Love at Sunset Terrace

'Love at Sunset Terrace' (2020)

Opening thoughts: 'Love at Sunset Terrace' was watched with high expectations, after wanting to see some films that weren't Hallmark or Lifetime but were in similar vein. The title is absolutely adorable. Have liked Carlo Marks in other things. Was not as keen on the premise, which is one of those not much special could go either way ones. Not all the reviews were promising either.

While it is far from perfect, there for me was still a lot to like about 'Love at Sunset Terrace'. Was not so sure about the female lead character for example, though other films have fared a lot worse at less than likeable characters including from this company. 'Love at Sunset Terrace' is though a lot more appealing than it sounds and much easier to relate to than initially thought. Not great, but worth watching with a lot of good things.

Bad things: Getting the not so good things out of the way, it is indeed very formulaic, a lot of cliches here (was expecting this considering the summary, but there are films that are cliched but do something different with them) and very few of them are given freshness or variation. Meaning that everything maps out pretty much what is expected.

Also found that it took a while for me to connect with the female lead character. Her behaviour in the first quarter is too over the top and unrealistically so. The pacing could have been tighter as well in spots.

Good things: So much is done well in 'Love at Sunset Terrace' however. Ellen Woglom, once her character calmed down and her behaviours became more realistic, gives still a charming and vigorous performance and the character becomes more relatable. Marks has the much more consistently likeable character and he is very amiable and down to earth in it, always looking comfortable without being too laid back. Erica Tremblay is simply adorable and not cutesy or annoying at all.

The chemistry between the three of them was poignant and heart-warming, not just the sweet genuine chemistry between the two leads but also Tremblay's heartfelt, smile worthy rapport with both leads. On the whole, the characters are done well and easy to get behind. The production values are beautiful to look at, the scenery being gorgeous.

While not mind blowing, the music is pleasant at least and fits, didn't find it too loud (a tendency with this type of film) or drab. The direction is sympathetic while also having momentum. The script flows well and is not awkward, too cheesy or too sentimental. The story ia immensely charming, light hearted and moving, as well as easy to relate to, in spite of the pacing inconsistency and predictability.

Closing thoughts: Not great but quite good on the whole.

7/10.

Very nice movie, Lovely location, non sophisticated story, all the time while you watch it you are smiling and feeling relax, what I need more?!!! In addition I love all the clothes which Sophie wear.

I have been trying to watch a movie on the watchlist, (Love at Sunset Terrace)? What do I do to watch this movie?

Thank you Jill Carpenter.

This was a very well-done little story. Up TV, in recent days, is really showing up Hallmark in terms of fresh faces, well-written scripts, and character development. The three leads were more than half the appeal. Ellen Woglom was appealing and charming as the female lead. She has a killer smile and I appreciated that she did not have a stick thin runway model body. Carlo Marx was handsome and likable as the vulnerable father who was over-protective and almost needy with his daughter. The young daughter was played by Erica Tremblay. Again, a young actress who was hired for her talent rather than cutesy wutesy looks and perky sparkles. She is the younger sister of the multiple award winning film actor, Jacob Tremblay.

The romantic relationship developed naturally and believably rather than a series of "meet-cutes" and fake instalove based on nothing but two pretty people snarking and bickering at each other. The setting looked like a real place rather than a MacMansion plopped down in front of a stunning view. I'd stay there and feel right at home. The Conflict was the same old same old (workaholic big city girl reconnects with nature while meeting troubled widowed Dad of young girl and presto chango lifestyles are changed and a new family is formed). But Up TV shows once again that this tired plot can be done in an entertaining and engaging way. Hallmark really should be upping their game. I fear they are have become over-reliant on their "big" name stable of actors and actresses at the expense of giving exciting young talent a chance to shine and scriptwriters who work hard to offer a quality product while still falling within the genre's parameters.

I enjoyed watching the movie but the connection between Michael and Sophie was not convincing. They are both lovely actors but did not work for me as romantic partners. Another reviewer mentioned some of Sophie's behaviors that were immature. I agree! It just did not quite all work together even if the movie was enjoyable overall.