Pearl in Paradise

I loved this movie from start to finish. The story has all of the components I look for when viewing a movie: Inspiration, encouragement and an education. The two main leads have amazing chemistry restrained until the final moment. This story is filled with wonderful beautiful pictures and great characters. Christopher and Jill do a really good job of portraying a writer and a photographer each seeking something in their lives yet to be found. They meet up and set out on a search for a rare blue pearl. This story has a great message more important than any pearl though! Love is the greatest adventure. Also look for the junior editor who looks like a cross between Jude Law and Tom Cruise. Sorry! Just have to throw that one in. Enjoy this movie please if you love great adventures, great characters, funny scenes and love. True love that respects itself first, not sappy, gooey shallow attraction. Fans of Jill Wagner and Christopher Polaha will appreciate their performance. They will not disappoint! James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 3/2/2021

I read the reviews before watching the movie and there are always good reviews and bad reviews for these types of movie. This is afterall a Hallmark movie, which I like watching to escape reality for a while, not because they are Oscar winning stories.

I don't know if the reviews were from people involved in the movie or what, but take it from someone who has seen over 100+ of these movies: I actually believe this is above average.

The contrast between both leads was great: he is organized, afraid of new things, adventure and she is the total opposite: after spending time together they get the other's habits (like the packing their clothes thing) and I think it's beautiful. They added some depth to the characters.

They obviously had amazing chemistry and I was surprised by part of the outcome of the plot, which I didn't see coming. Thank you Hallmark, for surprising me every once in a while. I don't know if they actually recorded in Fiji but the scenery was breathtaking. That's an adventure I wouldn't mind going on.

Okay, I know what to expect from these from these Hallmark movies. They are sweet, fun and heartwarming. You usually get what you expect. This one was slightly different. The two leads had wonderful chemistry and the story was very sweet. The adventure was fun. Yeah, I love Hallmark movies. They make me smile in a time when smiles don't come as easily as they used to. This one was really special and that is coming from someone who really is not as big of a fan of Hallmark Summer movies. I tend to love the Autumn and Christmas movies the best. This movie will be a rewatch for me most definitely

The biggest attraction in seeing 'Pearl in Paradise' was the two leads. Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha have been near consistently worth watching, with much of the work of both in terms of performances being good and more (Wagner being more familiar to me). Most of the films of both are at least watchable too. The 2018 Summer Nights seasonal block was one of the more consistent seasonal blocks for that year for Hallmark, in a good way. Not all worked, with 'Love on Safari' underwhelming but most did work.

'Pearl in Paradise' was absolutely one of the ones that worked. With it being a contender for the best 2018 Summer Nights Hallmark films, as well as up there as one of the better 2018 Hallmark films. Those not as familiar with Wagner or Polaha in the way they are with other Hallmark regulars and want to see why they are popular should see this, as it is a good representation of what is appealing about them. 'Pearl in Paradise' is no masterpiece, but after seeing some Hallmark disappointments in the past few months it is something of a refreshment.

Starting with what doesn't quite work, 'Pearl in Paradise' is a little too pat at the end (which is not uncommon with Hallmark actually, it is actually one of its most frequent issues).

Also thought that some of the supporting acting wasn't quite there, especially for the travel agent.

Wagner and Polaha however are both incredibly winning and command their roles with ease. Wagner gives energy and nuance without over-egging or phoning in, also appreciated that her character wasn't too idealistic while also not having flaws exaggerated which this reviewer had been seeing a lot recently with her Hallmark viewings. Polaha charms the socks off and subtlety and easy going-ness without being too relaxed. The chemistry between the two is just lovely, subtle but witty and not too low key. The characters are mostly well written, apart from the annoying travel agent, we've seen the cliches before but they are cliches that don't feel too overworked and a good deal is done making them rootable.

It looks good, with absolutely magical scenery. The music isn't too loud or too constant, like it is too often with Hallmark. The direction is solid without doing anything showy, nor was there any need to do that. The script is light hearted and flows naturally, and while the story is not innovative there is a lot of warmth and charm, it isn't played too seriously while also treating the material respectfully.

Overall, very well done. 8/10.

This was a cute story with good chemistry between the actors. I liked it, despite the undeniable copycat ending that was too obviously close to another great classic romantic comedy that I love...did anyone else catch it?