Branching Out

I love the alternate universe of Hallmark movies. I started watching them in 2017 and they have been a soothing escape from troubled times. But even I get a little tired of the formula. So I was delighted last years when Hallmark Movies and Mysteries began providing movies with a little more depth like Guiding Emily, Come ly with Ne, etc. They've migrated to Hallmark and I strongly suspect that this gem was originally intended for HMM.

If you've seen the commercials, you know the basic story- a child conceived by IVF is curious about her donor. A wonderful cast makes this a joy all-around experience. Most important is the joy of family and the recognition that family comes in many forms. After watching again, I have to add how much I enjoyed the "introvert sucked into a loud, boisterous family" theme. I can relate to that. And also how refreshing it is to have characters who are flawed but still likeable. Very well done.

My only minor quibble is the teacher. No real teacher would push off a student's concern on such a sensitive topic with a platitude. I understand the limitations of time, but that one thing niggled at me.

If you are a Hallmark fan and have enjoyed those mentioned that have a little more depth, I think you will love this.

The script isn't perfect, but the general plot is good, not normal for Hallmark but a refreshing change, it's real life. Artificial insemination is a reality, kids want to know about their parents and family, if they don't get answers when they're young they'll search for them as an adult. DNA isn't just a law enforcement tool, it's available in limited ways to the public.

Well casted with Juan Pablo Di Pace, Sarah Drew and Cora Bella. The supporting cast was good, I especially enjoyed T. J.'s (Di Pace) extended family and all the different personalities. Ruby loves it (Bella) and Amelia (Drew) warms to them slowly. Beautiful filming location in Utah.

It would be really hard not to be great with a story like this. But it doesn't stop there. The acting is good, but the dialogue is fantastic and the timing of line delivery is great. There are a ton of funny moments. Really funny. Reviews like this usually talk about chemistry between the romantic leads, and I often throw in great chemistry between an adult and a cute kid, but there is amazing chemistry almost all around. It's like all the main characters really are family and have known each other forever.

Cora Bella as Ruby is a force of nature. Such a powerful performance. Meanwhile Sarah Drew goes deep. The woman who plays Amelia's partner is real, not just a foil as a BFF.

If the movie wasn't good enough already, the climax tops it all off perfectly. And I laughed really hard at Ruby's last line.

Added after watching again: With a really good movie, you can get so much more after watching it again. One of the things I picked up this time was how Sarah Drew does such a good job of developing her character throughout the movie. A complaint I often make about Hallmark-like movies is that a lead's personality will change on a dime. A complete change within minutes of screen time. That doesn't happen here. You can see Amelia clinging to her walls even though she is yielding them up layer by layer. There is a big jump at one point, but with a woman like Amelia that last wall is going to be a big one.

The movie also does a good job of use lyrics in the songs that play through the movie.

We watch a lot of Hallmark movies and enjoy them. But they are formualmatic. And if something works let it go and keep doing it. We know it will be family friendly and entertaining. Good enough.

Branching Out is typical Hallmark. But this time we find a family tree that is hidden. As the protagonist finds the Cruz family so do we. Despite Mama Cru, over acting the main characters are excellent. They are actually believable. The writing feeds Ruby's abilities which appears to be many.

The love interest actually makes sense and the problems of them being together are real.

If only the last scene wasn't so typical.

I knew that when I saw the commercial. It was a movie that I needed to watch. Even if I had to record it and watch it later. I loved that it was something a lil different than what I'm used to watching on Hallmark. DNA. It's usually just about 2 people who fall in love. But I loved the story line. Of finding out who you are and where you come from. Kids wondering where they come from. You don't see a lot of movies like this. Obviously it's Hallmark. So people fall in love. But it was more than just about 2 people. Great songs throughout the movie too. I'm hoping to find out more info on the music used in the movie. It is definitely a good watch!