Junebug

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.

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.

7.5 stars.

I enjoyed several portions of the movie, but some were a bit slow and underwhelming. The story is average.

Interestingly, there are several kisses instead of the usual single kiss that most Hallmark films provide.

We are hit with a bit of an unexpected turn, which explains a few of the other uncharacteristic components 'Junebug' has. Now it all makes sense.

As always, if you've read any of my reviews on Reeser movies, you know that she has a magical presence. Everything is just right with her acting, style, body language...

I recommend this film because it's endearing and the chemistry is good, but the director could have made a few subtle changes to make this a more entertaining and fun story.

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.

Juniper (Autumn Reeser) is stuck in life. Her boyfriend is a dud. Her children's book publishing workplace is under threat. She's a great editor, but her writing dreams have been sidelined. She's turning 40 and her parents gift her the wish box from her childhood. When she starts digging into the box, her eight year old inner child self Junebug (Mila Jones) appears to her and Junebug has issues with her 40 year old self. She has a meet-cute with hot mural artist Alex (Aaron O'Connell) and sees him as her illustrator.

This is very cute. Adding the little girl to the standard Hallmark romance is a great move. He's super hot and Autumn Reeser has always been great since the O. C. In the end, they can't get too far from the Hallmark of it all. There is very limited drama. She really needs to give him the book much sooner, but they leave it to the midway point. Give it to him at the end of the first act and drum up more drama. I am reminded of a commentary where the filmmaker says that every scene is an opportunity to add drama. Hallmark is usually missing that and this is no different.