Love, Romance & Chocolate

Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp are two of my favourite Hallmark regulars, so it was lovely to see them teamed here.

I thought this was a great Hallmark, with a lovely story being told, and two good performances from the leads. Chabert is always warm and charming, with I enjoy Kemp's dry delivery.

I was a bit sceptical about the premise initially, but it won me over, proving very enjoyable.

Anyone who watches Hallmark romance movies knows that Lacey Chabert is usually perfect in every role. This one is no exception! She is charming as Emma and the male actor does a decent job as Luc, as well. Sometimes he is a bit stiff and reserved, but it was part of the character's personality. If you're not naturally a certain way, it's probably hard to pretend to be. He was definitely believable as a by the books, take no chances kind of guy. And while Luc worked with Emma to create the perfect chocolate, he loosened up and became open to new ideas.

The romance of it was more natural than other movies and they had pretty good chemistry, especially during the last third. There were a couple misunderstandings, just like other tv romances. And there was a lack of communication or being brave enough to just say what they felt. Again, Just like almost every tv romance. But I do like how Emma and Luc resolved them problems without much incident. This is definitely one of my new favorites and I'm sure I'll watch it again.

First of all, this movie was really filmed in Bruges, and the city is gorgeous. Second, Lacey Chabert is always a treat to watch. The story is the usual Hallmark script, but at least Lacey isn't marrying a Royal. And why isn't Brittany Bristow starring in her own movies? She's electric and charismatic and gorgeous. Her accent in this movie is atrocious, but aside from that she's the best.

Emma Colvin (Lacey Chabert) breaks up with her boyfriend who is moving away for his job. She goes to Bruges by herself for a chocolatier vacation. She finds new inspiration and new love in Luc Simon (Will Kemp). Luc's chocolate shop is in financial trouble but he has great hopes for his chances at the Belgium's Royal Chocolatier. He reluctantly accepts help from the American who has different ideas about chocolate.

The meet-cute is paramount in a romance. This one has some good potential but one needs to know the language. That's where funny subtitles would be really effective. The location is basically stuck in a shop with no customers. As for the exterior shots, the Belgium locations should be better. The camera work doesn't do the place justice. It's not just about the locations. It needs an imaginative vision to bring out the exotic Europe. It does have a boat ride montage but that's really the pinnacle. It helps to be a nighttime ride. This Hallmark romance relies heavily on the bubbly Chabert and she is exactly that. I like the triangle although the opposition should be more villainous throughout the movie. This is a fine standard Hallmark romance.

Solid script writing and beautiful location photography would usually get this a seven, but with the extra interest in the chocolate making and also strong romantic themes I have to rate this an 8.