Love at First Dance

First time seeing Niall Matter in real romance. I think the chemistry was great, enhanced by the dance scenes which were excellent. Friendship believable and meaningful. Nothing new except, this one hit the formulas perfectly.

Have seen the two leads, Becca Tobin and Niall Matter (with more familiarity with Matter, with a generally positive opinion with exceptions), individually in other things and both are very likeable when their material is good. Of what has been of the June Weddings films, which has been a sizeable amount now, too many didn't do much for me though there are exceptions. Hallmark's output is wildly variable in all their seasonal blockings in every year, but they have been known to do some watchable things.

Watchable 'Love at First Dance' absolutely is. More than watchable in fact, actually though pretty good as long as not too much is expected. As far as Hallmark's June Weddings output goes, 'Love at First Dance' for me definitely is better than most. As far as their 2018 output from that January to June goes, it's one of the better faring ones too and is a good representation of both leads. Am not going to say that 'Love at First Glance' is a great film because it isn't, but it is a very charmingly sweet film with a very warm heart and without being too sickly sweet.

'Love at First Dance' isn't perfect. Really did not like the character of Adriana, a very one dimensional and annoying character overplayed by Cecilia Deacon.

Also found the final scene rather bland emotionally and too reserved, most Hallmark endings are too neat and sometimes unrealistically so but the final scene suffers from other things which is its blandness. Perhaps a little slow at times.

On the other hand, a lot is good. Personally though Tobin was fine, understated but not overly so and she is charming. Even better is subtly charismatic and easy going Matter as the more animated character. Their chemistry is low key, though a little too subdued towards the end, but natural and genuine. The rest of the supporting cast are fine, and while the characters are not complex and typical Hallmark apart from Adriana they are worth engaging with.

It is a very nice looking film too, one of Hallmark's best looking 2018 films in my view. The scenery really does entrance and the photography doesn't cheapen it at all. The music is lovely and it is one of not many scorings where of Hallmark's 2018 output it wasn't a problem. The music in the dance sequences doesn't disappoint. The dancing is beautifully choreographed and danced with a lot of elegance and understanding of what it is being in the dance world, wish there was more of it though. The dialogue is sharp enough and flows naturally, while also having the right amount of sentiment (not too much in quality and quantity). The story may be predictable and not perfect in pace, but it is incredibly charming, sweet without being too sugary and very heart-warming. There is a nice lightness to it too.

Concluding, not great but liked it a good deal. 7/10.

While Becca Tobin never jumps off the screen, there is still chemistry between her and Niall Matter. I haven't paid enough attention to Matter in the past, but I realized he is a solid half of the ... Father Christmas set of movies. And he does a great job in this one. You could see Eric grow in confidence as the story goes on, and underneath it he's falling in love.

Tobin is a steady presence throughout. I couldn't decide if she was a little too reserved, or just right, but you can understand easily how Eric could fall in love with Hope.

The third part of the triangle, Adriana, is no villain and compared to her Hope is downright giddy, but Adriana is supposed to be an unemotional rock.

Supporting characters are adequate if not great

I think the outline of the story could have been written by the viewer as soon as the background was established. These movies don't necessarily need surprises. But that means that one of the things this one had to do right was put the leads together as much as possible, and it did.

I usually don't like musical interludes that are often just there to avoid writing more plot, but in this case it was a nice dance interlude.

I love most Hallmark movies - especially the holiday-centric ones - and accept that the 2-dimensional male/female relationships often saturate the stories. This one breaks the mold - which makes it one of my favorites. The 'other woman' is not a witch from whom the male lead needs to escape. Instead, this story is about people I can relate to, realizing that they care for each other, but are not a perfect match for marriage. Add to this that I really don't like dance. It's okay - fun to do - but I would never buy tickets to see a dance show. Even so, the dance metaphor and sweet dance scenes are delightful. I love this movie, and the stars in it.

Hallmark movies tend to be formulaic. Blonde heroine, looking for love, smiling frantically at strong, handsome hero..She flutters her eyelashes just often enough, he remains appealing, but unattainable, she giggles and smiles frantically, he softens, and in the end, all is resolved with a kiss and a staged, contrived, silly-looking Hallmark wedding.

This movie defies all those cliches. .and therein lies its appeal. Both the heroine and the male lead have their own internal conflicts..each one has an ethic about their work and commitments, yet each one with dream that needs manifesting and deserves fulfilling. The conflict in both characters draws them to one another, ..yet there is nothing syrupy or typical in their attraction.

Of course, it's a Hallmark movie..so we know they will end up in each others arms..but the road they take to arrive there is so much more serious and mature than almost any Hallmark movie has dared to present. This film actually defies the typical route Hallmark movies take. For one, each of the leads is a fully mature, successful adult with a responsible work identity and obligations. Each has a personal goal, but obstacles that prevent an easy solution. In their relationship with one another, they find encouragement, and support for those dreams and goals..and this growing support between two people is portrayed in a mature and serious manner. There is no flirting, no silliness, no manipulation of one another.

The additional appeal in this film is the third lead, the 'other woman', who is portrayed as a serious, thoughtful, mature character. Her beauty and her deep, comforting voice make her all the more a realistic character and give her a sympathetic appeal.

This is a movie worth watching twice..There is much to enjoy (including some beautiful professional ballet segments) and, more importantly, much to learn about how to move through a life struggle and find ones dream and passion manifested.