To Barcelona, with Love

6.7 stars.

This appears on the surface to be about an American woman named Erica (Sweeney) who is a translator of English novels into Spanish. She takes liberties in her work, which she isn't necessarily supposed to do; but since she is anonymous and bound by an NDA, it's permissible.

She has been living in Barcelona for about ten years and is obviously infatuated with a Spanish man named Nico. He owns a bookstore in the city. One particular novel she has translated was written by a woman named Anna (Williams). Nico and the rest of the city love the novel, not realizing that they actually love Erica's translation, not the original.

Anna has come to Barcelona to help publicize her novel at Nico's bookstore, and the rest of the story is about how both women are falling for Nico. There is also some drama surrounding the novel and how Erica's Spanish version captures the essence of the story much better than the original English version.

There is more to the story, about how both women learn from each other, because Anna lacks direction and Erica needs courage. And there is the romance (or lack thereof). Who will get the guy?

I'd like to say this is a poignant and romantic adventure, but it doesn't quite arrive at its intended destination. A lot is missing, and I feel it's a bit too silly and lacks soul. Honestly, I'm not sure what is absent, but something just isn't right. It's probably a lack of chemistry all around and I wasn't touched. I don't plan on seeing this again.

Hey, when you watch Hallmark, do not delve into the intricacies of story or plot. Just sit back and enjoy it. Both leads, even though a bit on the older side were both adorable and fit their parts. Even the story was a bit elevated for a Hallmark movie. To Barcelona, With Love is actually a take on Cyrano. One lead wrote beautiful words for the other. While not brilliant it works and the expected outcome does come to fruition. The male lead is fine and up to his European good looking guy part. The cinematography of Barcelona shines through as well. If you are a Hallmark fan, this movie will certainly please you!

After a long week and my daughter in bed, it was nice to just lay back, have a snack and watch this sweet comforting movie. It was the same feeling I got when I watched Vicky Christina Barcelona. I want to go to Barcelona, drink wine, discover hidden places, and eat delicious food off the beaten path all the while doing it with a friend. I think both actresses are so genuine together. To be honest, I could watch this movie without the men and just pretend I'm on a girls trip with Ashley and Alison. I read some of the reviews prior to writing this and I have to say what world are we living in that women in their forties can't go and rediscover themselves all the while accusing them of having too much plastic surgery. Both women are adorable and look great, and frankly being a woman in my forties I don't need to watch a 20 year old find themselves in a romantic city in order for it be believable. Elizabeth Gilbert wasn't in her twenties when she traveled the world on her book advance for writing Eat, Pray, Love and that sold 30 million copies! Go watch this sweet feel good movie and ignore the haters.

It's too bad if this movie is a rip off of an earlier movie, but it's not that uncommon in this genre. Often I see new movies on this network and similar networks that make me stop to be sure I haven't watched it before. I don't think I ever saw the one this supposedly copies, so I thought the story was clever regardless.

It is also very common for Hallmark to use their older actors in roles that could be filled by younger stars. And they have some great younger stars.

It is also true that if you watch much of Ashley Williams, her smile definitely looks pasted on.

So what? I enjoyed the interplay between these two veteran actresses. It was complicated. At some points maybe too complicated to feel smooth and natural. But real life is not smooth and natural. In this story, we saw too women struggling, at least in part, with their identity.

On this site, I see so many complaints about the stories not being fresh. I even complain myself about the "same old stuff" rehashed with little creativity. A rip-off or not, this story is not the same old stuff. And the two veteran ladies make this movie about more than the story itself.

Many reviews discuss "chemistry" between the leads. In this movie the chemistry is between Sweeney and Williams and it is very good. There is a romance between a man and a woman also, but it is secondary.

Who doesn't like Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams? Very disappointed in several of the other reviewers, saying they were too old for these parts... I beg to differ! I am guessing they are teenagers still wet behind their ears. FYI, the actor that played Nico is the same age as Alison Sweeney. No mention of the men being too old for their part. Woman actors evidently can't get older? This movie is very sweet and it held my attention the entire time. The scenery was amazing, it made me want to hop on a plane and head to Barcelona, Spain. Bravo, Hallmark and well done Alison and Ashley. I recommend this movie.