Always and Forever

I love me some Hallmark Sunday afternoon movies.

However, I have put this movie on on probably 6 separate occasions (it reruns a lot) and every time i lose interest before the halfway mark -- because absolutely nothing happens in this movie. There is no conflict, no obstacle to overcome. Except that they just have to finally get around to saying that they still love each other. The acting is probably fine. The actors are quite pretty. But it's like having to listen to your best friend, every single time you see her, talk about how she's not sure if she should move in with her totally fine but not fantastic boyfriend boyfriend. You just don't care that much, and it just doesn't matter. Arghhh i want my two hours back!

It's Saturday evening of Memorial Day weekend, and there's "nothing" on TV, so I'm filling up on Hallmark movies. Most Hallmark movies, in my experience, fall into the 7-8 range (on a scale of 10), i.e., above average. This is the first one I recall ever having rated below average.

The summary line I've supplied for this review is not my own; it's a line from the movie, and it could well have been the tag line, if there were one. Finally, the one previous review here summarizes the plot sufficiently that I can skip revisiting that.

So much for background.

My first problem with this film was seemingly incompatible casting. I like Rena Sofer, but I wouldn't say that she's in my top tier of favorites. And up to now, I've never been all that impressed with Dean McDermott; but then, this is the first time I've seen him in a lead role. Therefore, I had to try hard to wipe away everything I'd ever thought about him, and to see him through fresh eyes. Their pairing, therefore, as the lead romantic couple, seemed rather incongruous, as "Philip" appeared to be a much better match for "Grace" than did "Michael".

Secondly, the whole execution seemed rather superficial, even for a "formula" film. The best thing about the script is its self-realization that some of the characters are behaving like teenagers, not adults. Unfortunately, this observation inadvertently applies to some of the actors as well.

Supporting players worth seeing in their roles here include the ever-reliable Barbara Eden, Jonathan Chase and, particularly, Hillary Tuck. And by the end, I even warmed up a bit to the loving leads.

This story has nothing high and nothing low. It's just blah. Rena Sofer and Dean McDermott do nothing special together. I saw no chemistry. There was more going on (bro-wise) with Scot and Michael than any spark between Grace and Michael.

Barbara Eden as mom was super annoying until suddenly her entire outlook towards Grace's relationships changes instantly.

It would have been nice if some time could have been spent exploring the two assistants and their relationship. At least Lindsay had some spark to her.

Even the climax was lackluster. There was no enthusiasm in that speech whatsoever.

Max Gail and Barbara Eden blah . Dean McDermott and Rena Sofer act so immature to be professionals.Poor Philip Rob Boltin he gets blindsided.shows how fickle people are

Dean McDermott and Rena Sider are in 30s late thirties acting like teenagers . All the movies Hallmark makes have these people riding bikes not acting like adults.