Have always watched Hallmark films with an open mind but also always without expecting too much. Some films have come off much better than expected, managing to make something appealing from unappealing or basic premises. Some are more or less what was expected in both good and bad ways. Then there are some that really don't live up to expectations and do so many things wrong. They all have at least one interest point, and James Denton was 'For Love and Honour's'.
Luckily he comes over very well here and 'For Love and Honour' is also worth watching as a film. Did like the combination of romance and military, which Hallmark have done very well more than once, and thought that 'For Love and Honour' did what it set out to do very well, didn't try to do more than needed and knew what it was going for. It isn't flawless or a great film, but it is worth watching and, despite not feeling like a Summer Nights film, one of the better entries for that seasonal block as an overall film.
Admittedly, 'For Love and Honour' is formulaic, which makes some plot strands easily foreseeable and executed in a way that is pretty much what is expected.
Did feel too that it got off to a somewhat rocky start, taking time to get started, some of the dialogue being too rigid not flowing as well as it could have done and the characters not easy to get behind at first (Denton's character's arrogance and rigidity is overdone a bit).
Stick with it if unsure, as 'For Love and Honour' does become a lot better and boasts many good things. Natalie Brown and particularly Denton are very strong, as are the supporting cast. The characters do become more interesting and easier to connect with, with Denton's character's development not being rushed. Brown and Denton do have good chemistry, the banter done with intensity and playfulness and the more romantic parts understated and tender.
It looks good, especially the scenery which is lovely. Other Hallmark films fare a lot worse when it comes to having ill fitting and intrusive music, neither of which were an issue really with me here. While the script is not Oscar worthy material, it at least has a natural flow and doesn't come over as too cheesy, schmaltzy or waffly. Generally the story has a warm centre, is light-hearted and doesn't feel dull.
Overall, good if not great. 7/10.
