A Summer to Remember

Unremarkable plot and writing made watchable by the luminous Catherine Bell and her chemistry with another Hallmark regular, Cameron Mathison. 50 year old Ms Bell, who looks 40 at the most, plays her age with an older teen daughter and is paired age appropriately with the male lead. Of course, Hallmark being Hallmark they couldn't resist casting a 10 years younger actor for Cameron's rival for her affections. In addition to the big plus of two attractive leads who are also more than competent actors, the beautiful scenery adds to the charm. Most importantly there is an easy rapport between all of the likable cast. They seemed to all be having a good time (and who wouldn't in beautiful Fiji?) and genuinely like each other. I felt sorry for the poor actress who had to stay in the states and do much of her part on Skype. All in all, a likable entry with few if any cringe-worthy moments from the Hallmark movie assembly line.

Personally have always found Cameron Mathison worth watching and can see why he is popular with Hallmark, when his characters are written well he plays with a natural easy going charm and subtle charisma. Catherine Bell is more variable, have liked some of her work but when she has characters that are hard to connect to or have overblown character flaws she fares less well. The 2018 Summer Nights seasonal block varied as well, a couple worked and a couple did not.

'A Summer to Remember' is one of the in between 2018 Summer Nights films. It is not as good as 'Pearl in Paradise' (the best), but it is a lot better than 'Love on Safari'. As far as 2018 Hallmark films go in general, 'A Summer to Remember' is neither one of the best or worst films and in the firmly in the middle part of the in between category. To me, it was a decent enough diversion with a lot of good but it would have been better if the story was stronger.

The good things will be mentioned first. On the whole, Bell and Mathison are very engaging and likeable leads (apart from some initial forced moments from Bell). Their characters are not multi dimensional, but they were ones that were not too perfect or had negative characteristics that are overdone. Their chemistry doesn't come over as disconnected and is sweet and sincere. The supporting cast generally are solid.

Fiji though is the star, with the scenery being breath taking and beautifully filmed, which is expected from any Hallmark film set abroad. The music is not too constant or repetitive, even if there is not much that leaps out. Most of the script flows well and has a mix of light hearted wit and well meaning more serious moments.

Will agree however with those that have said that the story is pretty weak. There are light hearted and charming moments, but it is very, very slight (sometimes uneventful) and drags quite a bit in spots, do agree that some of it was too much like a travelogue. What there is of the story has good moments and did appreciate that there wasn't any contrived predictable conflicts, but it is very formulaic (if you've seen any Summer Nights film set abroad it is pretty much what is seen quite a lot with Hallmark in this type of film).

Moreover, atmosphere wise on the whole it's pretty bland from lacking depth in storytelling and character writing. While liking Bell and Mathison's characters, the supporting characters are too sketchy and too much like recycled Hallmark cliches. Really did not see the point of Paul O'Brien's character and thought him annoying.

In conclusion, decent if not exceptional. 6/10.

Most of these kinds of stories follow the formula of boy meets girl, boy (or girl) shows interest, apparent rival shows up, misunderstanding leads to conflict, all seems lost, love prevails last minute, great sunset (metaphorically), the end. What I liked about this presentation was the minimal angst and conflict. I'm tired of "death-spiral" plots that pull up at the last minute. Perhaps my tastes are more simplistic than they used to be, probably my age accounts for this. The part played by Cameron Mathison is the same way he played his part in a movie with Mira Sorvino a couple years earlier, "A Christmas to Remember." I liked that movie also. They're both "A Hallmark Moment."

I loved it. I was glad to see a Mature relationship that involved Understanding and not mis-understanding. I wish that it had included the location so I could go there.

A Summer to Remember strives to being something new and appealing to the Hallmark audience, but in this viewers opinion, it misses the mark . To its credit, the leading actors are mature and attractive, and present the story of how two people with an emotionally complicated past can find hope and happiness once again. The distraction from this worthy plot, however, is that the leading roles are played by two very attractive, yet poorly matched actors. Cameron Matheson certainly comes across as n appealing and attractive man..mature in years but with a remarkably toned and 'buff' body. Strangely, his high-pitched voice detracts from the seriousness of his role.. His smile is so pervasive, there seems no time for a serious moment between the two stars. Catherine Bell is a lovely actress..physically she is in incredible form. However, what plastic surgery she submitted to in the past has left her face with a seriously limited range of emotional expressions. Her mouth is permanently turned up at the corners, making it impossible for her to look serious. She seems always smiling, no matter what the emotions of the moment might be, rendering her unable to convey some of the sadder, intense moments of the story. She cannot express concern in her role as a doctor, a single mother, a woman of new conflicts about romance and her future. The best acting in the cast is done by her daughter, the teenager who finds herself much more accepted and successful in the setting of the island vacation resort. Her acting stands out among the others in the cast ..and shows some real potential for future roles. One little quirk that Hallmark directors ought to be looking at..that has become almost a Hallmark trait in every romantic movie..is the moment when the two stars are about to have their first kiss..and bingo!! there is always an interruption from some outside source..an unexpected returning old lover, an emergency phone call from home, something that stops the kiss just an inch from happening. Hallmark views almost laugh at this predictable moment in every single movie..Maybe the producers and directors could surprise us with an other way of letting this moment happen..Let the lovers kiss!

In all.this is a beautifully filmed movie , in a gorgeous setting, but with very limited emotional range for the 2 leads,and with almost no believable chemistry between them whatsoever.