To Barcelona, with Love

After a long week and my daughter in bed, it was nice to just lay back, have a snack and watch this sweet comforting movie. It was the same feeling I got when I watched Vicky Christina Barcelona. I want to go to Barcelona, drink wine, discover hidden places, and eat delicious food off the beaten path all the while doing it with a friend. I think both actresses are so genuine together. To be honest, I could watch this movie without the men and just pretend I'm on a girls trip with Ashley and Alison. I read some of the reviews prior to writing this and I have to say what world are we living in that women in their forties can't go and rediscover themselves all the while accusing them of having too much plastic surgery. Both women are adorable and look great, and frankly being a woman in my forties I don't need to watch a 20 year old find themselves in a romantic city in order for it be believable. Elizabeth Gilbert wasn't in her twenties when she traveled the world on her book advance for writing Eat, Pray, Love and that sold 30 million copies! Go watch this sweet feel good movie and ignore the haters.

I have loved both female leads in many previous Hallmark movies. But it is time for these two to move into different roles, unless the plot actually supports their ages. Both are within spitting distance of turning 50, yet these characters are supposed to be in their early to mid 30's. They just do not work in these types of roles anymore.

When AW was in her late 30's playing characters in their early 30's, it was believable. But now, the plastic surgery and over the top happy shiny manic behavior just doesn't work. The added distraction of terrible hair just makes this a tough sell.

The same goes for AS, who, while not as overboard in her acting, at 49, is just too old for this role. There is a conversation of wanting marriage and a family, part of which is not going to happen at 49 and 47.

Hallmark's loud background music has also become a horrible part of their movies now. Why?

6.7 stars.

This appears on the surface to be about an American woman named Erica (Sweeney) who is a translator of English novels into Spanish. She takes liberties in her work, which she isn't necessarily supposed to do; but since she is anonymous and bound by an NDA, it's permissible.

She has been living in Barcelona for about ten years and is obviously infatuated with a Spanish man named Nico. He owns a bookstore in the city. One particular novel she has translated was written by a woman named Anna (Williams). Nico and the rest of the city love the novel, not realizing that they actually love Erica's translation, not the original.

Anna has come to Barcelona to help publicize her novel at Nico's bookstore, and the rest of the story is about how both women are falling for Nico. There is also some drama surrounding the novel and how Erica's Spanish version captures the essence of the story much better than the original English version.

There is more to the story, about how both women learn from each other, because Anna lacks direction and Erica needs courage. And there is the romance (or lack thereof). Who will get the guy?

I'd like to say this is a poignant and romantic adventure, but it doesn't quite arrive at its intended destination. A lot is missing, and I feel it's a bit too silly and lacks soul. Honestly, I'm not sure what is absent, but something just isn't right. It's probably a lack of chemistry all around and I wasn't touched. I don't plan on seeing this again.

Most of the other reviews found flaws with the characterization and age of the leads. While I see where they're coming from, I can't agree with them on much.

I think they come across as real people, with real issues. The plot is not especially unique, but Hallmark rarely has totally original ideas. This was better than average by a good measure. Yes, the characters were quirky to say the least, but Ashley Williams is playing a character who lives in the moment, and she does it well.

One of you said they are playing as if younger, but I don't see that. They are mature women, still struggling with discovering themselves. For some that happens as teenagers, but some of us take much longer.

I think this is a story of discovery and hope, and having seasoned actresses makes it more meaningful.

Who doesn't like Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams? Very disappointed in several of the other reviewers, saying they were too old for these parts... I beg to differ! I am guessing they are teenagers still wet behind their ears. FYI, the actor that played Nico is the same age as Alison Sweeney. No mention of the men being too old for their part. Woman actors evidently can't get older? This movie is very sweet and it held my attention the entire time. The scenery was amazing, it made me want to hop on a plane and head to Barcelona, Spain. Bravo, Hallmark and well done Alison and Ashley. I recommend this movie.