It is hard to resist any film that has such a sweet title (even if it is one where one knows what to expect) and a cast of actors (the most familiar names to me being Victor Webster and Brittany Bristow) who have all been good in other projects. Did appreciate that the premise was not the usual one. The 2017 Hallmark output was a mixed bag, with the best being very well done, the worst being really quite bad and the in betweens ranging between average and decent.
As far as the 2017 Hallmark films go, 'Love Blossoms' is among the better ones (or at least of the films aired in the first half of the year). It isn't a classic, don't consider any Hallmark film at that level even the best ones, but for a film that could have been cheesy or over sappy this was a very charming and amiable effort. That knew what it wanted to be and who to aim it at as well as having something different. There are flaws but also a lot of strengths, namely the location and the cast.
The story isn't perfect in execution, with some rather slow pacing in the slighter stretches in the first half. Actually personally wasn't that surprised at the identity of the guilty party, there was something off about them early on.
Didn't like the boyfriend character at all, this is a type of character that Hallmark have a lot and they are all the same in personality etc and while he was clearly meant to be a jerk the film went too far on it to the point he was irritating.
However, 'Love Blossoms' looks great. The scenery is stunning (well it is Bruges, to me one of the most beautiful cities in Europe) and the film is filled with equally beautiful shots, that don't come over as too self-indulgent or style over substance. The music isn't overbearing or overused, matching the generally light-hearted, gentle tone very nicely without feeling recycled. The direction has momentum while letting things breathe, though a bit slack early on. Other than the production values, the best aspect of 'Love Blossoms' is the cast. Absolutely agree that Shantel VanSanten is a luminous and immensely charming delight, her character is flawed but realistically so and any flaws aren't exaggerated. Webster is an easy going and understated contrast.
Brittany Bristow (despite the dodgy accent) provides zesty support and apart from the boyfriends the characters were ones worth caring for and were interesting. VanSanten and Webster (now married in real life) have beautiful chemistry together and the relationship develops at a pace that is not too whirlwind or aimless. The script has playful moments as well as some truly sincere ones, it flows and the cheese and schmaltz don't go into overboard. Despite pacing issues, the story still has an appealingly light edge and charm and isn't played too seriously or too much of a joke. The ending is extremely cute and not as overly pat as most Hallmark endings, neither is any conflict being contrived. The setting is put into very effective use and is different.
In conclusion, not great but nicely done and charming. 7/10.
