GenXChickie

Eloise Mumford is hands-down one of my favorite Hallmark actresses, she brings such warmth and sincerity to every role. Honestly, I've never seen a movie of hers I didn't like, and this one was no exception. The moment I saw the previews, I had a feeling it would be something special. Add Kevin McGarry to the mix, who always brings his A-game, and I was sold.

Liara and Leo's chemistry is almost immediate, and it feels natural-not forced or overly scripted, just two people falling into step with each other in the kind of way that makes your heart flutter a little. And can we talk about the donkey? Absolute scene-stealer. That sweet animal added such a charming, unexpected touch to the story.

But beyond the romance and the postcard-perfect scenery, it was Liara's emotional journey that stayed with me. Watching her pour love, grief, and hope into fixing up the villa for her mother gave the story depth. Her neighbors were quirky and loveable, and even the grumpy postal woman won me over-every side character added to the richness of the story.

There was one moment that hit me like a freight train. When Liara fell off the ladder and broke down, telling Leo through tears, "I just want my dad back," it stopped me in my tracks. I've said those exact words more times than I can count. That ache, that longing-it's something you never quite outgrow, no matter how much time passes. That scene was beautifully done and deeply human.

This movie has heart, humor, and a story that lingers long after the credits roll. It's the kind of film that wraps around you like a warm hug. And with that satisfying yet open-ended finale? I'd happily sign up for a sequel.

Where do I even begin with this cinematic dumpster fire? This movie was the equivalent of stepping on a LEGO barefoot in the middle of the night, unexpected, painful, and full of regret. I genuinely don't understand how this mess got greenlit, let alone made it all the way to air. Somewhere out there, a script supervisor is laughing or crying.

Now, let me be clear: when I write a critical review, I make a point to watch the entire movie. That's right, I suffered through every cringeworthy minute of this poorly-scripted, chemistry-free catastrophe. And yes, it was absolute torture. I typically enjoy Rhiannon Fish-she's done some solid work-but lately, she's been handed scripts that feel like AI wrote them after a power outage. Costa Rican Wedding and Polar Opposites were already on shaky ground, but this? This one slid right into the abyss.

There was zero chemistry between Carlos and Katie.

None.

Nada.

Watching them attempt romance was like watching two coworkers forced to slow dance at a company holiday party under fluorescent lights. And then there's Katie's brother, Dan-flaky, erratic, and somehow both over-acted and underwritten at the same time. I found him more exhausting than endearing, and that last-minute sibling spat? Laughable. Not in the "ha-ha" way, but more in the "how did this get past the editing room?" way.

The storyline was painfully bad. I kept waiting for a twist, a spark, anything to save it from the pit of cliché mediocrity, but nope. Just more forced dialogue and plot holes big enough to drive a snowplow through. Yes, the scenery was lovely, but you know what else has great scenery? A postcard. And that doesn't waste 90 minutes of my life.

Honestly, Hallmark, you can do better. You have done better. Just last week, you gave us Villa Amore-a total gem. I've watched it three times already, and it keeps getting better. So, how did we go from gourmet to gas station sushi in seven days?

Final verdict: One star, and that's being generous. Please, for the love of all things cozy and romantic, stop recycling the same tired storylines and phoned-in dialogue. The audience deserves more than a pretty backdrop and a script that feels like it was written during a lunch break.

I have very mixed feelings about this movie.

Let's start with the good: I adore Alison Sweeney. Ride or die fan since her soap opera days. Her character, Erica, was grounded, relatable, and honestly the only reason I stuck it out to the end. She brought her usual warmth and charm, and I genuinely enjoyed her performance. That said, I did side-eye her for going along with Anna's wild ideas. I expected better decision-making from a woman who clearly has a functioning frontal lobe.

Now onto Anna. Whew. Where do I even begin? Watching her was like biting into what you think is a chocolate chip cookie and realizing it's raisins. Her energy was dialed up to eleven the entire time, and not in a fun, quirky way. Her behavior toward Erica was toe-curling levels of cringe. I'm all for bold female characters, but not when they bulldoze with an endless parade of eye-roll-inducing antics.

As for Ashley Williams-look, I know she has her fans, but I'm not one of them. She's fine, I guess, but every role feels like a copy-paste from the last one. Same facial expressions, same overly peppy delivery, like she's auditioning for a permanent slot on a yogurt commercial.

The chemistry between Erica and Nico had potential. Had. But every time it started to get interesting, the whole Anna hurricane would swoop in and wreck it. It felt unbalanced and forced-like trying to enjoy a quiet dinner while someone keeps clapping loudly in your face.

Now let's talk about the ageism because-oh honey-I have thoughts. I've seen other reviews saying these women were "too old" to be gallivanting around Europe and having adventures. I beg your pardon? Since when did joy and spontaneity come with an expiration date? I'm 45, and let me tell you-I'm not some decrepit cryptkeeper lurching toward early bird specials and orthopedic shoes. Women don't just shrivel into irrelevance past 40, and the suggestion that they should is straight-up offensive. Midlife is not a personality flaw.

So, final verdict: this movie wasn't for me. The storyline felt flat, the romantic chemistry fizzled more than it sizzled, and the whole dynamic was off balance. I won't be rewatching it, but I will be rewatching Alison Sweeney in literally anything else-preferably without being overshadowed by an exhausting sidekick and a script that forgot how to be fun and meaningful.