There were two main reasons for watching 'Autumn Dreams'. One was that it was part of my recently started quest to see as many Hallmark films as possible. The other was Jill Wagner, have seen her in a good number of Hallmark films and have always been impressed by her. The films themselves varied (as is the case with pretty much all actors and actresses), but Wagner has never been less than watchable and in her best Hallmark performances she is very good.
She does not disappoint here with 'Autumn Dreams', the film that kicks off the 2015 Fall Harvest seasonal block and a good way to begin probably the best and most consistent seasonal block that year. With it being the only seasonal block where this reviewer liked all three of the ones seen. 'Autumn Dreams' has one of the more mature subjects of Hallmark's 2015 output and handles it with sensitivity without being over-serious, even if it is not always realistic.
The story is not out of the ordinary and has slow spots. Everything with the misunderstanding with her father felt rather forced and too unlikely.
Did find the ending too neat and too hasty too.
'Autumn Dreams' succeeds in so many areas however. Wagner gives a very nuanced yet spirited performance, and is ideally matched in the subtle charm and easy going nature departments by Colin Egglesfield. Their chemistry is very understated and maybe could have been developed more, but they look natural together and it feels genuine. The supporting cast are solid, with Ken Tremblett's performance being deeply felt.
Liked too that the characters weren't too perfect or overly-negative, while not complex and quite cliched they also weren't ciphers. It's a beautifully filmed film too and the scenery captivates in beauty. The music at least fits and doesn't overbear. The script doesn't take itself too seriously, allowing some unforced light-hearted-ness, while also not getting too sentimental. It flowed naturally too. The story isn't exceptional and had imperfections, but it was moving, well meaning, didn't feel too predictable, nothing insulted the intelligence and while gentle in pace generally it wasn't dull.
Overall, not great but a lot to like. 7/10.
