credits.

For fun, try to watch and not be completely freaked out by that same piano line playing over and over and over; or by that annoyingly loud fake bird noise in that screams every few seconds when the scenes are set outside. I've been a vegetarian for 23 years and if I could catch that bird I'd get all Ozzy Osbourne on it.

Simply a MUST Watch Heartwarming Family Film

[videonutz · 10/10 · 30 August 2020]

Just Rewatched this Wonderful Oldie but Goodie Hallmark Movie. I also read some of the Unbelievable Negative Reviews that a few other viewers have Posted. Quite Honestly I was completely flabbergasted because this is Definitely One of Hallmark's Very Best of All Time. In Fact, in my personal opinion, anyone who didn't enjoy this Touching and Heartwarming Story either doesn't have a Heart .... or simply shouldn't be watching Hallmark Movies Period. Because they obviously will simply never enjoy this type of Beautiful and Wholesome Family Entertainment.

Their loss, however, is a Gain for any Hallmark Viewer that truly enjoys Quality Family Entertainment. The entire cast is amazing, and while the Lead Characters Both deliver outstanding performances, it is truly the Children and Story that are Unbelievably Unique and Totally Amazing.

I have watched Hallmark Movies for years and have while I am a loyal and faithful viewer I have only given very few a 10 Star Rating. I usually restrict those Exceptional High Ratings for Films that I believe to be worthy of a Sequel .... and this Film Certainly Qualifies for that Relatively Rare Honor.

In closing let me address a point that was inferred by a Previous Poster. I am NOT an Elderly Woman that insists on Controlling the TV Remote. But rather a True Film Fanatic that Recognizes and Enjoys Exceptional and Quality Performances and Entertainment.

A good one!

[bscott-32 · 9/10 · 5 September 2020]

A good one! One of the better Hallmark offerings in my opinion.

Plenty of heart here

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 6 June 2023]

Have seen plenty of good and more Hallmark films and have always made an effort to judge them for what they're meant to be (light hearted, heart-warming escapism). Many have succeeded at this, others have not and are wanting in writing, acting and the way characters are written. Other than completest sake, 'Hearts on Fire' was seen for one primary reason. Which was the talented cast, also have a thing for good concepts but was conflicted on this one, with the best known names being Alison Sweeney and Ed Asner.

2013's 'Hearts on Fire' turned out to be a very nice, heart-warming, entertaining and well meaning film. It's not a masterpiece, but as far as early 2010s Hallmark goes, which was every bit as variable as 2014 onwards, it is one of the better faring efforts. All the cast come off very well, and the story has a lot of charm and heart without taking itself too seriously, a nearly great effort that fell really properly at the final hurdle. It is also much more appealing than the ehh sounding premise suggests.

Maybe it could have gotten going a little quicker.

The ending also felt a little too on the neat and easily foreseeable side.

Everything else is good and more. Sweeney and Greg Vaughan are very likeable in their roles and make their characters come over as real people with flaws (ones not overdone) and strengths in relatable situations. Their chemistry is very sweet and genuine, not moving too fast or feeling too aimless. Views on Asner here seem to be lukewarm, personally thought he was amusing and brought some welcome light-hearted-ness. The whole cast are solid and the interactions never feeling static.

Furthermore, 'Hearts on Fire' looks attractive, especially the scenery and the music doesn't dominate or feel drab. The script is well meaning and takes the subject seriously without being over-serious, while having some light hearted-ness that doesn't come over as too jokey. The story isn't perfect, but is very touching and was easy to relate to while not feeling mawkish or over-serious. The music isn't overused or over-scored, often sensitive.

Concluding, liked it a good deal. 8/10.

Good story

[wblum524-881-262052 · 8/10 · 20 February 2021]

Allison is the girl next door. Perfect size 8 figure. Good actress. Holds the story together. Too bad pinko left wing scumbag Asner is in it.

No Second Chances

[bookandcandle · 1/10 · 10 August 2014]

Hallmark has a tradition of producing enjoyable family movies. I always look forward to a new production.

I watched Second Chances for one-half hour and then I turned it off. The background music is louder than the voices. And the music is a constant, annoying "bing-bong" type of music that truly interferes with the clarity of the speaking. It is the same Hallmark music in so many of their movies. It is like a record continually playing, and like listening to a concert and a lecture at the same time. The music never stops. Every word should be clear and one should not have to try and listen intently. This is not relaxing entertainment. The classic movies had music when there was action, not when people were speaking. You could hear a pin drop and every word.

So this movie gets a one star for incomplete, annoying viewing. Very disappointed in Hallmark.

Warm, touching movie

[herrcarter-92161 · 9/10 · 24 July 2023]

This is one of the better Hallmark movies I've seen. You expect Hallmark to be formulaic. You expect it to be sentimental. You expect it to be predictable. This movie was all of those. But it didn't detract from the story, which was sweet and touching, nor the characters, who were likable and whose interactions with each other were genuine and believable.

Alison Sweeny as Jenny provided just the right amount of sweetness and vulnerability, while still playing the no-nonsense single mother, who clearly loves her children and will do anything to protect them. Greg Vaughn as Jeff is absolute perfection as the good-guy fireman, who is tough, but has a heart for Jenny's children and a deep capacity to love her. You also really feel for his hidden pain, at having lost his own firefighter father when he was 10. The cynic in you might question the ease with which Jeff enters the lives of Jenny and her kids and instantly charms them, not with fake gimmicks, but with genuine caring and concern. But the hopeful optimist in you gladly cheers him on and welcomes his eventual entry into their little family to heal all their past hurts.

The subplot about the kids reading to the residents of the retirement home was quite touching. Was it unbelievable? Sure. I mean, a 7-year-old reading Moby Dick? Or an 8-year-old composing stories so convincing that the blind woman wouldn't realize they were written by her? And what kids in the real world would seek out an opportunity to hang out at a retirement home, unless they had grandparents or someone there that they actually knew, or unless an adult forced them to go? But the kids were adorable, if a bit too much on the Hollywood precocious side, and their interactions with the old folks were sweet and genuine.

The script was good. The dialog was realistic, as were the interactions of the characters with each other. Jenny's pushing away of Jeff, just as things were going well between them, was frustrating, yet believable. A single mom whose husband abandoned her and the kids would naturally be gun-shy about opening her heart to a guy who, honestly, seems too good to be true, and she would be all about protecting the kids from getting too close to that guy, who could as easily exit their lives as he entered them, and break their hearts once again.

The practical jokes that the firefighters played on each other were a fun addition. They were hilarious, especially the one where an incapacitated Jeff is shrink-wrapped to his bed. This did a lot to humanize the firefighters, breaking them out of the noble first-responders stereotype and demonstrating the affection and camaraderie they had with each other. The end scene, where the whole fire crew shows up at Jenny's house, complete with fire truck, was a bit over-the-top, but it works, because you know they are that tight with each other, and would be there to support their fellow brother in petitioning for the hand of the woman he loves.

The movie has its minor flaws, but you don't really care, because it's just so enjoyable to watch. These are characters you really like and you truly want them to get together. The predictable conclusion, where they do get together, is very satisfying. Definitely worth a watch, and a rewatch or two.