Trouver l'amour à Charm

It's not lost on me that this 2015 TV movie, starring Danielle Chuchran (elsewhere credited as Danielle C. Ryan), bears a premise totally opposite of 2018 film 'Runaway romance,' also starring Chuchran. There, a modern woman finding peace in Amish country; here, an Amish woman exploring the "Englisher" world. It's easy to approach such fare with substantial skepticism, and given the glut of independent films and made-for-TV productions that so blithely take any possible notion and expand it into a romantic drama or comedy (or comedy-drama), I frankly think it would be a mistake not to. Still, despite a certain forthrightness and glib artificiality about it all, I'd be lying if I said 'Love finds you in Charm' wasn't, well, charming. It's hardly a must-see, even for diehard fans of the genre, but it's a pleasant and lighthearted watch, and sometimes that's all a picture actually needs to be.

Mind you, this is decidedly heavy-handed in its conjuration - in the protagonist's not-so-secret admiration of Jane Austen, for example, in the regular emphasis of the rural setting and country living, or not least of all in the plain contrivances of burgeoning romance or the accentuation of the protagonist's struggle between two worlds. Yet isn't this exactly what we expect of such features in the first place? One knows what to anticipate before even sitting to watch, and is either on board with everything it portends or not, so there's really not much cause to fuss about the particulars. Moreover, to the credit of all involved, the falseness of the proceedings aren't so completely transparent as in the perfectly plastic and formulaic kitsch of romances from Lifetime, Hallmark, or ABC Family; though pointedly ham-handed, there's a tinge of sincerity in the telling here that helps to endear 'Charm' to even the most cynical of viewers.

The filming locations are lovely, and the cast generally give admirable performances of heartfelt nuance and personality. Naturally Chuchran stands out most, but co-star Tiffany Dupont isn't far behind, nor Meg Wittman. This is also true for most of the supporting cast, though despite his best efforts, it feels like Trevor Donovan has been guided into a portrayal that's a little stiff and forced. I'd also note that the editing is peculiarly curt - a hang-up from commercial breaks in the title's TV origins, surely, but unfortunate nonetheless. Still, the production design is warm and sweet, as is the cinematography and direction, and the costume design is swell. Based on Annalisa Daughety's book of the same name, Bryar Freed's screenplay is filled with themes of self-discovery, and the accompanying confusion and uncertainty. There's detectable earnestness in the narrative, and behind the dialogue and scene writing - though on paper and especially in execution there's also significant kitsch that's overbearing at times; every compliment paid to protagonist Emma is almost excruciating in its application, and even something as minor as an auctioneer's patter reeks of inauthenticity.

Suffice to say that this movie is a mixed bag in various ways. It means well, and is mostly made well, but try as everyone might there's no getting around the airs of overdone phoniness that pairs just as readily. The construction of the picture is as much a love triangle as the story being told, with Honest Genuineness and Blunt Cheesiness battling for the soul of the whole affair. Accentuating the point, it's deeply regrettable that the hollowness and disingenuousness is never stronger than in the last ten to fifteen minutes, when it really would have mattered most for the soulfulness of the film to have shown through. That last twinge of ill favor leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, which is extra sad because of how worthy this is at its best. Just a tad more sincerity would have gone a long way. Still, it's not bad, and again it bears repeating that no one is going to sit to watch this who isn't already well aware of what they're getting into. Unless you're a big fan of someone involved or extra keen on the genre there's no need to go out of your way for this, but if you do have the chance to watch, there are worse ways to spend one's time than with 'Love finds you in Charm.'

This story is as much about a young woman finding out about herself as it is a romance. Actually, probably more so. I think it does fairly well at examining Emma's struggle and showing how she deals with it.

One of the clichés is the young woman torn between two worlds. That part reminds me a little of all the "royal" movies that are so popular. The Englisher world is by no means royal, and most of us can understand many of the drawbacks, but Emma is faced with how different that world is from the one she has known. There are some thought provoking moments such as the grass-is-greener syndrome.

If there is a stereotype, one might conclude from the movie something about all Englisher men, and it's not good. Meanwhile, Amish men are gentlemen, right?

The movie is based loosely on a book by almost the same name Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio. There are no glaring differences that I can remember. One thing I like about both the movie and the book is that neither is judgmental about the Amish. I like that Emma and Kelly can really be friends. Also, like the book, the movie brings up trusting and following God, but I wouldn't say either is preachy.

I imply that the romance is not the central aspect of the movie. So I don't consider it negative when I say that the chemistry between Trevor Donovan and Danielle C. Ryan isn't overwhelming. There's some, but the movie didn't focus enough on just the two of them to make it much more than that.

The conclusion is a little rushed. It jumps from a conflict right into the expected outcome and then moves quickly into an epilogue.

I liked this movie because I watch a (very) lot of Hallmark and UpTV rom/drams and rom/coms and this was different enough to be refreshing.

Danielle and Trevor have this on screen chemistry that is just unstoppable. When you're watching this movie you just get so wrapped up in love, values, faith and belief's. They have starred in other movies together and I just love watching this duo. This movie is so great I have watched it so many times now. It makes you believe in fate and where you are is where you are meant to be. Danielle plays here character perfectly from her point of view and so does Trevor. Playing an Amish role is not easy to do their ways and beliefs are so different than ours. I really love how close this particular family seemed with each other too. It's a great movie feel good movie a definitely must see.

Well guys, do you know these situation where your girlfriend forces you to watch a love movie and you feel not good about it? Have you watched some love movies and the food in your stomach wants to come out of your mouth? Not this movie! It is great! The Amish are portrayed nicely. The main actress is hot and did a believable job in her role. The other actors are all good.

The movie has a lot of emotional scenes and in the end you will be rewarded with a fantastic finish. On the other side, the end of the movie is predictable. Beside the end of the movie, there is a lot of tension that keeps you guessing what will happen next.

There are some messages in this movie, which are interesting.

All in all it is a simple and emotional great movie!

There are plenty of "wait what's" in this movie, but for the most part it is an enjoyable storyline. It's paced very well, I never felt bored and I like both of the main actors. I wouldn't mind watching a sequel of some sorts with the same characters.