Runaway Romance

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.

Are we really expected to believe that the young female lead character lived in a huge house with furniture that wouldn't have looked out of place in an elderly care home ? Heavens above, my parents chucked out furniture like that over 30 years ago ! What is wrong with the set designers ?

And she didn't have to bother showing us the package of hair colourant in the motel, she just needed to take off her wig, it was so obvious.

I really enjoyed this movie the entire way through. But the reason I couldn't give it a higher rating is because it wasn't resolved completely. Without spoiling anything, there is a secondary storyline that is completely left up in the air. What happens to the secondary character and her hopes and dreams? They say they are going to fix it, and everything will work out because the lead character has a plan. But as in all Hallmarkor Up movies, after the kiss, the story and the film ends abruptly and you never know What happened to the very important secondary character and her life. She is so likable and such a major part all the way through that I was so disappointed! I will have to read other reviews and see if this bothered anyone else, or if they were just so happy with the lead characters story that it didn't occur to them when they wrote their review.

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.

The most well known faces in 'Runaway Romance', or at least to this reviewer, are Trevor Donovan and Tatum O'Neal. Donovan is good in the right role and with good material, which are hit and miss (enough hits though thankfully), while O'Neal is capable of good performances (brilliant in 'Paper Moon', but has never equalled or bettered her work in that since). Also saw this as someone who likes romance, as someone who liked the premise and as someone who has liked some of UPTV's other work.

As far as UPTV's films go, 'Runaway Romance' is neither one of their best or worst. As far as films seen this and last week go, it is also not one of the best or worst (somewhere firmly in the middle). It is above average and engaging enough with more than enough to like, but it could have done a good deal more with its potential (which is not squandered as such but isn't used to full potential either) and as others have said didn't feel complete. Donovan is represented well as are the female leads, but O'Neal is not at all.

'Runaway Romance' has a lot to like about it. Danielle C Ryan and Gabrielle Stineman are immensely engaging, full of charm and quirkiness, and Donovan is easy going, subtly charismatic and charming. The romantic chemistry does have some spark and is pleasing enough, though maybe it could have featured more. The production values are also pleasing, especially the scenery. The supporting cast are mostly solid.

Writing-wise, 'Runaway Romance' doesn't take itself too seriously while not treating things as a joke, with the right amount of light hearted-ness. The story is sweet and has warmth and heart, the sentimentality not being too much and very little coming over as too silly. On the whole, the characters were ones worth caring about, loved the three lead characters that weren't written too perfectly while also being so likeable.

Some significant things stop the film from being great however. A few of the characters are very annoying and too cartoonishly stereotypical, especially the ex and his mother. O'Neal also overacts horribly and it jars with the rest of the film, the two emotions felt watching her were unintentional laughter and just wanting her to go away.

Despite being fine in atmosphere, the film did feel jumpy and incomplete. Especially the whole inn subplot and Sarah backstory, a subplot that had the most potential but one that nowhere near enough is done with and then it felt abandoned judging from how many loose ends were left. The ending is very rushed and like they had forgotten to add one.

In summary, above average but promises more than it delivers. 6/10.