'Just Add Romance' was watched because of primarily liking the two leads in other things, especially the always watchable Luke Macfarlane. Hallmark's output varied in 2019 but enough films from it were decent and more, even those with tried and tested premises. Anything revolving around competitions or the culinary world is a tried and tested premise for Hallmark, and has varied in execution in particularly the character writing and storytelling.
Luckily, 'Just Add Romance' ended up being one of the worth watching 2019 Hallmark films (primarily for the two leads). It is not as good as the other culinary-themed 2019 Countdown to Valentines Day film 'Love on the Menu', but it nearly is and has nearly all that film's good things despite not being as fresh. As far as Hallmark's 2019 films go, 'Just Add Romance' compares favourably while not being one of the best. Maybe the flavour is not always there, but at least it's cooked.
It is a very predictable film, with all the major events and how it's all going to end being pretty much obvious from the start for anybody familiar with the formula the film closely follows.
Maybe the pace could have been tighter in spots, it dragged a little going into the final third. Which did seem on the too neat and formulaic side to me, with an ending that could have slowed down.
However, a lot works. Meghann Fahy has a huge amount of perky charm and Macfarlane is his usual easy going and subtly charming self. Neither overplay and neither go through the motions, and their characters are likeable and not ciphers. Their chemistry is very genuine and never felt false or bland. It was great that it was not underused and didn't play fiddle to any conflict concerning the competition. The supporting cast is solid.
While with nothing original, the setting is affectionate and makes one inspired to cook and the conflict doesn't come over as forced or personality-free (despite it being one that has been seen many times). Enough of the story is light hearted and charming and the script doesn't come over as too cheesy or too schmaltzy, neither does the banter feel like it's trying too hard. It's a pleasing looking film, particularly the scenery, and the music fits the mood and doesn't come over as overwrought.
Overall, nice. 7/10.
