Return to Office

7.7 stars.

I am pleasantly surprised by the outcome of this film. From the title, and what it looked like the story would amount to, I was prepared for a dull experience full of nowhere conversation and the usual Hallmark stuff.

The story is not particularly clever, however the way it was navigated was a bit different than usual. There were not the dramatic, tense moments and the interrupted kisses, and all the other usual formulaic ingredients. Instead, they played it off more nonchalant and easy-going. We didn't have to deal with some big reveal where one of the leads is massively disappointed in the other, leading to a temporary falling out, only to be reunited at the end for the kiss.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how this one didn't follow the usual blueprint. Enjoy. And, by the way, the leads were wonderful, charismatic and had great attraction.

This story starts with the announcement of a corporate merger, the CEO makes the decision to have all employees return to the office rather than work from home. Since there's limited space, employees must divide up their work week and share an office desk. Liv (Janel Parrish) and Tom (Scott Michael Foster) start their desk sharing by leaving post it notes for each other and only identifying themselves as ms. Monday and mr. Tuesday. A romance begins and so does solving the mystery of each other's identity. This is a refreshing plot instead the usual hallmark storylines, you may find similarities to the movies "Shop Around The Corner" and "You Got Mail" although Hallmark gives it their own little twist. The story does drag a tiny bit in the middle and it feels a bit rushed at the end. The two main characters are well cast and have good chemistry. Overrall a pleasant and charming movie that's different.

As I'm writing this, there is only one other person who has left a review. I get the feeling that they may not have ever seen a Hallmark movie before! I could be wrong, but what was so charming about this movie was that although there was a secret to be revealed, what was different than almost any other Hallmark movie in Hallmark's existence since I've discovered them was there was no tiny unnecessary disagreement that led to an over the top ending of the relationship. Of course, this happens at about 10 minutes before the ending, and then somehow the characters figure out that one of them was wrong and the immediately end the movie in a kiss. I'm always waiting for that to happen and it always does pretty much, but I was really thrilled that this was not the case here. There were little disagreements here and there, but it was quite believable. I agree with the previous review, saying that the writing was good and the actors had very good chemistry. The storyline was unique, not the typical Hallmark formula, and it kept me interested in what was going to come next. The person who played the HR character was definitely over the top, but I didn't feel that the other characters were one dimensional. This was extremely enjoyable in my opinion and really worth the watch.

The movie is a takeoff of many movies in the past about secret friends, either pen pals, email pals or other technology pals. The leads are likeable and fresh and give good performances. The supporting cast is good as well and the story is , while formulaic, at least modern in its setting. Then comes the nits to pick. This is one of the largest tech companies in the world and these two people are the supposed right and left hand of a merged company Chairman. And they have to share a desk in the middle of a crowded office near a kitchen. I mean has anyone involved in this ever actually worked in a corporate environment? It kind of makes the initial premise ridiculous but they keep it up. All in all with a watch.

This is definitely a concept of the now...with matcha, noise canceling headphones and being forced to return to the office. Liv and Tom are forced to share a desk, Liv on Monday and Wednesday and Tom on Tuesday and Thursday. Their sharing is anonymous and after some initial friction the two start to gel over a pastry peace offering and cute sticky notes from Miss Monday and Mr. Tuesday.

Liv and Tom do know each other in their work context where they don't really get along. Forced to work together however the two grow to respect one another until creative differences with their boss put them at odds again.

This Hallmark romance was helped tremendously by its two attractive leads. Both Scott Michael Foster, who played Tom, and Janel Parrish, who played Liv, were fantastic and I just enjoyed watching them both. There boss was cringeworthy and I would have quit that job long ago...but Liv and Tom were fun and kept me engaged.

If you can get passed the boss, HR employee, and some of it's modern concepts...hallmark romantics may enjoy this film. I can see how they were going for a "Shop Around The Corner" feel with their missed date, but trust me if you haven't seen the Ernst Lubitsch original film you really should...Jimmy Stewart is fantastic!