All Things Valentine

The premise did intrigue me, it was a relatively different scenario and something that is still relevant today though was a bit worried at how it would be handled (hoping it would be tactful and insightful but worried about it being forced and mean spirited). Have seen Sam Page in other Hallmark films and have mostly quite liked him, though it is dependent on the character. Seeing the always worth watching Kimberly Sustad in a supporting role was another interest point.

'All Things Valentine' was mostly a winner. It doesn't execute its subject perfectly and isn't a great film, but it also handled the setting better than expected and has a lot of good things. It is easily one of the better 2016 Countdown to Valentine's Day Hallmark films, and so much better than the previous 2016 Countdown to Valentine's Day film 'Dater's Handbook' (which didn't work, with the lead actress being a large part of the problem). If asked whether 'All Things Valentine' is recommended, the answer is yes.

It isn't perfect. Did find the trolling/sparring rather forced and at times cruel, which did make the ending not ring true because it (like too many Hallmark films) too neat.

Did think too that the friend and bakery employee subplot was cheesy, namely the dialogue, and felt shoehorned in.

However, a lot is good. Sarah Rafferty is a very charming leading lady and despite having the less likeable character Page is easy going. The two do have strong chemistry, that is both witty and sweet with no signs of trying too hard or static-ness. Sustad is zesty and easy to endear to in her role. Did appreciate that the characters didn't have exaggerated character flaws (refreshing after seeing Hallmark films lately that have had that badly unbalance things) and were also not too perfect, also that when Page's character is expected to learn from his mistakes he actually does (something that too many Hallmark films don't do, or at convincingly).

Furthermore, it pleases visually. It is beautifully photographed and can't say anything bad about the scenery. The music at least fits and doesn't feel as overbearing, over constant or repetitive as some Hallmark scores can be. The script is the right amount of light hearted and heart-warming, with some non-mushy serious moments and a conflict that was relatable and relevant. Did like that it made the point of a person in real life can often be different from their online persona and in a way that wasn't heavy-handed, it's also true. The story is rarely dull and it has a warm heart and light hearted charm.

Overall, well worth watching. 7/10.

Sarah Rafferty and Sam Page were excellent and very charismatic.

Good family film. Checks all the Hallmark boxes for great holiday film. Nothing really original in the plot category, but it manages to engage the viewer . A good job was done by all.

My advice: Watch the movie, it won't disappoint.

Sarah Rafferty and Sam Page are the best of this movie, great actors and great chemistry

What's different about this Valentine's Day Hallmark movie is that it's a bit more serious - it definitely isn't too cute or perky. The two leads Sarah Rafferty from Suits and Sam Page are quite suited to each other. She reminds a bit of Amy Adams but a bit less sweet. She plays a blogger who starts dating a vet. Unknown to both they have been sparring online.

A message from the movie is what people write on anonymous blogs and on the internet can be unrepresentative of the people they are in real life. It's interesting to see how daringly outspoken people can be behind the shield of internet anonymity.

Interesting hallmark movie - not the most romantic but different.

Sarah Rafferty is an anonymous relationship advice columnist. Sam Page is a veterinarian whose last relationship Sarah broke up. When her terrier falls ill, guess who she comes to?

There's little new for romantic comedies and this Hallmark made-for-Valentine's-Day romcon hits all the notes with nothing that you haven't seen before, particularly if you've seen the new ones the channel has been airing twice a week for the last month. Yet this one is way above average, and it's not just that Miss Rafferty is so gorgeous (although if you're going to turn your lead actress into a strawberry blonde, try to remember that her eyebrows are not going to be dark brunette). It's also that their cinematographer is so good.

Brendan Uegama is the name. I've never noticed his work before, but I'll certainly keep an eye out for it in the future. He favors a moving camera and it certainly keeps hints at some one worth investigating. It also calls for real skill in lighting and art direction by Kim Glennie. It's good to know that when your attention flags because you've seen this all before, at least the pictures on the screen are worth looking at.

And, yes, I understand that all these blonde and red headed actresses have dark eyebrows to let the audience read their emotions better. It also points out that it's a fake.