Runaway Romance

Better than most romantic movies. The only thing I don't like is not knowing what happened to Sara and the Inn.

The premise of a celebrity running away to a remote town is not new, but it isn't the most common either. Throw in that she runs away to an Amish town and it's still not unique, but even less common. The general course of the story is predictable. There were a couple of other elements that were also fresh.

The actors who were playing decent somewhat normal people did well. Three in particular were very appealing.. I wish Trevor Donavan and Danielle C. Ryan had more screen time together. But I sure wouldn't want to steal that time from Ryan and Galadriel Stineman. I also wish that we could have gotten more of Sarah's story including more resolution for her. As for Tatum O'Neil and Beau Davidson, if you want characters to really dislike, they're it, but maybe with a little too much exaggeration.

I was disappointed that the movie took shots at the traditional Amish. There have been so many horror stories about lack of freedom in that life. A quick internet search tells me that a lot of those negative stories are outdated or at least not universally true. One of the more relevant in this movie is how oppressive the Bishop was to Sarah. Again, the quick internet search points out that women can be more independent than this movie implied. They can run their own businesses. They can choose not to marry even though there is a strong tradition in favor of it. They can vote within their church. Deduct one star for bigotry and stereotyping by the writers. I was especially disappointed that UP Entertainment would participate in this stereotyping.

I enjoyed the movie primarily because of the two female leads. Both were caring and generous and unselfish. Despite her upbringing, Sarah was not judgmental. She was loyal. The two women were true friends. This is more of what I would expect from UP Entertainment.

The second time I watched this I noticed a sub-plot. This is the story of two women where men want to control their lives. Those in power want to sell them into marriages they do not want. It reminds me of the Taliban, especially Sarah's story.

"Runaway Romance" is one of those standard cable TV movies which feature nice cinematography and colors but are somewhat tepid and slow, populated by wooden stock characters and predictable plots. However that said, these sorts of movies do have a certain charm and purpose as a relaxing way to spend 90 minutes if this sort of thing suits you. I give these films a 5/10. And, as others have noted, a secondary storyline is not resolved in this film.

On the one hand, I suppose it's a great credit to the hair and makeup artists that as the picture begins (until she changes her look), star Danielle C. Ryan is completely unrecognizable; once her character's name was spoken I had to check against the credits to confirm that, yes, that's her in the lead. On the other hand, the exposition in those first 12-13 minutes is preposterous beyond all compare; the line between fiction and reality is blurred, to the point that I don't think either the characters or the writers know which is which, and I've never been more glad that I've never tarried with "reality television." At least that baloney provides foundation for the plot in a movie whose very premise is outrageous - but it's safe to say that one's suspension of disbelief must be undefeated in combat to even think about engaging with this title, for the very notion is as contrived as a TV movie romance could be. 'Runaway romance' is An Experience, to say the least.

On the bad side, the plot development and scene writing tends to feel forced, especially when it comes to protagonist Ann readily falling in love with her new surroundings and even more immediately with a new beau. Moreover, a few sparing instances play out with an artificiality that has scarcely been seen in cinema since the very early days of the silent era, where the stilted direction and emphatic separation of shots and scenes lent to a heightened sense of the course of events being staged. One might also note that the narrative is familiar in ways both general and specific, for Ann's time in the countryside will change her, and she will change the people around her. This is, indeed, a formulaic and predictable TV romance, and the only surprises to be had are in just how far-fetched some particular moments may be.

Then again - on the good side, 'Runaway romance' only ever intends to be sweet and charming, and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't that. Yes, the plot is light, and in the broad strokes nothing we haven't seen before. Even at its worst, however, it can claim a welcome earnestness that's refreshing compared to most big budget features of this or any kind. That includes chief stars Ryan and Trevor Donovan, and in supporting parts, Grace Wilson and Galadriel Stineman, fully embracing the warmheartedness; Ryan especially I've seen before elsewhere, and here as before she shows how capable she is. Other cast members are just as swell in bringing their characters to life, and the story, not least Ken Strunk as the overbearing bishop. Furthermore, I think this is well made in all other regards, with strong direction, cinematography, production design, art direction, costume design, and yes, hair and makeup work. The film may be a fluff piece, but it's a solid one - and honestly quite enjoyable such as it is, with just enough drama to make the plot modestly compelling, and a cheekily satisfying ending.

Predictable, cheesy, saccharine, and not exactly full of substance - yet sincere, lighthearted, cozy, and entertaining for those who can appreciate the flavors. There's hardly any need to go out of your way for this, and it's probably most recommendable just for those who are fans of the cast or the kitschy genre to which it belongs. I'm pleasantly surprised, however, at how much I actually like 'Runaway romance,' and that's saying something since I didn't expect much. Save it for a day when you need something to feel good, and just soak in the ham-handed bliss.

This movie is well worth watching and follows the usual formula for good romance movies. There is magic or sparks between the leads, emotion, conflict, and of course sub-plots. It's failure to resolve the situation between Sarah and the Bishop cost it one point. What did she end up doing? All the loose ends should be tied up at the end. My score is 9.