Hearts Around the Table: Jenna's First Love

I like another reviewer's comments about the continuation of the Unwrapping Christmas saga.

The story didn't flow well, but that could have been some bad acting by a fairly regular Hallmark star Steve Lund. He looked like he was suffering for playing the part. He didn't seem sincere or natural. I can't see how Jenna could love Andrew so don't even look for chemistry between Lund and Newbrough. Even right up to the climax, Andrew was acting like a loser.

Then there is Sheri. I'm sure she will turn out to be nice when it's her movie, but I thought she was beyond rude. Mostly to Andrew.

The kid, Rory, looked somewhere between asleep and comatose in early scenes at the dinner table.

I couldn't decide how Jenna felt about the way Tom was coming on to her. I wasn't sure she was picking up on it, or trying not to, but it was so obvious. Then a little later it almost seemed like she was giving him a chance, but like Lund, Newbrough didn't seem invested in her role as it related to Tom.

The whole movie felt off.

Between the green screen, poor acting, and subpar storyline, I knew this one was going to rough.

The storyline was as cliché as a rom-com meet-cute in a coffee shop, which I actually like that plot. But have we not evolved past the overworked hustle-culture woman who conveniently has no time for love-until, of course, she does? And don't even get me started on the ex. Quite condescending.

And the millionaire tech bro. The helicopter scene? Pure comedy gold, though I doubt that was the intent.

The real saving grace was the family dynamic. Their banter was the one thing that felt remotely authentic. Unfortunately, the script and cinematography left much to be desired. I truly wanted this to be better than it was. Here's hoping the sequel redeems itself-because it can't get much worse... right?

I wanted to like this movie or start off the series. I'm hoping the other movies are better. This one I didn't want the main ones to get together.

He came off arrogant and dismissive towards her ideas. And when they liked her idea better he made a face.

Like typical Hallmark you have miscommunication between the leads. If she "was the love of his life" why wait till like you're all old. He could have tried harder. Who carries around the old yearbook to an event.

I'm waiting for the next one. The main guy I was not a fan of. Sheri was the best of this movie.

Until the next one. Like the concept of this 4 movie series.

This series revolves around grown up foster kids who gather around the dinner table every Sunday as a family to share their lives with each other. The matriarch of the family is Angie, played by former Facts Of Life star, Mindy Cohn. The first story revolves around Jenna (Ashley Newbrough), who is an event planner. There is also a subplot regarding a teenage boy, that Jenna encourages, who is having trouble adapting to his new foster family and new school.

Jenna gets hired to plan a charity event for billionaire Tom Redlands (AL Mukadam), he has assigned his Consultant, Andrew, (Steve Lund), to work on the project with Jenna. This business relationship is awkward because Jenna and Tom were sweethearts in high school, but the relationship was ended abruptly by Andrew. Jenna still feels the hurt and pain of the breakup. If that wasn't enough Jenna and Andrew clash and have completely different ideas for the event.

Andrew still has feelings for Jenna and starts to make gestures to try to rekindle their relationship, but Andrew's boss, Tom, the Billionaire is also making a play for Jenna as well. The problem with this movie is the romance is lackluster and lacks development. The movie is slow moving and drags a lot. The performances are wooden and come across as scripted. And of course there is the usual Hallmark formula of "the misunderstanding" and the predictable outcome. A HO HUM MOVIE, maybe the other stories in the series will be better.

I really enjoy Ashley Newbrough she always brings a spark to her roles, (Operation Nutcracker, Flipping For Christmas,and Love On The Right Course to name a few) and was one of the few bright spots in the movie, but she needed a better script to work with, and better costars.

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Let me explain why we like this Hallmark movie and gave it a "10." Primarily, the female lead's clothing as well as hair and makeup were a monumental improvement from ALL earlier Hallmark movies. I would bet money that Hallmark (hopefully) fired every single person that dressed the stars in those tacky, ugly, unstylish clothing, especially the women, but men too. There is a saying that fits, which is: There only taste is in their mouth. Hair, makeup, and especially the women's clothing was always garbage. It is like they were trying to start a new and tasteless trend, that would never get off the ground in the real world. Awful. So thanks for giving good taste in clothing a chance.

The show is worth watching if only for the female lead's clothing. Very classy, and very tasteful. It complemented her nicely instead of Halmark's usual Halloween costumes.

Plus the script was pretty good too.