Love on the Sidelines

I enjoyedthis movie.

Emily Kinney as Laurel Welk was new to me, and I was pleasantly surprised, she and John Reardon as Danny Holland had instant chemistry. Reardon has been a favorite of mine since I watched The Christmas Secret with Bethany Joy Lenz.

The story/plot was typical Hallmark formula and gave us everything we have come to expect from Hallmark. Humor, miscommunication, conflict, romance. A sweet movie.

My only complaint is that I thought it was bizzare to name a female dog Knute after Knute Rockne.

My advice - watch this movie, it's worth it.

I like the characters and her jersey really is super cute! there is a scene that is too close to Two Weeks Notice, but overall it's a cute story and it lacks some of the more annoying qualities of some classic hallmark movies.

Of the two leads, there is more familiarity with Emily Kinney from watching 'The Walking Dead' in its early seasons (back when it was great) when her character Beth was on the show. Am one of not many who didn't dislike her, despite her there being far more interesting and plausibly developed characters. Have not seen enough of John Reardon's work, but in what has been seen of him has not stood out that much. Watched 'Love on the Sidelines' primarily as someone who has been watching Hallmark films for a while now.

'Love on the Sidelines' impressed me on the whole and it is one of the better faring Winterfest films. It isn't a great film and is not exempt from flaws, but there are a lot of good things as well and it is a nice effort generally. As far as Hallmark films from that year go, 'Love on the Sidelines' is not one of the best. And it is also not one of the worst. Instead one of the solid middle efforts, which is not too bad a position to be in when seeing how variable that year was for Hallmark.

It isn't perfect. There is absolutely no doubt how everything is going to map out or end, the Winterfest films are quite samey structurally and 'Love on the Sidelines' follows the formulaic structure to the letter pretty much. Making it predictable too many times, especially in the final third, and pretty much all the standard Hallmark cliches are here.

Would have liked more spark from Reardon's performance, with him coming over as a little bland at times. The ending is also too convenient for my liking.

There is however a lot to like, with 'Love on the Sidelines' being especially worth watching for Kinney. Who is a real charmer in her role and brings a lot of energy and charm, this is a role that suits her well and it helps that the character is a likeable one. The supporting cast are solid and Kinney and Reardon do work well together, understated but not disconnected and the affection is felt.

It is a good looking film visually, regardless of the lack of authenticity/accuracy the scenery is gorgeous and taken full advantage of in the photography. The music has been known to be overdone and intrusive in Hallmark, it is pleasantly festive here. The script is playfully light-hearted and has a good deal of heart without being sentimental. The story is far from perfect, but it was clear what it was trying to do and wanted to be and it is very charmingly cute and heart-warming.

Overall, nice film. 7/10.

Up front I should say I'm not really a big rom-com fan, and it takes something special for me to sit through one. I caught this one while surfing with the remote - came in about 5 minutes late and wound up staying for the whole thing. Thought the chemistry between the two leads was strong, and the supporting cast was pretty good as well...and I'm not even a football fan either. Just an interesting and unique combination of elements that just worked and worked well. Going to record it next time it's on for the first few minutes that were missed. From where I sit, kudos to all involved for a solid movie. Some cute and amusing moments, and recommended.

What you need in a film like this is an attractive young woman who can act; a presentable male lead who can act; and a genuine story involving characters who you feel able to care about. Everyone knows what the plot is and how the story ends, so the mystery and interest lies in the journey as opposed to the destination.

Emily Kinney is a very attractive woman who acts very well. She brings a lot of charm and warmth to her role and male viewers induced by their female friends to watch this film will find her likable and pleasing to watch. John Reardon is suitable to be a male lead and looks like he might be a professional sportsman; he also can act the part. The story is predictable but engaging and well written, with well observed characters and situations. The correct boxes are ticked and more than this, the film is a good entertainment; which after all is the whole point of a film such as this.