L'amour comme au cinéma

Yes another. Many echoes of familiar formula plot lines. No real highs or lows or surprises. No real tension.

Except for one Christmas movie, I'm not a fan of Cindy Busby. It's hard to tell how sincere her bubbly personality is, and maybe that's the idea. Is there chemistry with Russell? I found it hard to tell because of that.

Like many, I was disturbed by the thought of Chris Russell in a fat suit and the potential for body shaming. But despite my initial misgivings, this movie turned out better than expected. The fat suit was an epic fail and totally unnecessary (just have him wear baggy clothes), but the story was engaging enough, and they snuck through a couple of lines that I never thought I'd hear in a Hallmark movie (a female character whose last name is Netherregions and a reference to someone dropping a deuce after you hear a toilet flush in the background?). Overall an enjoyable watch.

L Loved all of the cast. They were appealing and did well. It was funny to see Christopher Russell with a huge gut. I suspect he had fun playing that character. Always enjoy Latonya Williams and Cindy Busby as well. Even the writing was pretty good. Unfortunately the plot was lacking. Not much happening other than the usual. Pretty uneventful with no build up of tension, anticipation or suspense.

"I have wrestled a giant pacific octopus, all while safely detonating an under water bomb meant to destroy all of Japan. So don't underestimate me, Miss Wolf."-Rick Steele

"You're their golden boy and they are paying a lot of money to get you in to shape. Clearly they care."-Kate

In order to motivate the very badly out of shape famous actor, Kate creates a fitness board where points or stickers are earned daily, just like she did with kids back in LA. Rick thought it would be more fun to use his time to create his own board to figure Kate out.

"I wasn't raised in the woods to be scared of owls."- grandpa (my favorite quote from the movie)

While Kate is relentlessly working with Rick on helping him get into shape, her best friend Sasha is slowly falling in love with Rick's agent and vice versus.

This film had a lot going on, including the creation of a retreat for kids and it is all set in my home the Pacific Northwest (so in my opinion a gorgeous backdrop).

"I spy a genuinely beautiful woman."-Rick

This was an unusual and fun departure from the usual Hallmark formula and I for one was delighted. This was a great spring/summer romance and I highly recommend for all those romantics out there, especially those who appreciate so humor on the cheesier side.

It is an OK movie. No villains, no fake drama, no spectacular fireworks. If you need a feel-good movie and you don't mind stereotypes, some awkwardness and predictable plot, give it a try.

The male lead is natural and credible enough.

The female lead is acceptable. She is by no means overweight or unpleasant looking. It's just that her body is definitely not that of a woman exercising for a job, eating healthy, obsessed with health, nutrition and exercise. That part is not believable and the film would have worked if she were a nutritionist or, maybe, if she just wore some different clothes.