A well grafted script (it's hard to resist the gardening puns with so much potting in the plotting) and a strong core of actors results in a thoroughly watchable (and indeed rewatchable) Hallmark film. The central gay romance is beautifully and covincingly played, while the framing story of a mother trying to reconnect with her children provides an unexpected and emotional counterpoint. And instead of the usual irraitatingly quirky BFFs thrown in for comic relief, there are 3 supporting characters who have their own backstopry which adds to, rather than distracts from, the world of the drama. I only recognised one of the actors ( and his was a cameo in the bar) so it was pleasant surprise to see such solid performances throughout.
Reviews
20 Reviews
A Little Romance
(1979)
A liitle film with a big heart
30 July 2023
Thoroughly delightful film that presents two young teens meeting and meant for each other pursuing their romantic dream with innocence and courage. With hindsight we realise Diane Lane in her debut is not just being herself as a sensitive high iq kid, bur delivering an exceptional performance that is engaging and believable. Olivier is a joy to watch, enjoying the comedy but not overplsying it - softly voicing the b in plumber as a non native English speaker , letting his eyes do so much talking.
Of course I am biased as my first kiss was also in Italy, when I was 15 and though we too were parted (it was a holiday romance) 55 years later and despite other lovers, we still write at Christmas.
Of course I am biased as my first kiss was also in Italy, when I was 15 and though we too were parted (it was a holiday romance) 55 years later and despite other lovers, we still write at Christmas.
Your Place or Mine
(2023)
Anywhere but my place.
11 February 2023
If you've ever looked forward to a date with someone you think is really attractive, and then spent an evening bored out of your head and thinking how on earth can I get out of this, that's what this movie reminds me of (except it's a movie and you can switch channel any time you desperately want to.)
How could Witherspoon and Kutchner end up in such a mundane and generally lifeless piece that struggles throughout and is as barely rom as it is rarely com?
Forget the fact that they have no chemistry (being in split screens for almost the whole movie makes it hard for anything to bubble beyond a cerebral simmer). But neither of their characters are particularly likable, so whether they get together or not is not something I became invested in.
In fact I hope both of them find a much better partner on their next night at the movies.
How could Witherspoon and Kutchner end up in such a mundane and generally lifeless piece that struggles throughout and is as barely rom as it is rarely com?
Forget the fact that they have no chemistry (being in split screens for almost the whole movie makes it hard for anything to bubble beyond a cerebral simmer). But neither of their characters are particularly likable, so whether they get together or not is not something I became invested in.
In fact I hope both of them find a much better partner on their next night at the movies.
Women at War
(2022)
Execrable dubbing ruins a gritty period drama.
31 January 2023
The dubbing is diabolical and continues Netflix' penchant for picking C-grade expat American voice over talents who proceed to plod through the decidedly clunky dialogue with all the enthusiasm and vocal expression of high school students doing drama in detention. Anything less French it's difficult to imagine.
The dubbing (and perhaps the translation?) only accentuates the stodginess of the script. Episode 1 is a monotonous presentation of plot setting with almost every character speaking in short monosyllabic sentences conveying nothing but plot. Clearly nuance is not a word known the writers.
One can see the promise and potential in the set up of the four main characters, but frankly I have no confidence in the scripts ability to make them credible or engaging.
And it's a shame because this is clearly a high budget period production beautifully shot in the (presumably) French countryside and well directed with a cinematic feel.
If you want to continue, I suggest offing the audio and relying on the subtitles.
The dubbing (and perhaps the translation?) only accentuates the stodginess of the script. Episode 1 is a monotonous presentation of plot setting with almost every character speaking in short monosyllabic sentences conveying nothing but plot. Clearly nuance is not a word known the writers.
One can see the promise and potential in the set up of the four main characters, but frankly I have no confidence in the scripts ability to make them credible or engaging.
And it's a shame because this is clearly a high budget period production beautifully shot in the (presumably) French countryside and well directed with a cinematic feel.
If you want to continue, I suggest offing the audio and relying on the subtitles.
A Christmas Solo
(2017 TV Movie)
Two stories coming together & falling apart make this a great Solo!
2 January 2023
There are two stories in this movie, and as a parent of a 20 year old (who is, like the teen characters, totally into music) I was thoroughly engaged by both.
The romance between Williams' and Scarfe's characters is superbly written in five short scenes that deftly go from first meeting to almost first kiss. Aided by the easy-going, conversational charm and chemistry of the leads (plus a deliciously comical cameo by the wickedly funny Lucie Guest) their relationship is one of my all time Hallmark favorites.
That it all goes off he rails because of the dischord created by his daughter's jealousy at being usurped by her daughter's natural vocal talent makes it all the more entertaining,
Strongly recommended.
The romance between Williams' and Scarfe's characters is superbly written in five short scenes that deftly go from first meeting to almost first kiss. Aided by the easy-going, conversational charm and chemistry of the leads (plus a deliciously comical cameo by the wickedly funny Lucie Guest) their relationship is one of my all time Hallmark favorites.
That it all goes off he rails because of the dischord created by his daughter's jealousy at being usurped by her daughter's natural vocal talent makes it all the more entertaining,
Strongly recommended.
I Hate Christmas
(2022– )
I hate reheated leftovers would be a better title
13 December 2022
The Netflix descriptor begins ' Every Christmas is the same story' - well of course it when you copy from the original (The Norwegian Home for Christmas) which was released last Xmas on Netflix!! Do they acknowledge this anywhere? Hugely disappointing from a company that supposedly prides itself on its creativity here shamelessly copy and pasting Oslo into Venice and expecting audiences not to notice as it sinks
This Italian has a sexier lead than the Norwegian but her beauty and charm make it hard to accept the premise of her being unable to attract or keep a boyfriend.
But otherwise I'd strongly recommend Home for Christmas which feels like the real deal unlike soggy imitation that is more panned than panettone.
This Italian has a sexier lead than the Norwegian but her beauty and charm make it hard to accept the premise of her being unable to attract or keep a boyfriend.
But otherwise I'd strongly recommend Home for Christmas which feels like the real deal unlike soggy imitation that is more panned than panettone.
Something from Tiffany's
(2022)
More like afternoon tea than breakfast at Tiffsnys
11 December 2022
Streets ahead of the typical Hallmark romance, this has an artfully constructed script that wrings (pun intended) several surprises from its premise. The two.leads have great chemistry and her sidekick is a delightful comic character.
While the end is never in doubt, its a very pleasant way to pass 90 minutes - light and sweet like a fine tea and a creamy Cornetto.
Didn't know Ms Deutsch is Leah Thomson's daughter till after, but this apple has not fallen far from the tree and she brings the same warmth, naturalness and credibility to the performance which makes her mother one of my favourite actresses.
While the end is never in doubt, its a very pleasant way to pass 90 minutes - light and sweet like a fine tea and a creamy Cornetto.
Didn't know Ms Deutsch is Leah Thomson's daughter till after, but this apple has not fallen far from the tree and she brings the same warmth, naturalness and credibility to the performance which makes her mother one of my favourite actresses.
The Rookie
(2018– )
Rookie needs retiring
3 December 2022
The show has become a victim of its own premise. When Fillion's character was a rookie in seasons one and two, it worked as he was fish out of water. Now he's no longer a rookie he is a very bland cop with a smug charm with little of dramatic interest in his character. The other characters who surround him - Bradford, Chen, Grey, Lopez - have far more interesting back stories and are potentially much more interesting in terms of their ongoing conflicts between their upbringing/beliefs and their roles as cops . But the show's premise now sidelines them as they revolve around the jolly Nolan whose story arc has run it's course.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
(2022)
Verdict: Attorney Woo wins on appeal over the Good Doctor
2 October 2022
Choosing a lead character on the autism spectrum has become something of a fad, but the challenge for the scriptwriters and actors is making the role interesting in itself, and not just for the reaction of those they interact with personally/professionally.
Unlike the protagonist of the Good Doctor, who remains self absorbed in his own rightness, Park Eun Bin as Attorney Woo (and her scriptwriters) wisely choose to make Woo aware of her social limitations and, in a superbly nuanced (and often highly comical) performance, Park navigates Woo's attempts to do her job as well as she possibly can.
Woo frequently misunderstands (she has an oft-expressed startled 'Huh? What?' reaction in conversation) confused by figurative or colloquial speech, and with childlike wide-eyed innocence, she tries to course-correct and move forward.
Park's performance is outstanding - physically adroit, whether in long shot as she walks with a distinctive arm-swinging bustle, or in the close-ups of her agitated fingers or puzzled eyes and perplexed pursed lips. She has great comic timing - regularly a second late in reacting or catching the sense of what's happening or has just been said - and realising what she thought was meant, wasn't. We really do see her mind at work, processing.
In short, her likeable character means the audience is rooting for Attorney Woo, whereas the Good Doctor remains a pain in the *rse, and while one can recognise his diagnostic skills, the viewers' sympathies surely lie with his colleagues for tolerating his demeanour.
Attorney Woo has largely managed to avoid the histrionics and stereotyping of other K-dramas I have watched and which that jar on western eyes. The cases are interesting in themselves and, within a conservative Asian society, are hopefully prompting discussion on roles and attitudes - the episodes concerning the village threatened by a motorway and the three friends falling out over a lottery win, were particularly good.
And the surreal moments - where a blue whale glides above a train as it crosses the harbour bridge, or a sperm whale drifts past her 17th storey office window - are just mind-bogglingly delightful!
Unlike the protagonist of the Good Doctor, who remains self absorbed in his own rightness, Park Eun Bin as Attorney Woo (and her scriptwriters) wisely choose to make Woo aware of her social limitations and, in a superbly nuanced (and often highly comical) performance, Park navigates Woo's attempts to do her job as well as she possibly can.
Woo frequently misunderstands (she has an oft-expressed startled 'Huh? What?' reaction in conversation) confused by figurative or colloquial speech, and with childlike wide-eyed innocence, she tries to course-correct and move forward.
Park's performance is outstanding - physically adroit, whether in long shot as she walks with a distinctive arm-swinging bustle, or in the close-ups of her agitated fingers or puzzled eyes and perplexed pursed lips. She has great comic timing - regularly a second late in reacting or catching the sense of what's happening or has just been said - and realising what she thought was meant, wasn't. We really do see her mind at work, processing.
In short, her likeable character means the audience is rooting for Attorney Woo, whereas the Good Doctor remains a pain in the *rse, and while one can recognise his diagnostic skills, the viewers' sympathies surely lie with his colleagues for tolerating his demeanour.
Attorney Woo has largely managed to avoid the histrionics and stereotyping of other K-dramas I have watched and which that jar on western eyes. The cases are interesting in themselves and, within a conservative Asian society, are hopefully prompting discussion on roles and attitudes - the episodes concerning the village threatened by a motorway and the three friends falling out over a lottery win, were particularly good.
And the surreal moments - where a blue whale glides above a train as it crosses the harbour bridge, or a sperm whale drifts past her 17th storey office window - are just mind-bogglingly delightful!
Always Amore
(2022 TV Movie)
A love that's delightfully al dente.
15 September 2022
When Hallmark occasionally gets its casting right and pitches two complentary leads together, the resulting courtship is always entertaining and the formulaic plot can be forgiven. Haynes and Reeser are well matched - her full-bodied wine to his mature and textured cheese - and the result is engaging and occasionally moving, even if their final coming together is delayed because the writer suddenly realised she needed to give Haynes more backstory.
Certainly one of Ms Reeser's best performances for Hallmark, nuanced and expressive, especially in her silences. She seems to be negotiating the awkward transition into her 40s - awkward for a female romantic lead - far more comfortably and successfully than Hallmarks other leading lady, Lacey Chabert.
Certainly one of Ms Reeser's best performances for Hallmark, nuanced and expressive, especially in her silences. She seems to be negotiating the awkward transition into her 40s - awkward for a female romantic lead - far more comfortably and successfully than Hallmarks other leading lady, Lacey Chabert.
Harmony in Paradise
(2022 TV Movie)
More Purgatory than Paradise
2 September 2022
One can only hope that the lead actress and writer of this dull film - apparently it's her second, which seems to be even worse than her first - is working on a 3rd and more interesting one in which she will reveal how to get funding to produce not one but two glossy shows in exotic locations when you have little discernible aptitude either in scriptwriting or acting (even when you're mouthing your own words!) You'd think there'd be some nuance, yes? An awareness of what layers the character was meant to have (to make her interesting to at least the love interest,, let alone the viewer) - layers which are absent from the script.
Unless she's privately wealthy, then her real talent is selling her projects and persuading the affluent to believe that investing in Paradise will be rewarding in some way- an act of charity, perhaps? She must be the envy of cash-strapped film school graduates the world over.
I hope her next film reveals all.
Unless she's privately wealthy, then her real talent is selling her projects and persuading the affluent to believe that investing in Paradise will be rewarding in some way- an act of charity, perhaps? She must be the envy of cash-strapped film school graduates the world over.
I hope her next film reveals all.
Love in the Villa
(2022)
Two unlovable people improbably find love
1 September 2022
Note to scriptwriters: don't waste the first half of your film making your two leads unattractive, petty self absorbed characters. Whether they sort it out or continue to vindictively spoil each other's stay in Verona one couldn't care less. Having taken so long to make them so thoroughly unlikable, the writer then has to desperately race against time to make them suddenly realise that they can't live without each other in order to share the obligatory kiss conclusion. This is all as fake and stomach churning as the fake horsemeat pasta prank in the show!
There are some lovely scenic shots of the historic city, especially the amphitheatre, which might be of interest if you're thinking of going there.
I assume the film had a wine company as a sponsor judging by the frequent shots of wine being uncorked and poured.
There are some lovely scenic shots of the historic city, especially the amphitheatre, which might be of interest if you're thinking of going there.
I assume the film had a wine company as a sponsor judging by the frequent shots of wine being uncorked and poured.
Murder at Yellowstone City
(2022)
A stranger comes to town &all hell breaks loose
26 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is the best Western I have seen since News of the World. Good storytelling and a solid cast led by the commendably credible Bryne, Hale and Camp. A strong sense of setting (though 'city' reflects the dreams of the settlers, not the reality!) and period (love the stage coach!).
Yes, it is long at 2 hrs but I enjoyed the director's unhurried style, which makes the chaotic body-count climax all the more effective.
The Minister and his wife are the surprising core of the movie. Anna Camp is particularly good, seizing the opportunity to ditch the ditzy blonde persona she sadly seems to get saddled with, in order to play a woman juggling faith, a husband with a hidden past, and the need to use a gun for something than hunting rabbit for dinner. I hope this opens up more challenging opportunities for her .
Yes, it is long at 2 hrs but I enjoyed the director's unhurried style, which makes the chaotic body-count climax all the more effective.
The Minister and his wife are the surprising core of the movie. Anna Camp is particularly good, seizing the opportunity to ditch the ditzy blonde persona she sadly seems to get saddled with, in order to play a woman juggling faith, a husband with a hidden past, and the need to use a gun for something than hunting rabbit for dinner. I hope this opens up more challenging opportunities for her .
First Love
(2018)
A show that needs more than a heart transplant
26 April 2022
Bea is a pleasure to watch but the way the guy's character is set up means that the show struggles to get any blood pumping. There's no chemistry but I don't know if it's because of the actor or the character he's playing but he behaves as though she's yesterday's leftovers. Ms Alonzo deserves better.
Don't Forget I Love You
(2021 TV Movie)
Emilie Ullerup fans will enjoy it!
7 March 2022
Well yes, I like Ellie Ullerup and wouldn't it be nice if we happened to be neighbours. Her role is not the usual Hallmark heroine as her character has some definite issues which mean that she isn't immediately likable and Ms Ullerup has to work hard to find the positives in this obsessively structured, self doubting woman who is highly risk averse. And yet she does.
As is so often the case with Hallmark, the guy doesn't bring much other than good looks, a vivacious daughter and a sad single parent story, and somehow he expects us to join the dots that this makes him Mr Right. Sports teacher? It's as convincing a performance as the green screen highlighted in other reviews.
But I liked the movie because I have walked across the same suspension bridge that causes Ms Ullerup so much stress, so even though we're still not neighbours, we have at least walked the same path but yeeeears apart!
As is so often the case with Hallmark, the guy doesn't bring much other than good looks, a vivacious daughter and a sad single parent story, and somehow he expects us to join the dots that this makes him Mr Right. Sports teacher? It's as convincing a performance as the green screen highlighted in other reviews.
But I liked the movie because I have walked across the same suspension bridge that causes Ms Ullerup so much stress, so even though we're still not neighbours, we have at least walked the same path but yeeeears apart!
Love in Aruba
(2021)
Beautiful setting for a dull romance
21 February 2022
It has a good premise which flings the couple together, but they don't gel and it's only Hallmark quick-fixit scriptglue that joins them together at the end.
While it's realistic that Connor is awkward about how to relate to a beautiful live-in help (and where does a responsible employer draw the line?) McConnell delivers a one-note awkward wooden, work-nerd characterisation throughout - what Sashleigha is supposed to see in him is beyond me (and we won't explore the 20 year age gap between the actors.) And if after all the years he's been working in alternative energy, the fact that he hasn't worked out how to sell his product to a reluctant public suggests he's a man of little imagination. No wonder his wife left him!
It's like watching a tip-top table tennis player try to make a match with a guy holding a tennis racquet stuck on the baseline - one hopes that Sashleigha has a more lively sparring partner in her next love-match!
While it's realistic that Connor is awkward about how to relate to a beautiful live-in help (and where does a responsible employer draw the line?) McConnell delivers a one-note awkward wooden, work-nerd characterisation throughout - what Sashleigha is supposed to see in him is beyond me (and we won't explore the 20 year age gap between the actors.) And if after all the years he's been working in alternative energy, the fact that he hasn't worked out how to sell his product to a reluctant public suggests he's a man of little imagination. No wonder his wife left him!
It's like watching a tip-top table tennis player try to make a match with a guy holding a tennis racquet stuck on the baseline - one hopes that Sashleigha has a more lively sparring partner in her next love-match!
Encounter
(2018–2019)
New to Kdrama? An entertaining introduction
2 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This was my second Kdrama - but the first I watched right through I(at 16x70 minute episodes its not too long!) I found the two leads likeable and believable and their growing relationship handled with a convincing blend of awkwardness and comedy. All the characters seemed very grounded (apart from the wicked mother-in-law) and there were no irritating over-acting stereotypes padding out the plot.
The script makes repeated and extensive use of flashbacks as the two lovers reflect on what has happened / what people have said, often referencing scenes from much earlier in the story, reflecting a very strong sense of structure. The premise is good - that's what hooked me to start watching - but the writer doesn't fully get to grips with it (eg the fact she would have turned 40 late in the story - he's 30 by then - is ignored even though their age difference is a big deal for everyone else). Supporting cast storylines - the spiky personal secretary/friend and the ex-husband especially - start of well (and have good actors inhabiting them) but then stall by about episode 8 - possibly because the ex-husband is becoming a surprisingly sympathetic character and the writer didn't want to genuinely challenge Park Bo Gum role as the love interest.
It's a fascinating insight into Korean culture. As noted by others, the romance, while beautifully shot, is passionless to the western viewer - they probably kiss 5 or 6 times but never with urgency or sexual desire. As its winter most of the time, the lovers are usually in sweaters, jackets and coats; given the photogenic nature of the two leads its striking that we never see any flesh other than neck, wrists and ankles. The power wielded by mothers (and the archetypal villainess mother-in-law) is disturbing, and the codified respect given to those 'above you' in business or society is dramatically displayed.
Song Hye Kyo is gorgeous - the age difference between her and Park's character is not very obvious - but as she is now 40 in real life, it will be interesting to see how her career continues and what Korean tv can offer her. I suspect she is capable of a lot more challenging work than what she will be scripted to do.
The script makes repeated and extensive use of flashbacks as the two lovers reflect on what has happened / what people have said, often referencing scenes from much earlier in the story, reflecting a very strong sense of structure. The premise is good - that's what hooked me to start watching - but the writer doesn't fully get to grips with it (eg the fact she would have turned 40 late in the story - he's 30 by then - is ignored even though their age difference is a big deal for everyone else). Supporting cast storylines - the spiky personal secretary/friend and the ex-husband especially - start of well (and have good actors inhabiting them) but then stall by about episode 8 - possibly because the ex-husband is becoming a surprisingly sympathetic character and the writer didn't want to genuinely challenge Park Bo Gum role as the love interest.
It's a fascinating insight into Korean culture. As noted by others, the romance, while beautifully shot, is passionless to the western viewer - they probably kiss 5 or 6 times but never with urgency or sexual desire. As its winter most of the time, the lovers are usually in sweaters, jackets and coats; given the photogenic nature of the two leads its striking that we never see any flesh other than neck, wrists and ankles. The power wielded by mothers (and the archetypal villainess mother-in-law) is disturbing, and the codified respect given to those 'above you' in business or society is dramatically displayed.
Song Hye Kyo is gorgeous - the age difference between her and Park's character is not very obvious - but as she is now 40 in real life, it will be interesting to see how her career continues and what Korean tv can offer her. I suspect she is capable of a lot more challenging work than what she will be scripted to do.
The Good Doctor
(2017–2024)
Not so good doctor getting worse
9 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The show has lost its way with key actors obviously getting disenchanted and deciding to move on to more challenging stuff. The loss of Nicholas Gonzalez (season 3) and now Antonia Thomas (season 4) deprives the show of two of its most interesting characters. Schiff and Harper have become cyphers. Gubelmsnn and Lee are stuck in writers limbo with no clear direction of why they are in the cast any longer, their backstories seemingly having run into a dark dead end.
Highmore's role is a slow burn, one trick pony as he gradually moves inexorably towards being 'normalised', (yay I am getting married!) but the trope of him visualising complex medical conditions on floating screens hovering around the operating theatre in his head is yawn yawn overdone. We get it. He is a genius.
New characters brought in as interns hsve proved spectacular failures in terms of injecting (ha ha) new life into the drama - 2 of the 4 interns have already been shipped out, and the other 2 hover as hapless sidekicks just to provide alternative but ultimately unimportant (to the writers) social /,medical.viewpoints.
Christina Chang is left now to carry the emotional heart of this drama, and much though I love her, she is not enough to save this series which deserves its own DNR. And RIP.
Highmore's role is a slow burn, one trick pony as he gradually moves inexorably towards being 'normalised', (yay I am getting married!) but the trope of him visualising complex medical conditions on floating screens hovering around the operating theatre in his head is yawn yawn overdone. We get it. He is a genius.
New characters brought in as interns hsve proved spectacular failures in terms of injecting (ha ha) new life into the drama - 2 of the 4 interns have already been shipped out, and the other 2 hover as hapless sidekicks just to provide alternative but ultimately unimportant (to the writers) social /,medical.viewpoints.
Christina Chang is left now to carry the emotional heart of this drama, and much though I love her, she is not enough to save this series which deserves its own DNR. And RIP.
The Christmas Club
(2019 TV Movie)
Mitchell and Mathison marvellously matched
30 March 2021
It's such a pleasure to see two fine actors handling everyday dialogue with such a deft yet flirtatious touch. Very understated, totally believable. Who knew sitting on a swing bench could be so engaging? Ms Mitchell has a way of infusing a line with an unexpected laugh or reading that one wonders how such an effortlessly charming character could have remained unattached for 8 years in the story! Solid support from the sister and the mother make this one of Hallmarks most watchable.
The Lost Husband
(2020)
Lost a husband found a life
12 April 2020
A Slow burner that's carried by beautifully nuanced and believable performances from the 3 main leads. Far more romantic than Love Wedding Repeat, despite the fact that the romance does not take centre stage. And Sharon Lawrence looks unbelievably good and hadn't aged at all since NYPD!
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