Junebug

This movie is overloaded with smiles and sweetness. You will probably have to watch some true crime after this to cleanse your palate. Nevertheless, the overarching premise of remembering your childhood dreams is a good one to explore.

The male love interest is honestly too perfect -- a common Hallmark issue. He is artsy, super-calm, incredibly forgiving, encouraging, ridiculously nice, remarkably available, and of course has rock-solid beefy arms. I think it would be great if Hallmark would take a risk and add some complexity to their lead characters -- especially the men.

The acting is fine and the production values are very good, even if it all feels a bit too easy, saccharine, and artificial. It's hard to relate to characters who so easily get everything that they want.

A children's book editor, who really wants to be a writer, but isn't, "runs into" a very talented muralist.

At about the same time, her "eight year old self" shows up in her life. The little girl that plays that role is awesome!

The lead actress breaks up with the predictable, regular steady guy and goes out on a limb with the new muralist Illustrator. They begin to do a book together.

BTW Hallmark is putting the first kiss earlier and earlier into their movies.

Of course, the arc of the plot has to have a disappointing moment, and this one does.

This is funny, Hartfelt, and inspiring. I recommend you give it a try.

I always enjoyed Autumn Reeser in her movies on Hallmark. She always brings a freshness and realness to her characters . This movie was no exception . And Aaron O'Connell has a naturalness on camera and he's very handsome to look at.

This movie was very enjoyable. The two leads had a wonderful chemistry and the young actor playing the child Junebug was adorable and talented. I also love the actor playing the café employee. I have seen them in a few other roles on Hallmark. They really need to be included in many more.

The scenery was beautiful. The whole movie gives you a warm, cozy feeling, and puts a smile on your face.

I absolutely adored this movie! The premise was sweet, and I could relate to the inner child aspect. It was a different angle, which I appreciated.

Juniper was quite uptight initially but loosened up as the movie went along, thanks to her young self, Junebug. The premise really made me think about my young self and those dreams/wishes I had back then.

Autumn's co-star Aaron O'Connell, who I haven't seen in a while, was a lovely match. They had awesome chemistry. The evolution of their relationship was realistic.

The boombox sealed it for me.

It is definitely a rewatch and I am pleased with the news summer movies.

Junebug Review

The noted playwright Paddy Chayefsky wrote for Hallmark Hall of Fame. Today's Hallmark Channel is moving away from mushy romcoms and putting out some mature films. Junebug, a 5-year endeavor by the multi-talented actor and producer Autumn Reeser, recently came to the screen. Her project was well worth the effort.

Reeser's acting range is broad, from serious drama to films like this, slapstick with a touch of poignancy. She's an intelligent artist and this film demonstrates her talents. Her screen partner, Aaron O'Connell, is a good match and there is definite chemistry here. The screenplay is very solid with a crisp dialogue. The young effervescent Mila Jones adds joy to the cast.

It must be mentioned that Autumn Reeser shines with a talent for cometic timing (See her film I do, I do). She as well as the audience is having fun. Yet, the film is a fable, and has serious undertones. Rediscovering the lost child in a person so they can move on with a fuller life. Not easy to pull off these days. The photography is beautiful as is always, Autumn Reeser. A pleasure to watch her again and again. The cast, crew, writers, and producers all deserve kudos.