South Beach Love

This one fails on many levels. Hallmark tried to create an ethnic Latin movie that just misses. A tired story line and acting that is not too believable contributes to this.

Sara and Tony are both chefs. He works in a fancy restaurant in NYC and she has her own thing back home in Florida. Their nieces are having their 15th birthday ad they both cooking for them. At the same time, they are competing to win a cover in a magazine that is featuring foods in parties.

I liked it. I enjoy watching Taylor Cole. I wasn't sure about Levy's acting at first but I thought he and Cole had chemistry and the pair was enough for me. It's true though that it was hard to understand him, he barely opened his mouth. Even for me, that I speak both English and Spanish, it was hard to get my ear used to his accent.

One thing I liked how they portraited: the mothers going crazy at their daughters celebration. Thinking mostly about anything other than them.

One thing I didn't like: the nieces. They were supposed to be 15 years old but, to me they looked like they had 15 years of experience in the business.

I liked the "pre-ending problem" I understood why he felt like he needed to help her, and I understood why she refused his help. It felt realistic.

Anyway, average Hallmark movie.

After the brilliant breath of fresh air which Loves Strikes Twice was (the movie that aired the week before), this was right back to the formulaic rubbish that Hallmark has been turning out since Larry Levinson's departure. Boring story, lackluster performances, and a lame attempt to widen the demographic audience.

Hallmark seriously needs to look at their product. They could start by reading the IMDb reviews of Love Strikes Twice, and see what people really want.

Taylor Cole is one of my favorite Hallmark actresses and William Levy is muy caliente but this movie is a no for me. The lighting was HORRIBLE - like it literally hurt my eyes. And the guitar music was tinny. This should have been sultry and steamy but felt cold and glaring. Oh well.

I am an avid Hallmark movie watcher. I always look forward to the premieres each Saturday. I have to say... This production seemed a little... off. The storyline was interesting and the acting was on point, but I think the location was problematic. The sound at some of the locations had major echoes and it made it difficult to understand the dialogue. Also, I don't know whether this director is someone who has directed a lot of these, but it seemed like there were so many tight, close up shots and it was very distracting. Honestly, between the sound and the visuals, I didn't make it past the first half hour.