Hearts in the Game

For the zillionth time Hallmark proposes a movie about two school sweethearts who get reunited, years after a bad breakup. Yet, with sufficient insight and an intelligent script, even this story could have been rendered appealing. Unfortunately, the female lead character, Hazel, is mostly self-centered and somewhat hammed up by Erin Cahill. No much better is Diego, played more convincingly by Marco Grazzini. The reasons of conflict between Hazel and her friends or Diego appear flimsy and carried to excessive extremes, in order to create some sort of drama. As an example, though Diego's reason to stood up Hazel on Prom night was serious, couldn't he have called later to explain it, rather than letting a grudge last for years? Essentially, most of the situations are overplayed, which renders the characters look shallow and unlikable. And what to say about Jax, who is portrayed so unidimensionally to seem hardly human? Jax seem to live only to adore Helen, showing no interest on an independent life. "Ol' Blue", of the cherished folk song, and Stephen Foster's "Tray" pale in comparison, as example of canine devotion. I refrain from calling the production cartoonish, because cartoons often show more finesse.

Overall, there is a bit of chemistry between the lead interpreters and the show offers some degree of entertainment, enough to make it watchable. Yet, it could have been so much better!

I love Erin Cahill. At this writing, if I had to pick one rom/com star who is still active as my favorite it would be Cahill. But her last two efforts have left me disappointed. Christmas Bedtime Stories wasn't her fault, it was all the story. The story put her Danielle in a situation bound to hurt someone. In this movie, the story is again a problem. It has no creativity and is very predictable. The viewer holds on to hope that somehow the backstory mysteries will make it worthwhile, but that didn't happen for me. Meanwhile, Cahill's character Hazel's appeal is mixed. At the beginning, Hazel is a problem solver who never fails. She has the arrogance to go with it. As she and Diego spend time together, Hazel softens. By conflict time, Hazel makes a courageous decision but then becomes a wimp.

There is a secondary story about Hazel and her high school friend. This story has a nice flow but is squeezed in. It wasn't enough to spice up the whole.

Cahill and Marco Grazzini have chemistry but this also wasn't enough to raise the entire production out of the doldrums.

Publicist Hazel Miller (Erin Cahill) promises she can get the big story about a pitcher who froze in the ninth inning of the seventh game of the World Series, but ace pitcher Diego Vasquez (Marco Grazzini) doesn't want to talk. Things are complicated by the fact that they were an item in high school. She wants to advance her career and he wants to play for the Mets, but can they get past his troubles and their unfortunate past?

Hallmark romances often have complications near the end of the story that cast doubt on the future of the romantic relationship. This one is just too obvious. But the chemistry between the stars is strong.

Publicist Hazel has the reputation of lifting up people's image after a mess and she is tasked with Diego, a baseball player who freezed during a game and who is on the verge of not getting into any team.

Thing is, Hazel and Diego are high school sweethearts of course. Things didn't end in the best of terms because of things going on back then with Diego. So we got a second chance romance, that takes place in their hometown, a small town, of course.

Quite enjoyable movie, goods leads and decent chemistry. The secondary cast is not that important even if a character or two have a small storyline. Something was missing though and I can't figure out what. What I liked was the ending. At first, it was going on a direction that I was not happy with and it was quickly fixed. Sacrifices were made on both sides and that's how I prefer it, thank you very much.

Anyway, watchable and cute like any decent Hallmark movie out there.

Marco Grazinni is one of my favorite actors. I've been watching him since way back when he started. He just got this presence on screen that ropes you in. I enjoy all his movies, never had anything bad to say about them. He is blessed as an actor in many roles and definitely in my book one to watch. I just pray Hollywood doesn't corrupt him, that he stays true to himself. Cause, anything else is not worth it!

Your wife too Alvina. Stay true to yourselves and enjoy your 👪 family! God bless 🙏 I hear your starting a family with your beautiful wife Alvina, I'm so happy for you both. Its a true blessing. Make every moment count. Always put each other first, do not take time or each other for granted. Always, make time for family! Thats the 2nd most important thing, 1st is God! After all God blessed you both with all you have. Never forget that. God Bless and keep you safe always!