Summer in the Vineyard

While not loving the first film in the trilogy 2016's 'Autumn in the Vineyard', it was still a nice film and by far the best film in the 'In the Vineyard' trilogy. Perhaps the only good one, did have quite a number of problems with the other two while not considering either of them terrible. Hallmark varies when it comes to its sequels, some surprised me pleasantly while others didn't feel needed and the quality wasn't the same. Expectations were mixed for 2017's 'Summer in the Vineyard'.

And the execution was rather mixed as well. 'Summer in the Vineyard' is not a terrible film and Hallmark did do much worse in 2017 (as well as better). Considering how good 'Autumn in the Vineyard' was, 'Summer in the Vineyard' wasn't the same, didn't have enough of what made that film click and also didn't feel needed. Also do agree that one does need to see 'Autumn in the Vineyard' to understand what goes on here, otherwise it is likely one will be lost.

'Summer in the Vineyard' definitely does have good things. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and the vibrant photography captures it very well. Rachael Leigh Cook is still perky and charming, she has lost none of that, and Brendan Penny has also lost none of his easy going and subtle charisma. He and Cook still gel very nicely. The chemistry is there still, but it could have been more playful. The supporting cast show a good deal of variety and enthusiasm.

Did have major issues with the writing and the story, but it did have cute and charming moments here and there. The editing is better here, with smoother transitions.

However, there is a lot that could have been much better. The characters are not particularly well developed and feel one-dimensional. Story-wise, the film is on the dull and bland side while also making the mistake of trying to include far too much. Which made it not easy to follow and also feeling over-stuffed. The writing is rather awkward and cheesy and some of the sentiment gets too much.

Furthermore, the direction did feel routine, while there is not much memorable about the music, the final act feels rushed and forced and much more could have been done with the vineyard setting. That aspect was done beautifully before but too underused here.

Overall, rather disappointing but has its moments. 5/10.

Sweet story. Good acting. I especially liked the non-lead actors. BUT WHAT HAPPENED to the original Charles Baldwin--Tom Butler. I liked him alot as the girl's dad.

I think the biggest problem with this sequel is that it tried to do too much, but maybe the acting and direction weighed it down as well.

If I heard one more "The wine isn't ready yet" after Frankie tasted it, I was going to scream.

This sequel adds a romance between Nate's brother, Marco, and Frankie's cousin, Lexy. It's a nice enough side story with some good chemistry. This might have been the best part of the movie, or at least the easiest for the viewer to identify with.

For most of the movie, Frankie and Nate just weren't clicking. Even when they did click, it seemed strained when they definitely should have been nothing but happy.

The fate of Sorrento Vineyard seemed to rock back and forth as more issues were added to the mix that affected their financial future. I think it was too much for the movie to handle. They seemed to bounce from one issue to another without really giving the viewer time to absorb any of them.

As much as I liked Frankie and Nate in the first movie, I just couldn't get invested in their relationship in the sequel.

In this sequel to "Autumn in the Vineyard" there is relatively little romance. Most of the story is about the logistics of hosting a large festival and dinner. Fortunately the last portion of the film is more entertaining, and the story wraps up nicely.

The characters are enjoyable, as in the first film, but their relationship is plagued by communication issues that prove to be a plot point. Perhaps there will be a third installment, allowing the characters to indulge their romantic inclinations more. The valley setting is a beautiful place in which to situate a romance.

Wow! I loved Autumn in the Vineyard. I haven't even finished this, but I plan to. I just wanted to offer my opinion from what I've seen so far. The dialogue was so hard to follow and the storyline as well. The director assumed you knew the past story. The characters were talking so quickly that I could barely understand what they were saying. Maybe it will get better as I watch the movie but such a disappointment from the first one.