Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade

Autumn Reeser makes her Hallmark debut here, and immediately shows us why she would soon go onto become of the channel's best loved stars.

Pretty, witty - she helps this film to fly along, and I liked that this didn't feel like a standard Hallmark film. The humour is broader and is all the better for it.

It's not perfect, it's very clear right from the off that her character's boyfriend will not be the one for her by the end, but minor gripes aside, this was good fun and I enjoyed it.

Emily (Autumn Reeser) is a Chicago native who has worked her way up to a job that fits her well. This beautiful young woman is in charge of the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chi-town, among other things. Also pleasing, Emily believes, is her long distance, marine biologist boyfriend Brian. They conduct a romance in most modern fashion, on Skype. Then, Emily's perfect world comes crashing down a bit. A handsome number cruncher, Henry (Antonio Cupo) has been invited, at the mayor's request, to see if there is any ways to save money on the parade. Naturally, his initial meeting with Emily goes badly, as he seems all brash and no heart to her. She learns that his consultant's job has him traveling around the country, living in hotels, and making few attachments. He even makes a fiver wager with her, as he doesn't believe Brian is going to propose on his coming-soon visit. There are other mishaps and misunderstandings that arrive for this dueling twosome. Could it be that, between sarcastic barbs, Em and Hen really like each other? You KNOW IT, romance fans! This adorable romcom, which originated on the best network in the universe, Hallmark, has all the winning elements of the best romantic comedies out there. First, it sports attractive and charming performers in Reeser and Cupo. Then, a fine supporting cast, a lovely setting in Chicago's best venues, wonderful costumes, a clever script, and a made-to-entertain direction. So, parade out to grab the DVD somewhere or hit the download button soon.

I am not, nor would I ever, knock today's Hallmark releases- but nothing compares to the early years.

I don't know how I had never seen this one before- but it's easily my favorite.

It's got the essential elements of falling in love during the holidays on the small screen: a conflict ridden meet-cute, a seemingly perfect boyfriend, the most adorable and wholesome woman in the world, a couple fun female extras, an unrealistically single man who's attractive, wealthy, and a gentleman- but a bit jaded.

But this Thanksgiving flick of Hallmark past(and WHY did they stop making Thanksgiving films?) Is far less sugar-coated than than today's, while still remaining wholesome enough. They openly drink and get drunk, the boyfriend isn't 'the right guy-just for someone else' he's actually quite the prick. The humor is just a shade darker and a notch sexier - and it creates a depth that's been lacking the last couple years.

The actual production is really good, too- at least to someone who knows very little about movie production. They really made Chicago in November really beautiful. I even really loved the music- which is often the one element I kind of hate.

As for the story, a vintage-clad young woman prepared for her beloved annual Thanksgiving parade while waiting for her marine-biologist boyfriend to come home and propose to her. Meanwhile she bumps into the man who wants to commoditize the parade she's devoted her career to - and while they have opposite views on just about everything, including love- their chemistry is undeniable. Naturally they're forced to work together, and end up exposing every private thought that occurs to them- and eat peanut butter in their undies (separately, mind you- this IS still a Hallmark movie)

The leads- Hallmark favorite Autumn Reeser, and the very very handsome Antonio Cupo -just absolutely killed it. It was hard not to root for them.

If you're in the mood for predictable yet enjoyable couple hours, and don't want to feel like you're watching a disney-movie for adults, this is a good start. I always dvr the 2015 and earlier Hallmark movies- there really is something a touch more special about them (might be the fact they didn't churn out 200 a year) and this might have been the absolute best of them.

Also- I now REALLY want a best friend with a small vintage clothing shop. Might be my favorite set of any movie ever made. So- anybody with a vintage shop is obviously free to seek me out and befriend me, I expect tea-for two in a mid-century settee. And, yes- that's how adorable this movie is.

Yes, it's "typical" Hallmark feel-good romance, but the actors have great chemistry that makes the characters more believable as a couple than some other Hallmark movies. It's cute and quirky and refreshing compared to the many Santa-is-real movies that abound this time of year. Loved the reason behind her passion for vintage clothes -- that explanation had never occurred to me. Some of spliced scenes when they were in their respective beds thinking about each other reminded me of old classic movies which actually lended another layer of believability to her vintage clothes and determination to keep traditions alive. I like that Hallmark makes so many different kinds of Christmas movies that range from comedy to drama and different levels in between. I give this one a 10.

Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of my favorite Hallmark movies of all times! The writing, the chemistry between the two leads, the touching moments interlaced with quirky humor make this a can't miss movie. I keep it on my DVR, but it's also available at Prime, but they still show it in a tiny, early window of Christmas films as of 2019. I adore Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo in this movie and hope that Hallmark can learn from the older movies that this movie is a model for how to make a good movie no matter what time of year. Enjoy!