Coup de foudre et chocolat

I chose this movie based on the 2 leads. I like all of the other movies that Brendan Penny has stared in. And I like Fiona Gubelmann's character on The Good Doctor. However, they weren't strong enough to carry this script. I began to get annoyed with the way the Daughter's character was acted, too forced? I wish I had my 90 minutes back.

Fiona Gubelmann is an amiable enough actress and Brendan Penny is good with the right material and leading lady (and also if his character is written well, all three have varied). 2019 was a mixed bag of a year for Hallmark and the Spring Fever block had both winners (i.e. 'Bottled with Love') and misfires (i.e. 'A Brush with Love'), but was very interested in seeing a Hallmark film centered primarily around Easter, which luckily is made the most of here without being abused.

'Easter Under Wraps' is worth seeing. It isn't great, with a few noticeable and not exactly small shortcomings. As far as the 2019 Spring Fever films go, it's neither one of the best or worst. Likewise with the whole 2019 Hallmark output overall. Instead solid middle and one of the just a little above average inoffensive one time watch type of films. Which is not too bad a position to be in. So quite liked 'Easter Under Wraps' without being mind blown.

Am going to start with the shortcomings. It does start ropey with some awkward, cheesy dialogue and dull pacing, while also not connecting at all with Penny's character (a case of character flaws being taken to extremes). Like a vast majority of Hallmark's output, 'Easter Under Wraps' is formulaic plot wise, a familiar structure done little new with.

Wasn't a fan of the daughter character, do agree that she was too cute and too much of a superfluous plot device.

However, 'Easter Under Wraps' works in many ways. Gubelman is immensely charming throughout and once Penny's character relaxes his quiet charisma and easy going nature shine throughout. While not exactly firing on all cylinders, the chemistry between them is there and is natural and sweet. The supporting cast on the whole are solid. The characters aren't complex but also don't come over as one-dimensional, though Penny's character was close to that to begin with.

It is a good looking film, especially the scenery. Something that Hallmark often delivered on, even in their misfires. The music isn't over-scored or too constant. When the film gets going, the script flows more and becomes more mature (without being too sentimental) and manages to balance amusing and sentiment well as well as individually. The story doesn't start off promisingly, but again when it gets going it is light-hearted, warm and has a lot of charm and sincerity.

Nice, undemanding if not exceptional Spring Fever film on the whole. 6/10.

How is this the first ever Easter Hallmark movie? Haha...I understand that she was undercover, but why couldn't they have told everyone that at least her first name was the same (if they really didn't know who she was) or at least similar to her own, so she doesn't seem so completely aloof when someone is trying to get her attention or when she tries to introduce herself. Also, I have to mention that in the kids' play, I thought the carrot was a pumpkin and was very confused about the Halloween/Easter crossover event.

The movie was as good as any of this type, where there is always a happy ending. However, I was very disappointed that there was not a single mention of the filming locations in BRITISH COLUMBIA. The only mentions were of the aerial shot locations. I hope this information will be included in future film information. A movie is of particular interest if you live in or know the location. Some will list appreciation for a particular caterer, restaurant, hotel, building, etc., and this often leads to tourists visiting that location. We are fortunate to have so many films of this type on location in BC, and we are proud to welcome visitors to our wonderful Province.

Some really bad writing, I feel sorry for the actors. Fiona is a top notch actress.

At one point I said "this is lame". My wife said, "they all are, and they're predictable, but that's why we like them."