Hats Off to Love

I don't know what's going on over at Hallmark HQ lately-did everyone take a group nap and forget how to write compelling storylines? Because the recent movies? Hot. Buttered. Garbage. Case in point: an entire film dedicated to snobby Kentucky Derby socialites and their absurdly overpriced hats. That's it. That's the plot. I kept waiting for something-anything-to happen, but instead I was served a lukewarm cup of cliché with a side of "this outsider doesn't belong" trope, and no actual payoff.

Now listen, I like the lead actors. I do. They've got charm in other roles, but here? Zero chemistry. Like, negative chemistry. I've seen more romantic tension between two slices of white bread. And don't even get me started on the villainess-your typical pretentious woman with a passive-aggressive smile and the personality of a wet napkin. She was nasty for the sake of being nasty, and I swear her only mission was to make the new girl feel like a barn rat in a room full of racehorses.

There was no heart, no warmth, and certainly none of that "Hallmark hug-your-heart" magic we're all here for. And I get it-Hallmark's spring and summer lineups tend to be a little meh. But come on. This wasn't light and breezy; it was just bad. I'm already counting down the days until Christmas in July, because at least then we get snow, cinnamon, and fake boyfriends who secretly own Christmas tree farms. So unless Hallmark wants to lose its audience to re-runs and better-written fan fiction, someone needs to shake the glitter out of their scriptwriters and remember what we actually tune in for.

I watched this because of the horses and because Holly was starring unfortunately they were the only reason to.

Where to begin! The storyline - complete yawnfest. Suggestion: If you are going to make a film involving a supposedly talented hat designer outfitting high society you should probably have some decent hats. These were heinous. Looked like they came from Walmart.

I liked the two leads and thought their falling for each other was seamlessly done but the again the storyline - boring.

Best thing I can say is that Ginna Claire Mason has a beautiful voice. The film could have done with hearing her song more.

I found this enjoyable number 1, and uplifting and inspirational as well. Appreciated the caring vibe throughout and evidence of strong work ethics displayed in a unique and refreshing storyline on the day of the real running of the roses. I had anticipated not liking this expecting it to be contrived but it was not and thought it had a nice natural flow. I'm always surprised by viewers that seem to think it important they find every flaw or come up with critical observations which I find unnecessary because these movies are I feel to entertain us and as an audience member I'm not opposed to giving them theatrical license and so I like to be impressed and buy into the intent portrayed. I would guess many of the nit-picking critics do not fare well at a live theatre production. They would have to give in and use their imaginations too much. Back to this movie, thought there was good believable chemistry between the leads and the interaction with various characters whose purpose was to interject conflict was purposeful and important to the storyline and developing the romantic success. I liked that there were several meaningful subplots. I was indeed entertained and not inclined to feel I would have changed anything substantial. Solid effort.

Being you are trying to emulate the Kentucky Derby, the director or producer should have studied up more on the fashion and the hats and fascinator's that are worn.

Many of the hats that Stella designed were subpar to anything you would see at the actual Kentucky Derby. The actual hat that Stella made for the mom in the final Bradbury hat Contest, was sub- par. The entire right side of the hat had absolutely no flowers whatsoever. It was also way too compact. If you look at most of the fascinator's and hats, they always have tall feathers coming up and around.

The biggest mistake in this movie, was that race horses would never be let out in a pasture yet alone with a gelding and a mare!

If they ever were to be turned out, they would always have their legs wrapped because they have horse shoes on their feet. Unless the horse shoes are removed, they have to have their legs wrapped to keep from getting leg injuries. This was one of the biggest mistakes in the entire movie.

The acting also was below average for a Hallmark movie. There was no chemical chemistry between Stella and Christian.

Many of the outfits that Stella wore were rather frumpy. Especially the one she wore on a date with Christian. It was white with all kinds of ruffles on it. Roslyn at least had more of a upscale look to her wardrobe.

Somehow got through this thanks almost exclusively to the horses.

The ladies' characters could not be more cliché, all about fashion, hats and dictates of high society...boring!!!

The plot is just as bland.

As for the fashion and the hats, there were some nice pieces of clothing, but most of the hats are just...well...god awful!

The acting was as a whole, lets say, less than impressive. Gina Claire does have a wonderful voice - I would prefer to see her in musicals - but IMO is not at all suited to star in this kind of film.

Bottom line, if you want to kill time this is borderline passable, but your time is precious - skip this one!