2 Hearts

Greetings again from the darkness. We've seen it before. Two stories, seemingly unrelated, yet parallel. Only this time it's based on a true story, and the 2017 book "All My Tomorrows" by Brian Gregory. Director Lance Hool and co-writers Veronica Hool and Robin U. Russin serve up a touching and inspirational story of how the lives of families can intersect, and how triumph can come from tragedy.

Admittedly, the film has a bit of Lifetime Movie Channel look and feel. It even begins with some conventional philosophy on life courtesy of our narrator: it's either a miracle or it's not, and life either happens to us or for us. These are neither particularly thought-provoking nor deep, however, they do set the stage well enough for the story. We first see an unconscious Chris Gregory (Jacob Elordi, THE KISSING BOOTH) being wheeled on a gurney into the surgical area of a hospital. His loved ones are obviously concerned. We then cut to a period many years earlier as a young Cuban boy passes out on a soccer field. We learn Jorge Bolivar has a lung disease, and has been told at various stages that he wouldn't live past 12, 20, or 30 years old.

Despite the different time periods, we see the symmetry with the romantic interests of the men. Modern day college student Chris (also the film's narrator) literally bumps into Sam (Tiera Skovbye, "Riverdale"), and the two become 'Safety Buddies' on campus - offering a ride to those students in need. An older Jorge (Adnan Canto, "Designated Survivor") locks eyes with flight attendant Leslie (Radha Mitchell), which kicks off a whirlwind globe-trotting romance. Chris is a middle-class boy whose parents (Kari Matchett, Tahmoh Penikett) are loving and demanding. Jorge is part of a wealthy Cuban family forced to relocate to Miami due to political pressures under Castro.

Keeping up with the time period for Jorge and Leslie involves spotting the clothing styles and technology hints, and very few viewers won't know where this is headed well before it gets there. The two staged weddings provide all kinds of cuteness, as does goofy, easy-going Chris. Life perspective is one of the key takeaways here, as is a fact that most people should already be well aware: organ donors make a difference and mean the world to those impacted. The film ends with a note on the Gabriel House of Care, a non-profit worth researching.

I've read some poor reviews and am astounded that those who wrote them were fixated on technicalities of acting or the story line or some other triviality. This is the true story of heroic life-saving goodness. How can that be ignored? To those who love and appreciate life, you won't be disappointed!

Two very beautiful stories following two families with two love stories - and a turn of events - which will bring them together in the end. Very moving - very touching - at times comical and lighthearted - and then very spiritual with a message of true love and importance of family - and of caring for others. The sceneries are breathtaking and the characters very believable and their connections and relationships hold your interest to the end. The fact based on real people - just completes the story.

An incredible story that makes us realize how connected we all are. Love that they made this into a movie.

Great cinematography and cast as well - it gave full detail with that.

When I stumbled upon the 2020 movie "2 Hearts" here late in 2022, I had actually not heard about the movie. I found it by random chance on Netflix, and of course opted to watch it since it was a movie that I hadn't already seen.

With me not being in any way familiar with the movie, director Lance Hool had every chance to impress, bedazzle and entertain me.

And he managed to do that. The storyline in "2 Hearts" is a very well-written and enjoyable storyline. So writers Robin U. Russin and Veronica Hool definitely gave director Lance Hool something profound, wholesome and worthwhile to work with. It is a very gripping and compelling storyline, just as it is a heartfelt, emotional and beautiful storyline.

The acting performances in "2 Hearts" were good, and the movie woudn't have been so enjoyable if the acting performances weren't spot on. I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, and that is something I enjoy when I sit down to watch a movie, as there are no connections associated to other previously portrayed characters by the faces of the actors and actresses.

"2 Hearts" is a very beautiful movie, and I was genuinely entertained by it. And this is definitely a movie that I will recommend you sit down and watch, should you get the chance.

My rating of "2 Hearts" lands on a seven out of ten stars.