Summer in the City

Was very mixed on the 2016 Summer Nights Hallmark films. While really liking 'Summer Villa', which is my favourite of the block, 'My Summer Prince' underwhelmed me and with it being the only below average 2016 Summer Nights films it is the easy least favourite. Did like the premise and have liked some of the cast in other things, the most familiar name to me being Vivica A Fox, as someone who usually finds good premises and worthy casts big selling points for seeing anything that was more than enough reason to see it.

'Summer in the City' turned out to be quite good. As far as the 2016 Summer Nights films go, even with imperfections it is one of the better ones in my view. A great film it is not, but it is also a long way from terrible in my view (the complete anti-thesis of that), somewhere around high middle in ranking Hallmark's films for that year, which was a very up and down one that year. The Christmas output being especially variable, which was true for Hallmark's succeeding years as well.

It isn't perfect. Story wise, 'Summer in the City' is very formulaic, with everything in the story pretty much mapping out exactly as one would expect from any Hallmark film with this particular formula.

Did think that it was a little bit of a slow starter, with some awkwardness and Julianna Guill's character not immediately easy to warm to. Fox disappoints, she is usually a bright spot in her films (and she has been in a lot of bad ones) but here her boss character is an over the top cartoon and she comes over as rather too hammy for my liking.

Guill however is very charming and seems to be enjoying herself, and her character does become likeable when she relaxes. Marc Bendavid is a warmly charismatic and down to earth presence and their chemistry is genuine and sweet. Natasha Henstridge is suitably zesty. The characters may be cliched but have personality, on the most part appealing ones, and aren't too perfect or over flawed. Fox's is the one exception.

The script doesn't come over as too cheesy or schmaltzy and is both fun and sincere. The story is far from special, but it goes at a good pace and is heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. The music fits nicely and isn't used too much or overpowers, while the direction is well above routine level. Production values are lovely, New York always is a delight.

Overall, worth seeing. 7/10.

Is it cheesy? Yes. Implausible? Absolutely! Obviously not filmed in NYC? Yup.

But as far as Hallmark movies go... it's not bad. The leads are attractive and convincing. The story is not entirely cliched (although a bit predictable). It has all of the elements of a feel good, I don't want to have to think rainy afternoon movie. You know the kind of movie you put on when you just want something silly and easy.

Julianna Guill is adorable as Taylor, the small time girl from Ohio, who's big dreams of fashion in Manhattan start to come true. But the big city's not all she thought it would be as she navigates the noisy, fast-paced, abrasive streets and fashion business by managing an expensive clothing store. Taylor's new boss Alyssa (Vivica Fox) sees something in Taylor's honest but friendly approach to customers and her gift for fashion, but Alyssa has trouble letting go of her own big city habits to give Taylor's new ideas for growth and change a chance. Taylor struggles to both be herself and fit into this concrete jungle while trying to grow her boss's business, make friends, please clients and find a reasonably priced apartment... there enters "the guy"... seeing the displaced and beautiful Taylor, it's Phil to the rescue! Patient and helpful, Phil tries to help Taylor adapt to city life and find a place to live while she, in return, encourages him to follow his own business dreams. In My Humble Opinion: This story line is not anything new or Emmy- worthy, but it's a cute, romantic, chick-flick to pass the time on a lazy afternoon. (PS: I loved Taylor's adorable wardrobe and sweet personality) 6.5 stars 9/2016

My wife and I watch Hallmark movies everyday! We love the romance and all that leads up to the final kiss. The majority of these movies, however, have a predictable theme...small town, festival or wedding, love wins out over potential life-changing career change. However, "Summer in the City" kept us guessing from beginnng until the end.

This movie was very refreshing compared to the predictability of so many Hallmark movies. In fact almost all Hallmark movies have only one kiss...in the last 10 seconds of the movie. I do not know how we missed this movie made in 2016, but it is an outstanding production and even had a kiss early on! We do not live anywhere in NY state, but it was very intriguing to see how a Midwest girl could make her way in NYC, where life is very different from other big US cities. We would love to see more Hallmark productions with unique and unpredictable happenings, but with the build-up of romance in each production. In fact, the 3rd-party actors with their romantic comments along the way keep the love theme going really well.

I hope Hallmark keeps going with these romantic movies, but hope they put more pizazz into their characters, their settings, and their romance (more than one kiss at the end).

Had to watch this with my wife. She liked it. I wanted to scream lol. This lead actress needs her acting refined. She overacts in closeup scenes. Typical Hallmark movie. Made in Canada with Canadian actors pretending it takes place in America. Shame on them.