That's Amor

Netflix truly needs to do better. As I started to watch it I wanted to like it but it was truly underwhelming. There was nothing authentically Spanish about it. As someone whose family is from Spain let's begin with the accents and word pronunciations, which were not on point at all. Mannerisms and the way they carried themselves were not traditionally Spaniard at all. Even in small, lighthearted films maintaining authenticity and integrity should be present, and this does neither, and that should be important to filmmaker, actor, writer, and the company representing because "your" name is tied to it. Even simple films like this should be done properly, properly written and researched. It had its endearing moments, however, truly could not get past how unauthentically Spanish it was overall, and that was the whole point. Netflix should maintain a high-quality of filmmaking. As the mother of a son who is studying filmmaking, I think this is a good example of how important it is to keep in mind integrity in filmmaking whether making a high budget blockbuster or small film.

I don't remember seeing Riley Dandy in anything before but she was the best part of this movie. I loved watching her and she delivered some snappy lines with style.

Her boyfriend was obviously a piece of crap, but Sofia was, as her friend Olivia pointedly told her, letting others make decisions for her- the uncaring boss, the cheating boyfriend, and even her well intentioned mother. So one would expect a character arc where she eventually takes control of her life and ends up making a big life decision based only on what was objectively best for her (and realistic).

But not in this movie.

Matias was a nice enough character, but I didn't see him as anything other than a convenient and pleasant rebound guy that could help boost Sofia's shattered self esteem. And I HATED his hairstyle. I just wanted to grab a pair of scissors and cut off his long bangs.

The problem with movies like this is that they try turn a perfectly fine new casual relationship into an epic romance between soulmates without making that believable.

Sofia needed some time to work on Sofia before getting involved again so soon. Her career was dead in the water at 30. Not a good time to jump right from a long term bad relationship into an unrealistic and impractical one. And why was she even thinking of forgiving that first guy? Ugh. She'll never be able to unsee what she saw.

There were some nice moments, but it just didn't work for me. Aside from their annoying refusal to acknowledge that their characters have sex, Hallmark usually makes better movies than this.

IN A NUTSHELL: After her job and relationship implode on the same day, Sofia starts from scratch and meets a dashing Spanish chef who might be her missing ingredient.

The romantic comedy was directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, and written by Ali Afshar, John Ducey, and Tiffany Dupont.

THINGS I LIKED: I had never seen Riley Dandy in anything before. She is a cute actress, although her character's personality was a bit self-centered and annoying. That's a serious problem for a romantic comedy if you don't like one of the romantic leads.

Nancy Lenehan was adorable in her role. It was great to see her in something again.

I lived in Spain for two years, so I loved that element of the story; however, some of the characters didn't actually look or sound Spanish. That was disappointing.

I had foot surgery and had to wear one of those boots for months.

I really enjoyed the cooking class scenes in the restaurant.

I was impressed with all of the secondary characters, even those who didn't have very many lines. They all seemed believable and natural. The director did a great job creating a realistic, fun environment on set.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: It's super predictable and full of rom-com cliches.

The ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend were paper thin, making it way too easy to not like them.

Isaac Gonzales Rossi's character is sweet but almost too smiley all of the time.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kissing Fighting Superficial characters

THEMES: Choices and consequences Romance Second chances Food Relationships Courage to walk away from bad relationships.

Great? No. Good, meh. It does what it sets out to do.

Mia it really so hard to find a Spanish actor? Both of the men are American born and the main character is of Cuban decent.

I really like Bryan Craig, I mean obviously not the character but I like seeing him do more.

Could we please give these men better hairstyles!!

I haven't seen these actors before, but they were fine. I like that she was very natural looking and not overly made up with tons of makeup and fake eyelashes to extremes and perfectly coiffed hair at all hours.

They keep the truffle salt with the iron straight from 1970?!

They have an entire class on these simple things? Gazpacho? Cut and blend. There you go.

Croquette and sangria is sensual? Did she just say boobies? She can't hear the food? You should hear the croquette crunch!

He doesn't know what a graphic designer is?! It's not an American only job.

These 2 have been together for 12+ years!! Definitely doesn't seem like it at all. And no engagement or marriage or discussions? And that necklace. You've dated this girl for atleast 12 years (he said since HS so it could be years longer) and he legit bought a necklace that says 30?! Ooof.

She didn't get her masters and she had the job for 2 years, what did she do for the 5-6 years before then that she took an assistant job 6 years out of school? A good school at that (slight bias).

Also her mom is pushing her into a new guy 2 weeks after a break up after 12 years? Come on now. And pretty much congratulates her after she spends the night with him.

Did this girl bring her whole wardrobe home for a quick stay that's a month+?! She has no job. She kicked the bf out. No way she can afford a place in San Francisco that she leaves vacant for a month.

That's definitely not SFO.

And she applied and got into grad school in a matter of a week?!? No GRE? No student visa applications! Just like that? And she said she quit right when design students graduated. So this is like July?! And she starts august? Pretty sure that's after the application deadline.

Ok I won't pick it apart. Anymore. It's exactly what you expect. Isn't that why we watch these movies anyway?

Sweet movie... good actors... the actress who plays the mum should get a major drama feature film from a big studio... she's at a Sally Field level of good. It is interesting though that they have someone from Spain looking like he is from South-America (I read the actor has Cuban roots?)... which is okay but let him then be from a South-American country and not from Spain. Look at an actual Spanish production on Netflix and you'll see what the Spanish look like. He is a good actor though who has to deal with bad dialogues and poor directing skills from the director. The main actress is also very skillful, and also has to struggle with bad lines and direction... so ... lots of good actors (the actor playing boyfriend Richard needs some more training) .... and a nice film if you feel like emptying your mind. I sincerely hope that all the actors I mentioned will get better chances to display their acting skills. (Ah, 1. I love the square shaped ceramic mug that is used in the film, would like to know where to get one and 2: Sofia gets at one point an email from Spain. The language used is toooooo American, it is not how the Spanish would write in English and they write 'Diseno' and not 'Diseño'... that's just bad research and execution. I paused the film to read it, if you don't pause it passes by quickly, but still ...). And... a compliment for the set designers/dressers and costume design... they are the true stars here. I do like to see a part 2 though: in Spain. With better script writers!!